Abstract: A high throughput system for depositing seed into germination wells of a germination tray. The system comprises a seed distribution subsystem, and an individual seed transfer subsystem structured and operable to transfer individual seeds from wells in a seed storage tray to the seed deposition subsystem. The system additionally comprises a bulk seed transfer subsystem structured and operable to singulate a plurality of bulk seeds and transfer each singulated seed to the seed deposition subsystem, wherein the seed distribution subsystem structured and operable to receive seeds from the individual seed transfer subsystem and the bulk seed transfer subsystem, and deposit the seeds into wells of the seed germination tray.

Abstract: A converter for electrical connection to a three-phase electrical grid and a single-phase electrical grid is provided. The converter includes three DAB modules, each for converting a respective alternating current of a three-phase electrical grid. When connected to a single-phase electrical grid, the third DAB module is bi-directional such that it is operable to filter the power output of the first and second DAB modules. The converter further includes a filter capacitor in electrical communication with the third DAB module through a relay, wherein the relay is responsive to a controller to couple the third DAB module to the filter capacitor when the single-phase electrical grid is detected and to couple the third DAB module to a grid rectifier when the three-phase electrical grid is detected.

Abstract: An improved method for zero-voltage switching (ZVS) of a voltage-fed half-bridge using a variable dead band is provided. The duration of the dead band is determined dynamically and is precisely long enough to ensure the absence of shoot-through events while also minimizing or eliminating switching losses and reverse conduction losses. The method generally includes: (a) calculating the equivalent capacitance as seen by the current source charging the midpoint of the half-bridge; (b) calculating the ZVS charge requirement based on the link voltage and the equivalent capacitance; (c) calculating the charge delivered by the current source over time during a dead band vector, equating the result to the ZVS charge requirement, and solving for the ZVS time requirement at each commutation point over the switching cycle; and (d) updating the dead bands for each commutation of each half-bridge in the switched-mode power converter.

Abstract: A power converter is provided. The power converter includes two or more hybrid switching circuits electrically connected to a source or storage element. Each switching circuit includes a wide bandgap device that is parallel-connected to a silicon-based device. The converter further includes a controller that is operatively coupled to each device of the first and second switching circuits. The controller is configured to operate each hybrid switching circuit by (i) activating the silicon-based device for an activation period, (ii) activating the wide bandgap device for a predetermined duty cycle less than the activation period, (iii) deactivating the silicon-based device while the wide bandgap device is activated, and (iv) deactivating the wide bandgap device. The hybrid switching circuits are sequentially operated to convert an alternating current of a power supply into a link voltage for a power converter, for example.

Abstract: A seed sampling system is provided comprising an automated seed loading assembly operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds or enable loading of individually stored seeds and an automated seed sampling assembly comprising at least one sampling module operable to remove tissue samples from one of the singulated seeds. The system also includes an automated seed transport assembly comprising at least one retention member operable to transfer the singulated seeds from at least one elevator unit of the seed loading assembly to the at least one sampling module of the seed sampling assembly. In connection therewith, the at least one sampling module includes multiple sampling locations, each associated with a sampler, where the at least one sampling module is operable to remove tissue samples from seeds at one of sampling locations while another one of the sampling locations is cleaned to remove residual seed tissue therefrom.

Abstract: An antenna array and method for a multi-user multi-input multi-output antenna array system including at least two receive antennas at a receive area, where the receive antennas are spaced from each other on the order of symbol wavelengths, at least two transmit antennas at a transmit area with at least one transmit antenna spaced from the other at least two transmit antennas on the order of symbol wavelengths, and wherein the antenna array is optimized for multi-user performance for rural areas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel antimicrobial peptides, pharmaceutical compositions containing the peptides, and methods of use of the peptides to inhibit the growth or proliferation of microbes. The antimicrobial peptides are particularly useful to treat infections of dangerous gram positive organisms such as MRSA and VRSA.

Abstract: A boat lift for raising boats out of the water to facilitate maintenance and to reduce corrosion and contamination. The boat lift includes two or more boat lift assemblies positioned and spaced apart so that each boat lift assembly lifts approximately the same fraction of the overall weight of the boat. Each boat lift assembly has a lifting structure with bunk cushions mounted on pivoting bunk bases to prevent damage to the boat hull when lifting. Hydraulic lift mechanisms are enclosed within each boat lift assembly providing a cleaner appearance as well as protection against corrosion and fouling. A dual-pulley mechanism enables lifting distances substantially larger than the length of the lift mechanism. A hydraulic control system ensures that all the boat lift assemblies move up and down simultaneously and at the same rate, thereby maintaining the boat horizontal at all lifting positions.

Abstract: Multi-phase-shift control of a power converter is provided. The power converter includes a dual-active-bridge (DAB) converter having a transformer, a first H-bridge coupled to the primary winding of the transformer, and a second H-bridge coupled to the secondary winding of the transformer. The DAB converter is operable to generate two-level and three-level voltage waveforms on the primary winding and on the secondary winding to yield a system which ensures zero-voltage switching and unity power factor over a wide range of input and output voltage levels and power throughputs. In a multi-phase shift (MPS) mode of operation, the DAB converter changes from a two-level voltage in at least one of the windings to a three-level voltage in both windings in response to the instantaneous load being below a predetermined level, resulting in more efficient performance of the DAB converter in light load conditions.

