Abstract: A system includes an electronic device including a circuit having a semiconductor switch, and a switching control system operably connected to the semiconductor switch. The switching control system is configured to control a switching speed of the semiconductor switch based on a received voltage by altering at least one of a gate resistance and a gate capacitance of the semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A transition device for transitioning microwaves from an air-filled waveguide to an antenna. The air-filled waveguide is assumed to have an attachment flange, with the transition device having a compatible transition attachment flange. A rod has an upper portion extending upwardly through the flanges and a lower portion extending downwardly into the air-filled waveguide. The rode is made from a solid piece of high-dielectric material. The rod's outer surfaces of the upper portion (other than its end face) are metal plated, such that the upper portion provides a solid waveguide having a radiating aperture antenna.

Abstract: A variable current gate driver for a transistor includes a first current control device having a first controllable output current. The first current control device is electrically connected between a first bus and an activator of the transistor, and a second current control device having a second controllable output current. The second current control device is electrically connected between the activator of the transistor and a second bus. A controller is operatively connected to the first and second current control devices to control the first and second controllable output currents to control the first and second current control devices to control activation of the transistor via the activator. The controller is operative to control the first and second current control devices to control a slew rate of the transistor.

Abstract: A slew rate controllable system for powering an electric machine. The system may include a plurality of power transistors operable for converting a direct current (DC) input into an alternating current (AC) output suitable for electrically powering the electric machine. The system may further include a gate drive system operable for controlling a slew rate associated with transitioning the power transistors between the opened and closed states.

Abstract: A transition device for transitioning microwaves from an air-filled waveguide to an antenna. The air-filled waveguide is assumed to have an attachment flange, with the transition device having a compatible transition attachment flange. A rod has an upper portion extending upwardly through the flanges and a lower portion extending downwardly into the air-filled waveguide. The rode is made from a solid piece of high-dielectric material. The rod's outer surfaces of the upper portion (other than its end face) are metal plated, such that the upper portion provides a solid waveguide having a radiating aperture antenna.

Abstract: A method for preparing a probiotic preparation based on a W1/O/W2 double emulsion structure includes steps of: using a solution containing probiotics or a mixed solution of probiotics and a probiotic protective agent as an internal water phase W1; dissolving an emulsifier in a lipid phase O, and mixing the lipid phase O with the internal water phase W1; then preparing a primary emulsion W1/O by stirring and low-energy emulsification or high-energy emulsification; and using an emulsifier-contained solution as an external water phase W2, and adding the external water phase W2 to the primary emulsion W1/O; then preparing a W1/O/W2 double emulsion by stirring and the low-energy emulsification or the high-energy emulsification, thereby obtaining the probiotic preparation. The double emulsion system is used to embed the probiotics, which can keep the probiotics active during low-temperature storage and freezing and thawing.

Abstract: A method of providing spark ignition for an engine or other equipment having a combustion chamber. A radio frequency wave or a microwave (RF/microwave) generator delivers radio frequency waves or microwaves to a transmit antenna inside the combustion chamber. At least one RF/microwave receive antenna is attached to an internal surface of the combustion chamber and comprises two or more RF/microwave focusing features with a spark gap between them. The transmit antenna wirelessly energizes the receive antenna, which generates a spark between the two focusing features.

Abstract: A system for providing microwave energy to aftertreatment devices that treat the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. The system has a microwave generator and a transmission network for delivering the microwaves to one or more of the aftertreatment devices. The transmission network comprises a combination of solid and hollow waveguides. Antenna(s) transmit microwave energy into the working chamber the aftertreatment device(s), with at least one of the devices having antenna(s) capable of distributing microwave energy throughout its chamber.

Abstract: A method of providing spark ignition for an engine or other equipment having a combustion chamber. A radio frequency wave or a microwave (RF/microwave) generator delivers radio frequency waves or microwaves to a transmit antenna inside the combustion chamber. At least one RF/microwave receive antenna is attached to an internal surface of the combustion chamber and comprises two or more RF/microwave focusing features with a spark gap between them. The transmit antenna wirelessly energizes the receive antenna, which generates a spark between the two focusing features.

Abstract: A method of improving cold starting of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with an on-board microwave generation system that generates and delivers microwaves into the combustion chamber of each cylinder via an antenna associated with each cylinder. The microwaves are delivered immediately prior to cold start of the engine, causing the combustion chamber and interior elements of the chamber to be warmed.

Abstract: A system and method for generating microwaves for microwave enhanced combustion (MEC) input to an MEC antenna of an internal combustion engine. The system uses a microwave generator and a directional coupler, which delivers the MEC input signal to the MEC antenna and receives a reflected signal from the MEC antenna. A feedback path determines a desired frequency for the MEC input signal, based on the reflected signal, and also determines a power feedback correction value. An open loop path determines desired power and timing for the MEC input signal, based on various engine conditions. The desired power is corrected with the power feedback correction value.

