247results about How to "Minimal maintenance" patented technology

The present invention relates generally to a building automation system, and, more particularly, to an Internet-centric, open, extensible software and hardware framework supporting all aspects of control and monitoring of a smart building ecosphere. The present invention further relates to an “intelligent,” real-time control system capable of both autonomous process control and interaction with system users and system administrators, which is configured to accommodate functional extensions and a broad array of sensors and control devices. The system allows individuals to communicate, monitor and adjust their personal environmental preferences (temperature, light, humidity, white noise, etc.) much like they would in an automobile, via the Internet. The system is equipped with an occupancy sensor that recognizes the presence and identity of the individual. A built-in expert system can make decisions based on data from multiple sources so that the system can alter its activity to conserve energy while maintaining users' comfort.

The present invention relates generally to a building automation system, and, more particularly, to an Internet-centric, open, extensible software and hardware framework supporting all aspects of control and monitoring of a smart building ecosphere. The present invention further relates to an “intelligent,” real-time control system capable of both autonomous process control and interaction with system users and system administrators, which is configured to accommodate functional extensions and a broad array of sensors and control devices. The system allows individuals to communicate, monitor and adjust their personal environmental preferences (temperature, light, humidity, white noise, etc.) much like they would in an automobile, via the Internet. The system is equipped with an occupancy sensor that recognizes the presence and identity of the individual. A built-in expert system can make decisions based on data from multiple sources so that the system can alter its activity to conserve energy while maintaining users' comfort.

The invention is a centralized server-based system containing a database with relevant information regarding features, parameters, and characteristics of a particular irrigation system, which utilizes proprietary irrigation software to control a plurality of field modules, at one or more remote locations, via a network bridge adapter. An irrigation system may comprise a single server, or multiple servers that may be configured so that control of the entire system is centralized, and control of one or multiple irrigation locations may be accomplished remotely by wirelessly accessing, monitoring and controlling a location's field module matrix.

An external defibrillator having a battery; a capacitor electrically communicable with the battery; at least two electrodes electrically communicable with the capacitor and with the skin of a patient; a controller configured to charge the capacitor from the battery and to discharge the capacitor through the electrodes; and a support supporting the battery, capacitor, electrodes and controller in a deployment configuration, the defibrillator having a maximum weight per unit area in the deployment configuration of 0.1 lb / in2 and / or a maximum thickness of 1 inch. The support may be a waterproof housing.

This is a computer-implemented method for managing and enhancing data independence among multiple logical representations and storage structures of data by accessing and updating physical storage through a relational representation. The present invention supports both data independence and storage flexibility by using membership abstraction as the equalizing access for any logical representation and actual storage, while the prior art is restricted to user-supplied denotations and catalog entries.

The invention is an irrigation field module matrix configured for wireless communication with a central control server. The central control server contains a database with relevant information regarding features, parameters, and characteristics of a particular irrigation system. This system utilizes proprietary irrigation software to control a plurality of field modules, at one or more remote locations, via a network bridge adapter. An irrigation system may comprise a single server, or multiple servers that may be configured so that control of the entire system is centralized, and control of one or multiple irrigation locations may be accomplished remotely by wirelessly accessing, monitoring and controlling a location's field module matrix.

Aspects of this invention include a downhole tool having an angular position sensor disposed to measure the relative angular position between first and second members disposed to rotate about a common axis. A plurality of magnetic field sensors are deployed about the second member and disposed to measure magnetic flux emanating from first and second magnets deployed on the first member. A controller is programmed to determine the relative angular position based on magnetic measurements made by the magnetic field sensors. In a one exemplary embodiment, a downhole steering tool includes first and second magnets circumferentially spaced on the shaft and a plurality of magnetic field sensors deployed about the housing.

A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid in fluid cells having a spring bias. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.

A system for producing one or more gases for enhancing combustion in an internal combustion engine, the engine having an intake, the system comprising: an electrolysis cell, for generating one or more combustion enhancing gases under pressure; a gas conduit, for connecting the electrolysis cell to the internal combustion engine; and a flow regulator, operatively connected between the electrolysis cell and the intake of the engine, for regulating a flow of the combustion enhancing gases to the engine.

