Abstract: A DC bus collection system for a wind farm reduces the overall required number of converters and minimizes the energy storage system requirements. The DC bus collection system implements a power phasing control method between wind turbines that filters the variations and improves power quality. The phasing control method takes advantage of a novel power packet network concept with nonlinear power flow control design techniques that guarantees both stable and enhanced dynamic performance.

Abstract: The disclosed technology concerns a method for wetting and dispersing a pulverulent polycarboxylic acid containing polymer in aqueous media without the need of a steric stabilizer and/or a wetting agent, said method comprises a) providing a pulverulent pre-neutralized carboxylic acid containing polymer or copolymer, wherein said polymer or copolymer is prepared from a monomer mixture comprising at least one olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid group containing monomer, and wherein from about 1 to about 10 wt. % of said carboxylic acid group containing monomer(s) is neutralized; b) mixing said pulverulent pre-neutralized carboxylic acid containing polymer or copolymer in aqueous medium; and c) mixing a deswelling agent selected from an acid, a salt, and combinations thereof with said aqueous medium, and optionally d), adjusting the pH.

Abstract: A robotic head for modeling the articulation of speech sounds, including a three-dimensional head section, a moveable tongue, upper and lower lips, and jaw, and at least one actuator for moving them. A memory stores a plurality of motion command sets, each being a predetermined set of commands for moving one or more of the tongue, lips, and jaw in a manner that corresponds to generation of a specific speech sound. In response to receipt of a speech sound input command that identifies a requested speech sound, a processor transmits the commands of the motion command set corresponding to the requested speech sound to the at least one actuator to move the tongue, lips, and jaw in a manner that corresponds to generation of the requested speech sound. The three-dimensional head is made of transparent material such that the tongue is viewable by a patient when moved.

Abstract: A DC bus collection system for a wind farm reduces the overall required number of converters and minimizes the energy storage system requirements. The DC bus collection system implements a power phasing control method between wind turbines that filters the variations and improves power quality. The phasing control method takes advantage of a novel power packet network concept with nonlinear power flow control design techniques that guarantees both stable and enhanced dynamic performance.

Abstract: One of the biggest challenges for all renewable energy sources (RES) is that they are variable power generators which will require reactive power or energy storage systems (ESS) to provide reliable power quality (ideally power factor of one) at the power grid generation side. The present invention is directed to a power packet network (PPN) for integrating wave energy converter (WEC) arrays into microgrids. Specifically, an array of WECs can be physically positioned such that the incoming regular waves will produce an output emulating an N-phase AC system such that the PPN output power is constant. ESS requirements are thereby minimized whilst maintaining grid stability with high power quality. This will enable RES integration onto a future smart grid for large-scale adoption and cost reduction while preserving high efficiency, reliability, and resiliency.

Abstract: One of the biggest challenges for all renewable energy sources (RES) is that they are variable power generators which will require reactive power or energy storage systems (ESS) to provide reliable power quality (ideally power factor of one) at the power grid generation side. The present invention is directed to a power packet network (PPN) for integrating wave energy converter (WEC) arrays into microgrids. Specifically, an array of WECs can be physically positioned such that the incoming regular waves will produce an output emulating an N-phase AC system such that the PPN output power is constant. ESS requirements are thereby minimized whilst maintaining grid stability with high power quality. This will enable RES integration onto a future smart grid for large-scale adoption and cost reduction while preserving high efficiency, reliability, and resiliency.

Abstract: A nonlinear control design technique capitalizes on a wave energy converter comprising a shaped buoy having a variable geometry wave energy. For example, the shaped buoy can have an hourglass (HG) geometry having a variable cone or steepness angle. The HG buoy is assumed to operate in the heave motion of the wave. The unique interaction between the HG buoy and the wave creates a nonlinear cubic storage effect that produces actual energy storage or reactive power during operation. A multi-frequency Bretschneider spectrum wave excitation input was simulated for the HG design both with constant and varying steepness angle profiles which demonstrated further increased power generation with changing sea states for the variable design.

