Abstract: A method for testing a photovoltaic panel connected to an electronic module. The electronic module includes an input attached to the photovoltaic panel and a power output. The method activates a bypass to the electronic module. The bypass provides a low impedance path between the input and the output of the electronic module. A current is injected into the electronic module thereby compensating for the presence of the electronic module during the testing. The current may be previously determined by measuring a circuit parameter of the electronic module. The circuit parameter may be impedance, inductance, resistance or capacitance.

Abstract: A system and method for combining power from DC power sources. Each power source is coupled to a converter. Each converter converts input power to output power by monitoring and maintaining the input power at a maximum power point. Substantially all input power is converted to the output power, and the controlling is performed by allowing output voltage of the converter to vary. The converters are coupled in series. An inverter is connected in parallel with the series connection of the converters and inverts a DC input to the inverter from the converters into an AC output. The inverter maintains the voltage at the inverter input at a desirable voltage by varying the amount of the series current drawn from the converters. The series current and the output power of the converters, determine the output voltage at each converter.

Abstract: A distributed power harvesting system including multiple direct current (DC) power sources with respective DC outputs adapted for interconnection into an interconnected DC power source output. A converter includes input terminals adapted for coupling to the interconnected DC power source output. A circuit loop sets the voltage and current at the input terminals of the converter according to predetermined criteria. A power conversion portion converts the power received at the input terminals to an output power at the output terminals. A power supplier is coupled to the output terminals. The power supplier includes a control part for maintaining the input to the power supplier at a predetermined value. The control part maintains the input voltage and/or input current to the power supplier at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for testing a photovoltaic panel connected to an electronic module. The electronic module includes an input attached to the photovoltaic panel and a power output. The method activates a bypass to the electronic module. The bypass provides a low impedance path between the input and the output of the electronic module. A current is injected into the electronic module thereby compensating for the presence of the electronic module during the testing. The current may be previously determined by measuring a circuit parameter of the electronic module. The circuit parameter may be impedance, inductance, resistance or capacitance.

Abstract: An apparatus having a conducting probe configured to couple with an electrical conductor of an electrical terminal. The apparatus has a sensor in contact with the conducting probe. The apparatus has a controller electrically coupled to the sensor, where the controller is configured to monitor the sensor values, and when the sensor values comply with a monitoring rule associated with a hazardous condition, the controller is configured to initiate an action to mitigate the hazardous condition.

Abstract: A power system and a power method for a power system that includes a first power source operatively connected to an input of a first power device. The power system also includes a switch unit having a first input operatively connected to the output of the first power device. The power system further includes a second power source operatively connected to a second input of a second power device. A second output of the second power device connects to a second input of the switch unit, wherein a third output of the switch unit provides an output parameter responsive to at least one of the output of the first power device and the second output of the second power device.

Abstract: A system for generation of electrical power including an inverter connected to a photovoltaic source including a theft prevention and detection feature. A first memory is permanently attached to the photovoltaic source. The first memory is configured to store a first code. A second memory is attached to the inverter. The second memory configured to store a second code. During manufacture or installation of the system, the first code is stored in the first memory attached to the photovoltaic source. The second code based on the first code is stored in the second memory. Prior to operation of the inverter, the first code is compared to the second code and based on the comparison; the generation of the electrical power is enabled or disabled.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method to determine and monitor the flow rates and volume of fluids excreted or secreted by the body. The apparatus includes: a measuring unit comprising a conduit made of a material having a low thermal conductivity and supporting at least two thermistors that includes an upstream thermistor serving as a compensation thermistor and a downstream thermistor located as far downstream as possible from the upstream thermistor and pre-heated to and kept at pre-defined temperature which is warmer than the fluid temperature to be metered. The apparatus further includes a power supply for applying small electric voltages to the thermistors to enable generation of an electric signal; and a control and display unit being operatively connected to the measuring unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method to control the flow rates and pattern of human milk secretion while using a breast pump. The apparatus comprises a breast pump having a linear source of vacuum and a communication port for communicating with an external source of information on milk flow rates and patterns of a breastfeeding baby, through an external control circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides a probe for a flowmeter which can be employed in various flow measuring devices utilizing semiconductor or ceramic thermistors. The invention comprises an apparatus for determining the fluid flow rate of a liquid passing through a conduit made of a material having a low thermal conductivity, comprising a probe disposed at least partially inside the wall of the conduit, part of the probe being substantially aligned with an inner surface of the wall, the probe being operationally connected to a control and display unit. The probe comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) on which at least two thermistors are mounted; an upstream thermistor serving for baseline measurements and a spaced apart downstream self-heated thermistor. The control and display unit repeatedly measuring the electrical resistance of the thermistors to generate signals which are electronically processed by the control and display unit to indicate flow rates.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method to determine and monitor the flow rates and volume of fluids excreted or secreted by the body. The invention achieves the above objects by providing an apparatus comprising; a measuring unit comprising a conduit made of a material having a low thermal conductivity and supporting at least two thermistors; an upstream thermistor serving as a compensation thermistor and a downstream thermistor located as far downstream as possible from said upstream thermistor and pre-heated to and kept at pre-defined temperature which is warmer than the fluid temperature to be metered; and means for applying small electric voltages to the thermistors to enable generation of an electric signal; and a control and display unit being operatively connected to the measuring unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method to control the flow rates and pattern of human milk secretion while using a breast pump. The apparatus comprises a breast pump having a linear source of vacuum and a communication port for communicating with an external source of information on milk flow rates and patterns of a breastfeeding baby, through an external control circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides a probe for a flowmeter which can be employed in various flow measuring devices utilizing semiconductor or ceramic thermistors. The invention comprises an apparatus for determining the fluid flow rate of a liquid passing through a conduit made of a material having a low thermal conductivity, comprising a probe disposed at least partially inside the wall of the conduit, part of the probe being substantially aligned with an inner surface of the wall, the probe being operationally connected to a control and display unit. The probe comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) on which at least two thermistors are mounted; an upstream thermistor serving for baseline measurements and a spaced apart downstream self-heated thermistor. The control and display unit repeatedly measuring the electrical resistance of the thermistors to generate signals which are electronically processed by the control and display unit to indicate flow rates.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method to determine and monitor the flow rates and volume of fluids excreted or secreted by the body. The invention achieves the above objects by providing an apparatus comprising; a measuring unit comprising a conduit made of a material having a low thermal conductivity and supporting at least two thermistors; an upstream thermistor serving as a compensation thermistor and a downstream thermistor located as far downstream as possible from said upstream thermistor and pre-heated to and kept at pre-defined temperature which is warmer than the fluid temperature to be metered; and means for applying small electric voltages to the thermistors to enable generation of an electric signal; and a control and display unit being operatively connected to the measuring unit.

Abstract: The apparatus for determining the amount of milk breast-fed to a baby by convection heat transfer includes a nipple shield, a tube and a thermal dilution gauge. On the nipple region of a mother, the nipple shield is mounted. Then, the tube is used to pass milk to the baby. The amount of milk passing through the tube is measured by the thermal dilution gauge.