Abstract: A method of controlling an agricultural facility for housing a plurality of animals includes the step of regulating the environment within the agricultural facility with an automated building operational system. An automated thermal event controller is operationally coupled with the automated building operational system and generates a thermal event signal in response to a thermal event in progress, whereby the automated thermal event controller, upon receipt of the thermal event signal indicating that the thermal event is in progress, activates an alarm state. In the alarm state, the automated thermal event controller: sends an alarm signal to a system administrator; places the automated building operational system in a safety-mode condition for a first predetermined time interval; and places the automated building operational system in a normal-mode operational condition after the first predetermined time interval and if a confirmatory signal is not yet then received from the system administrator.

Abstract: Methods include capturing intravascular ultrasound images. A drive motor is used to actively drive an ultrasound transducer at a set rotation speed. A temporary sensing window is created in which the ultrasound transducer is driven with a fixed drive signal. A plurality of signals from are received the ultrasound transducer during the temporary sensing window.

Abstract: A method of controlling an agricultural facility for housing a plurality of animals includes the step of regulating the environment within the agricultural facility with an automated building operational system. An automated thermal event controller is operationally coupled with the automated building operational system and generates a thermal event signal in response to a thermal event in progress, whereby the automated thermal event controller, upon receipt of the thermal event signal indicating that the thermal event is in progress, activates an alarm state. In the alarm state, the automated thermal event controller: sends an alarm signal to a system administrator; places the automated building operational system in a safety-mode condition for a first predetermined time interval; and places the automated building operational system in a normal-mode operational condition after the first predetermined time interval and if a confirmatory signal is not yet then received from the system administrator.

Abstract: A method for operating a combined-cycle electrical power grid by: accepting, from combined cycle power generation participants, combined cycle offers for valid combined cycle configurations, each including identification of power generator type(s) for the configuration and the offers including at least three levels of parameter information pertaining for the valid combined cycle configurations, the three levels including, (a) resource level parameters that describe transition information between the valid combined cycle configurations, (b) configuration level parameters that describe operating parameters for each valid configuration; and (c) component level parameters that describe operating parameters for specific power generator components included in a valid configuration; selecting commitments from the combined cycle offers based upon the resource level parameters, the configuration level parameters and the component level parameters; and controlling dispatch of electricity based upon the commitments.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors are described. The method generally allows the system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors, to maximize unit modulating capability. The method allows the use of a variable speed compressor that is relatively smaller, which can lead to cost savings, easier installation, manufacturing, etc.

Abstract: A method for operating a combined-cycle electrical power grid system including the steps of: accepting, from a plurality of combined cycle power generation participants, combined cycle offers for a set of valid combined cycle configurations, each combined cycle configuration in the set including identification of power generator type(s) for the configuration and the offers including at least three levels of parameter information pertaining for the valid combined cycle configurations, the three levels of parameter information including, (a) resource level parameters that describe transition information between the valid combined cycle configurations, (b) configuration level parameters that describe operating parameters for each valid combined cycle configuration in the set; and (c) component level parameters that describe operating parameters for specific power generator components included in one or more of the valid combined cycle configurations; selecting commitments from the combined cycle offers based upo

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for debris removal using a debris removal tool. The tool has a generally-cylindrical tool body having an upper end, a lower end, a central axis, an interior chamber and an external surface. A nozzle plate, disposed within the tool body, has an array of nozzles disposed therein. Each of the nozzles has a principal axis angled with respect to the central axis of the body of the debris removal tool, in order to direct fluid from the interior chamber of the tool body to the exterior of the tool at an angle.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors are described. The method generally allows the system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors, to maximize unit modulating capability. The method allows the use of a variable speed compressor that is relatively smaller, which can lead to cost savings, easier installation, manufacturing, etc.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors are described. The method generally allows the system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors, to maximize unit modulating capability. The method allows the use of a variable speed compressor that is relatively smaller, which can lead to cost savings, easier installation, manufacturing, etc.

Abstract: A theater system for a proton treatment system, including a tunnel structure configured around an isocenter of a proton treatment system, and one or more devices mounted on the tunnel structure to communicate with a patient located on a treatment bed of the proton treatment system.

Abstract: An elongated x-ray tube that can emit a linear curtain of x-rays along its length. Methods of using an elongated curtain of x-rays.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors are described. The method generally allows the system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors, to maximize unit modulating capability. The method allows the use of a variable speed compressor that is relatively smaller, which can lead to cost savings, easier installation, manufacturing, etc.

Abstract: A system includes a tuning element comprising a shaft and a tuning stub. The tuning stub includes a surface with a center point. The shaft is connected to the surface of the tuning stub at a location that is offset from the center point. A waveguide includes an opening into an inner portion of the waveguide. The shaft passes through the opening and the tuning stub is arranged in the inner portion of the waveguide. A first actuator selectively rotates the shaft.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for preventing and treating viral infections are provided. In some embodiments, novel compounds broad-spectrum antiviral activity are provided. In more specific embodiments, the compounds and methods are effective against viruses such as Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Hepatitis C.