Abstract: An amorphous solid dispersion includes a linear poly(acrylic acid) and an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The linear poly(acrylic acid) used to form the amorphous solid dispersion has a Brookfield viscosity of at least 100 cP at 25° C. A method of forming such an amorphous solid dispersion of an active pharmaceutical ingredient includes forming a liquid dispersion of a linear poly(acrylic acid), an active pharmaceutical ingredient, and a solvent system, the linear poly(acrylic acid) having a Brookfield viscosity at 25° C. of at least 100 cP and evaporating the solvent system from the liquid dispersion to form an amorphous solid dispersion.

Abstract: A nonlinear control design technique capitalizes on a wave energy converter comprising a shaped buoy having a variable geometry wave energy. For example, the shaped buoy can have an hourglass (HG) geometry having a variable cone or steepness angle. The HG buoy is assumed to operate in the heave motion of the wave. The unique interaction between the HG buoy and the wave creates a nonlinear cubic storage effect that produces actual energy storage or reactive power during operation. A multi-frequency Bretschneider spectrum wave excitation input was simulated for the HG design both with constant and varying steepness angle profiles which demonstrated further increased power generation with changing sea states for the variable design.

Abstract: Pulsed power loads (PPLs) are highly non-linear and can cause significant stability and power quality issues in an electrical microgrid. According to the present invention, many of these issues can be mitigated by an Energy Storage System (ESS) that offsets the PPL. The ESS can maintain a constant bus voltage and decouple the generation sources from the PPL. For example, the ESS specifications can be obtained with an ideal, band-limited hybrid battery and flywheel system.

Abstract: A chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) specific to B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a recombinant expression vector and a method for the development of the genetically modified immune effector cells especially natural killer-92 cells (NK-92 cells) that target Multiple Myeloma (MM) and other hematological malignancies. The invention encompasses a single chain variable region (scFv) from BCMA specific antibody fused via transmembrane domain to intracellular signaling domain and two co-stimulatory molecules. Expression of CARs across the plasma membrane of immune effector cells such as natural killer cells (NK cells), NK-92 cells, T lymphocytes (T cells) and natural killer T cells (NKT cells) with exposed scFv interacting with the BCMA tumor target. The interaction initiates cascade of events through the intracellular stimulatory and signaling domains leading to the activation of immune effector cells followed by lysis of the tumor.

Abstract: Pulsed power loads (PPLs) are highly non-linear and can cause significant stability and power quality issues in an electrical microgrid. According to the present invention, many of these issues can be mitigated by an Energy Storage System (ESS) that offsets the PPL. The ESS can maintain a constant bus voltage and decouple the generation sources from the PPL. For example, the ESS specifications can be obtained with an ideal, band-limited hybrid battery and flywheel system.

Abstract: This invention is directed to exergy surface shaping and thermodynamic flow control (ESSTFC) for electro-mechanical-thermal (EMT) systems (i.e., irreversible work processes with heat and mass flows). Extended irreversible thermodynamics are utilized to produce consistent thermal equations-of-motion that directly include the exergy destruction terms. A simplified EMT system that models the EMT dynamics of a ship equipped with a railgun is used to demonstrate the application of ESSTFC for designing high performance, stable nonlinear controllers for EMT systems.

Abstract: A chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) specific to B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a recombinant expression vector and a method for the development of the genetically modified immune effector cells especially natural killer-92 cells (NK-92 cells) that target Multiple Myeloma (MM) and other hematological malignancies. The invention encompasses a single chain variable region (scFv) from BCMA specific antibody fused via transmembrane domain to intracellular signaling domain and two co-stimulatory molecules. Expression of CARs across the plasma membrane of immune effector cells such as natural killer cells (NK cells), NK-92 cells, T lymphocytes (T cells) and natural killer T cells (NKT cells) with exposed scFv interacting with the BCMA tumor target. The interaction initiates cascade of events through the intracellular stimulatory and signaling domains leading to the activation of immune effector cells followed by lysis of the tumor.

