Abstract: An electronic system controls one or more electrical loads, which are controlled in an “on/off” manner by a ultra low power controller that is isolated for a primary power circuit or derives its very low switch power from the ballast itself. The on/off control provides a near lossless control system. This system may be applied to various loads including electronic ballasted loads and operates at fractional power levels corresponding to different lighting intensities and with conventional occupancy sensors. The system may also be applied to other electronically compatible end-use devices and applications.

Abstract: A customer side power management system includes a power transducer coupled to the electric lines from the utility. The power transducer senses stochastic peak power demands from the electric utility, and provides an output signal proportional thereto. The output signal is time averaged and provided to a comparator circuit. A predetermined threshold signal is also provided to the comparator circuit, and the two signals are compared. An AC-to-DC converter or power supply is coupled to the utility's electric line and provides a DC voltage on its output. The amplitude of the DC voltage is controlled by the output signal from the comparator circuit. A power isolation and distribution circuit and a storage battery are also included. The power isolation and distribution circuit is connected between the AC-to-DC converter and the storage battery.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus for electrical components includes:(a) an electrical test station,(b) a transport forming pockets for receiving electrical components and for sequentially lifting the received components to the test station,(c) test circuitry including relatively movable contacts, at the test station, for electrically testing the components in the pockets, sequentially,(d) and the tested components then being discharged form the pockets in accordance with their testing.A novel rotary transport is also provided, with an annular, frusto-conical guide slot for a swingable contact, to successively engage the components.

Abstract: This invention pertains to energy absorbers for solar collectors, and more particularly to high performance thin film absorbers. The solar collectors comprising the absorber of this invention overcome several problems seen in current systems, such as excessive hardware, high cost and unreliability. In the preferred form, the apparatus features a substantially rigid planar frame with a thin film window bonded to one planar side of the frame. An absorber in accordance with the present invention is comprised of two thin film layers that are sealed perimetrically. In a preferred embodiment, thin film layers are formed from a metal/plastic laminate. The layers define a fluid-tight planar envelope of large surface area to volume through which a heat transfer fluid flows. The absorber is bonded to the other planar side of the frame. The thin film construction of the absorber assures substantially full envelope wetting and thus good efficiency.

Abstract: The field of this invention is solar collectors, and more particularly, the invention pertains to a flat plate collector that employs high performance thin films. The solar collector of this invention overcomes several problems in this field, such as excessive hardware, cost and reliability, and other prior art drawbacks outlined in the specification. In the preferred form, the apparatus features a substantially rigid planar frame (14). A thin film window (42) is bonded to one planar side of the frame. An absorber (24) of laminate construction is comprised of two thin film layers (24a, 24b) that are sealed perimetrically. The layers (24a, 24b) define a fluid-tight planar envelope (24c) of large surface area to volume through which a heat transfer fluid flows. Absorber (24) is bonded to the other planar side of the frame. The thin film construction of the absorber assures substantially full envelope wetting and thus good efficiency.