Abstract: An example mobile drilling fluid plant includes a plurality of intermodal containers each exhibiting a length, a width, and a height compliant with universal shipping container dimensions and configurations dictated by the International Organization for Standardization, wherein the plurality of intermodal containers include a plurality of fluid storage containers and one or more fluid mixing containers, one or more pumps in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid storage containers and the one or more fluid mixing containers, and one or more flexible hoses fluidly coupled to the one or more pumps and placing the plurality of fluid storage containers in fluid communication with the one or more fluid mixing containers.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a controller, a switching block, and a three-phase bidirectional AC/DC converter. The switching block has a first interface connected to a power grid, a second interface connected to an electric motor, and a third interface connected to the three-phase bidirectional AC/DC converter that includes first, second, and third single-phase AC/DC conversion modules, and which have inputs and outputs joined at an output node, and a respective transformer configured to provide electrical isolation. In a first mode of operation, the switching block connects the power grid to the AC/DC converter for charging a battery connected to the output node and disconnects the electric motor. In a second mode of operation, the switching block disconnects the power grid and connects the electric motor to the AC/DC converter which is controlled to convert DC power drawn from the battery to energize the electric motor.

Abstract: A control circuit for converting an unbalanced grid voltage into a DC voltage is provided. The control circuit includes a controller having a voltage detection module, a first transformation module, a level shift module, and a second transformation module. The voltage detection module provides voltage component values indicating the voltage in each phase of a three-phase AC power supply. The first transformation module converts the voltage component values from a stationary reference frame into reference voltage signals in a rotating reference frame using a Clarke-Park transform. The level shift module compensates the reference voltage signals to simulate a balanced three-phase AC voltage. The second transformation module converts the compensated reference voltage signals from the rotating reference frame to the stationary reference frame using an inverse Clarke-Park transform.

Abstract: An example mobile drilling fluid plant includes a plurality of intermodal containers each exhibiting a length, a width, and a height compliant with universal shipping container dimensions and configurations dictated by the International Organization for Standardization, wherein the plurality of intermodal containers include a plurality of fluid storage containers and one or more fluid mixing containers, one or more pumps in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid storage containers and the one or more fluid mixing containers, and one or more flexible hoses fluidly coupled to the one or more pumps and placing the plurality of fluid storage containers in fluid communication with the one or more fluid mixing containers.

Abstract: A system and method for a light fixture on a retail display includes a wiring harness disposed on an opposite side of hanger bracket than a plug on a power cord extending transversely through the hanger bracket. The wire or wiring harness allows for a light fixture to be installed on or uninstalled from the hanger bracket without having to move the hanger bracket or unplug the power cord from a power outlet located in a channel beneath the hanger bracket. The wiring harness is insulated so as to protect an operate from current moving through the power cord when changing or replacing the light fixture.

Abstract: An example mobile drilling fluid plant includes a plurality of intermodal containers each exhibiting a length, a width, and a height compliant with universal shipping container dimensions and configurations dictated by the International Organization for Standardization, wherein the plurality of intermodal containers include a plurality of fluid storage containers and one or more fluid mixing containers, one or more pumps in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid storage containers and the one or more fluid mixing containers, and one or more flexible hoses fluidly coupled to the one or more pumps and placing the plurality of fluid storage containers in fluid communication with the one or more fluid mixing containers.

Abstract: A single stage DAB control circuit for converting an unbalanced grid voltage into a DC voltage is provided. The control circuit includes a controller having a voltage detection module, a first transformation module, a level shift module, and a second transformation module. The voltage detection module provides voltage component values that are indicative of the voltage in each phase of a three-phase AC power supply. The first transformation module converts the voltage component values from a stationary reference frame into reference voltage signals in a rotating reference frame using a Clarke-Park transform. The level shift module compensates the reference voltage signals to simulate an ideal or balanced three-phase AC voltage. The second transformation module converts the compensated reference voltage signals from the rotating reference frame to the stationary reference frame using an inverse Clarke-Park transform.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel antimicrobial peptides, pharmaceutical compositions containing the peptides, and methods of use of the peptides to inhibit the growth or proliferation of microbes. The antimicrobial peptides are particularly useful to treat infections of dangerous gram positive organisms such as MRSA and VRSA.

Abstract: An example mobile drilling fluid plant includes a plurality of intermodal containers each exhibiting a length, a width, and a height compliant with universal shipping container dimensions and configurations dictated by the International Organization for Standardization, wherein the plurality of intermodal containers include a plurality of fluid storage containers and one or more fluid mixing containers, one or more pumps in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid storage containers and the one or more fluid mixing containers, and one or more flexible hoses fluidly coupled to the one or more pumps and placing the plurality of fluid storage containers in fluid communication with the one or more fluid mixing containers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel antimicrobial peptides, pharmaceutical compositions containing the peptides, and methods of use of the peptides to inhibit the growth or proliferation of microbes. The antimicrobial peptides are particularly useful to treat infections of dangerous gram positive organisms such as MRSA and VRSA.

Abstract: A method for producing levulinic acid from lignocellulosic biomass comprising hemicellulose including one or more six carbon chain compound precursors comprises the steps of hydrolyzing the lignocellulosic biomass to form a first phase comprising partially hydrolyzed lignocellulosic biomass including cellulose and lignin and a second phase comprising one or more five carbon chain sugars and one or more six carbon chain sugars from degradation of the hemicellulose, separating the first phase from the second phase, and converting at least a portion of the one or more six carbon chain sugars to levulinic acid.