A system for illuminating panels such as advertising display panels is provided. Such illuminated panels can be operated very efficiently, cost-effectively and with minimal maintenance once installed in the field. In one embodiment, the illuminated panel includes a panel frame with one or more illuminated frame member. Additional illuminated frame member(s) may be needed depending on the overall dimensions of the illuminated panel. The inside surface of the illuminated frame member should be reflective to increase the light transmission efficiency of the panel. A row of point light sources, e.g., a row of light emitting diodes, is located within the illuminated frame member. The panel frame encloses a light diffusion layer, e.g., an acrylic sheet, with a diffusion edge facing the row of point light sources. The diffusion edge has a surface roughness configured to diffuse light emitted by the row of point light sources. Suitable surface roughness can be accomplished by saw cuts or sanding the light diffusion layer with a suitable grit. In some embodiments, the illuminated frame member has an internal profile to better focus the light emitted by the light sources towards the diffusion edge. Suitable internal profiles include rounded profiles such as parabolic and elliptical shapes. Further, because the point light sources are discrete components, the panel frame members can take on a variety of shapes including curved shapes.

A method and apparatus for imprinting high quality images on non-planar surfaces, including the surfaces of various types of three-dimensional articles, such as baseball bats, formed from a number of different types of materials. In the preferred method of the invention, the non-planar surfaces of the three-dimensional articles are printed using a uniquely modified ink jet image transfer technique. The apparatus of the invention includes a modified ink jet printer coupled with a novel article positioning apparatus which functions to controllably rotate the article to be imprinted and to maintain the longitudinal axis of the article within a plane substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the plane within which the ink jet nozzles of the ink jet printer travel.

A pump for pumping sensitive fluids, such as blood, has no mechanical contact between the impeller and any other structure.

An engine-pressurized prestart oiler for an engine having pressure lubrication is provided, which rapidly lubricates critical engine bearing surfaces prior to the starting sequence. An accumulator for storing oil and pressurized air contains an air-oil separation float, which essentially fills the internal cross-sectional area and prevents absorption of the air. Discharge and recharge of the accumulator is preferably implemented by a normally closed solenoid valve. Discharge is controlled either manually by a switch or automatically by circuitry containing ignition-off time and accumulator pressure comparators, a starter interrupter, and a prestart oiling timer. Recharge is automatic, as the solenoid valve allows oil flow whenever the engine oil pressure sufficiently exceeds the accumulator pressure. A conduit connects the accumulator, solenoid valve, and engine, connecting to the engine either at the oil pressure sensor port or through an adaptor installed between the oil filter and the oil filter mount.

An LED assembly for illuminating a refrigerated area includes a plurality of LED modules and a reflector base configured to reflect light generated by the plurality of LED modules into the refrigerated area. The reflector base is further configured to conduct heat away from the plurality of LED modules and also includes a base cooling channel. Both the reflector base and the plurality of LED modules are located substantially within the refrigerated area. The LED assembly also includes an external heat sink coupled to the reflector base, and configured to conduct heat away from the reflector base, wherein the external heat sink is further configured to be mounted substantially outside the refrigerated area. The LED assembly can include a doom lens that forms a doom cooling channel substantially enclosing the reflector base. This internal heat sink includes an internal sink cooling channel.

A modular tire spraying system includes a downdraft spray booth for receiving a tire, a fluid delivery system disposed in the spray booth, a robot for transporting the tire to the spray booth, and a platform on which each of the spray booth, the fluid delivery system, and the robot is disposed. The fluid delivery system includes at least one spray gun for delivering a coating to the tire.

A mattress or another type of support surface which allows for discrete manipulation of the pressure on a supported body. The present invention includes resilient fluid cells having a spring bias, grouped to allow adjustable dynamic control of the pressure exerted on various locations of the body support. Each of the fluid cells has a multiple port air distribution system, either integral to the fluid cell or attached to the fluid cell. The multiple port air distribution system includes ports and allows for the control of intake flow, outflow, and sound. A harnessing system is attached to the ports of the multiple port air distribution system and interconnects the fluid cells in a pattern desired by the user. The harnessing system controls the directions and flow volume of air into the fluid cells creating selected zones. The harnessing configuration is customizable to a particular patient. The fluid cells are held together by a casing. The casing supports, houses, and prevents movement of the fluid cells and the harnessing system.