Abstract: A method for designing feedforward and feedback controllers for integration of stochastic sources and loads into a nonlinear networked AC/DC microgrid system is provided. A reduced order model for general networked AC/DC microgrid systems is suitable for HSSPFC control design. A simple feedforward steady state solution is utilized for the feedforward controls block. Feedback control laws are provided for the energy storage systems. A HSSPFC controller design is implemented that incorporates energy storage systems that provides static and dynamic stability conditions for both the DC random stochastic input side and the AC random stochastic load side. Transient performance was investigated for the feedforward/feedback control case. Numerical simulations were performed and provided power and energy storage profile requirements for the networked AC/DC microgrid system overall performance.

Abstract: A bypass valve comprising a valve body, a valve member, and a valve seat. The valve body has a first end, a second end, a central axis therebetween, an inlet formed through the first end, a valve channel, and an outlet channel extending from the valve channel to an outer surface of the valve body. The valve channel has a first end in fluid communication with the inlet, a second end terminating within the valve body, and a central channel axis therebetween which is axially aligned with the central axis. The valve member is substantially-spherical and movably disposed within the valve channel. The valve seat is disposed adjacent the first end of the valve channel. The valve seat has an orifice defined therethrough. The valve member is movable between a first position, engaging the valve seat to substantially seal the orifice, and a second position adjacent the second end of the valve channel to permit fluid to flow through the orifice.

Abstract: A bypass valve comprising a valve body, a valve member, and a valve seat. The valve body has a first end, a second end, a central axis therebetween, an inlet formed through the first end, a valve channel, and an outlet channel extending from the valve channel to an outer surface of the valve body. The valve channel has a first end in fluid communication with the inlet, a second end terminating within the valve body, and a central channel axis therebetween which is axially aligned with the central axis. The valve member is substantially-spherical and movably disposed within the valve channel. The valve seat is disposed adjacent the first end of the valve channel. The valve seat has an orifice defined therethrough. The valve member is movable between a first position, engaging the valve seat to substantially seal the orifice, and a second position adjacent the second end of the valve channel to permit fluid to flow through the orifice.

Abstract: A method for designing feedforward and feedback controllers for integration of stochastic sources and loads into a nonlinear networked AC/DC microgrid system is provided. A reduced order model for general networked AC/DC microgrid systems is suitable for HSSPFC control design. A simple feedforward steady state solution is utilized for the feedforward controls block. Feedback control laws are provided for the energy storage systems. A HSSPFC controller design is implemented that incorporates energy storage systems that provides static and dynamic stability conditions for both the DC random stochastic input side and the AC random stochastic load side. Transient performance was investigated for the feedforward/feedback control case. Numerical simulations were performed and provided power and energy storage profile requirements for the networked AC/DC microgrid system overall performance.

Abstract: A Hamiltonian surface shaping power flow control (HSSPFC) method is used to analyze the meta-stability and adjust pulsed power loads on a DC electric power distribution network. Pulsed power loads are nonlinear, time-variant systems that cause nonlinear limit-cycles. During the on periods of a pulsed load, the system can be in an unstable state and is damped back to stability during the off state of the load. Therefore, over the entire period of the pulse the system may only be assessed as meta-stable. As shown through simulation, HIL and hardware results, the HSSPFC method is more accurate than the other small-signal approaches, such as Eigenvalues, Nyquist, and Floquet theory, and can reveal important details about the transient responses and performance.

Abstract: A fastener machine is provided. In another aspect, a rivet machine employs a rivet feeding mechanism. A further aspect includes a guide located at an intersection between a feed track and a feed rail with the guide having an angular offset orientation relative to both in order to deter ricocheting of the rivet back into the feed track when the rivet enters the feed rail. Moreover, an aspect of the present machine employs a rocker arm.