Abstract: A system and method for generating microwaves for microwave enhanced combustion (MEC) input to an MEC antenna of an internal combustion engine. The system uses a directional coupler to deliver the MEC input signal to the MEC antenna and to receive a reflected power signal from the MEC antenna. A feedback path determines a desired frequency, based on the reflected power and using an impedance-matching controller that matches the reflected power to a desired frequency value. Additional inputs, such as various engine conditions, can also be used to determine the desired frequency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a waveguide antenna for microwave enhanced combustion of a previously ignited fuel-air mixture. The waveguide antenna has a thermal conductivity of at least 150 W/m?k and can be formed from a metallic shell with a ceramic core.

Abstract: A system and method for generating microwaves for microwave enhanced combustion (MEC) input to an MEC antenna of an internal combustion engine. The system uses a microwave generator and a directional coupler, which delivers the MEC input signal to the MEC antenna and receives a reflected signal from the MEC antenna. A feedback path determines a desired frequency for the MEC input signal, based on the reflected signal, and also determines a power feedback correction value. An open loop path determines desired power and timing for the MEC input signal, based on various engine conditions. The desired power is corrected with the power feedback correction value.

Abstract: A system and method for generating microwaves for microwave enhanced combustion (MEC) input to an MEC antenna of an internal combustion engine. The system uses a directional coupler to deliver the MEC input signal to the MEC antenna and to receive a reflected power signal from the MEC antenna. A feedback path determines a desired frequency, based on the reflected power and using an impedance-matching controller that matches the reflected power to a desired frequency value. Additional inputs, such as various engine conditions, can also be used to determine the desired frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for generating microwaves for microwave enhanced combustion (MEC) input to an MEC antenna of an internal combustion engine. The system uses a directional coupler to deliver the MEC input signal to the MEC antenna and to receive a reflected power signal from the MEC antenna. A first feedback path determines a desired frequency, based on the reflected power and using an impedance-matching controller that matches the reflected power to a desired frequency value. A second feedback path determines a power correction term. An open loop path determines a feedforward power term, as well as timing, for the MEC input signal, based on various engine conditions. The feedforward power term is corrected with the power correction term.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a nuclear magnetic resonance transceiver including: (a) a variable-frequency electromagnetic signal generator with (i) a frequency input and (ii) an EM signal output; (b) an electronic frequency controller including (i) a frequency output coupled to the frequency input of the variable-frequency EM signal generator, (ii) an intermediate frequency set-point input, and (iii) an intermediate frequency measurement input; (c) an NMR transmission probe with an EM signal input coupled to the EM signal output of the variable-frequency EM signal generator; (d) an NMR receiving probe with an EM signal output; and (e) an electronic mixer with (i) a first input coupled to the EM signal output of the NMR receiving probe, (ii) a second input coupled to the EM signal output of the variable-frequency EM signal generator, and (iii) a mixed EM signal output coupled to the frequency measurement input of the frequency controller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a waveguide antenna for microwave enhanced combustion of a previously ignited fuel-air mixture. The waveguide antenna has a thermal conductivity of at least 150 W/m-k and can be formed from a metallic shell with a ceramic core.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a nuclear magnetic resonance transceiver including: (a) a variable-frequency electromagnetic signal generator with (i) a frequency input and (ii) an EM signal output; (b) an electronic frequency controller including (i) a frequency output coupled to the frequency input of the variable-frequency EM signal generator, (ii) an intermediate frequency set-point input, and (iii) an intermediate frequency measurement input; (c) an NMR transmission probe with an EM signal input coupled to the EM signal output of the variable-frequency EM signal generator; (d) an NMR receiving probe with an EM signal output; and (e) an electronic mixer with (i) a first input coupled to the EM signal output of the NMR receiving probe, (ii) a second input coupled to the EM signal output of the variable-frequency EM signal generator, and (iii) a mixed EM signal output coupled to the frequency measurement input of the frequency controller.

Abstract: A Micro Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) which is based on MEMS accelerometers and gyro sensors is developed for real-time recognition of human hand motions, especially as used in the context of writing on a surface. Motion is recorded by a motion/acceleration sensor, which may be a combination of a rate rate gyro and an accelerometer, and possibly in combination with a video camera set to detect markers located on a board, with the camera utilizable to detect lines and markers and to determine the proximity of the white board. The immediate advantage is the facilitation of a digital interface with both PC and mobile computing devices and perhaps to enable wireless sensing.