Elwha LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160141382 | Fabrication of Nanoscale Vacuum Grid and Electrode Structure With High Aspect Ratio Dielectric Spacers Between the Grid and Electrode - Some embodiments of vacuum electronics call for a grid that is fabricated in close proximity to an electrode, where, for example, the grid and electrode are separated by nanometers or microns. Methods and apparatus for fabricating a nanoscale vacuum grid and electrode structure are described herein. | 05-19-2016 |
20160140986 | MONITORING TREATMENT COMPLIANCE USING COMBINED PERFORMANCE INDICATORS - Methods and systems for monitoring compliance of a patient with a prescribed treatment regimen are described. Two or more patient activities (including e.g., speech activity) are analyzed to determine compliance with a treatment for a brain-related disorder. Activity is detected unobtrusively during performance of routine activities with activity sensor(s) at the patient location, patient speech is detected during use of a communication system such as a mobile telephone, and activity data is sent to a monitoring system at a monitoring location. Activity and/or speech data is processed at the patient location or monitoring location to identify activity parameters or patterns that indicate whether the patient has complied with the treatment regimen. Patient identity may be determined through biometric identification or other authentication techniques. The system may provide a report to an interested party, for example a medical care provider or insurance company, regarding patient compliance. | 05-19-2016 |
20160133340 | SELF-TESTING DATA STORAGE DEVICES AND METHODS - Systems and methods for self-testing archival memory devices are described. The memory device includes a data storage component capable of being coded with data. The memory device further includes a read-write mechanism configured to read, write, and delete data stored on the data storage component. The memory device includes a read-write controller configured to control the read-write mechanism based on input received through a device interface of the memory device, wherein the device interface of the memory device is configured to connect to an external computing device. The memory device further includes a diagnostic controller configured to perform a test on at least one of the data stored on the data storage component, the data storage component, and the read-write mechanism. The memory device includes a power source configured to provide operational power to the diagnostic controller when the memory device is not connected to an external power source. | 05-12-2016 |
20160133338 | SELF-TESTING DATA STORAGE DEVICES AND METHODS - Systems and methods for self-testing archival memory devices are described. The memory device includes a data storage component capable of being coded with data. The memory device further includes a read-write mechanism configured to read, write, and delete data stored on the data storage component. The memory device includes a read-write controller configured to control the read-write mechanism based on input received through a device interface of the memory device, wherein the device interface of the memory device is configured to connect to an external computing device. The memory device further includes a diagnostic controller configured to perform a test on at least one of the data stored on the data storage component, the data storage component, and the read-write mechanism. The memory device includes a power source configured to provide operational power to the diagnostic controller when the memory device is not connected to an external power source. | 05-12-2016 |
20160133289 | TOPOGRAPHIC FEEDFORWARD SYSTEM - A control mechanism may control the height and/or position of a read/write head configured to interact with a rotating information storage surface. A computation unit may compute a detected topography from gap measurements using a dynamic filter including a model of read/write head dynamics. A sensor may detect gap measurements of a side read/write track while the read/write head is interacting with a current read/write track. A memory may store the detected topography. The control mechanism may adjust the height of the read/write head based on the detected and/or stored topography. The control mechanism may be a reactionless control mechanism configured to apply a counterforce to offset movements of the read/write head and/or a slider. | 05-12-2016 |
20160131757 | MULTI-ELEVATIONAL ANTENNA SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE - The present disclosure provides systems and methods associated with an antenna system comprising a tension member configured to be towed by an aerial platform and/or secured to an orbiting satellite. In some embodiments, a first end of the tension member may be secured to the aerial platform and the second end may extend unsecured from the aerial platform at a different elevation than the first end. A plurality of antenna assemblies, each comprising at least one antenna, may be secured to and spaced along the length of the tension member. Each of the plurality of antennas may be adapted for use with a particular frequency or frequency bandwidth. For example, each of the plurality of antennas may be adapted or tuned for one or more frequencies useful for synthetic aperture radar (SAR). In some embodiments, a receiving system, a communication link, and/or an antenna location system may be utilized. | 05-12-2016 |
20160131308 | TRAIN PROPELLANT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A thermal ballasting method includes providing a train having LNG, routing the train to scheduled stops along a train route, forming a ballast cryogen by condensing an atmospheric gas within the train, producing a latent heat, evaporating the LNG by transferring the latent heat to the LNG, forming a natural gas, fueling the train by consuming the natural gas, and delivering the ballast cryogen to an LNG storage site positioned along the train route. | 05-12-2016 |
20160131297 | PIPELINE LEAK SEALING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for sealing a leak within a pipeline for transporting fluid includes a sealing device that is deployable to seal the leak. The sealing device includes a flexible wall formed into a substantially tubular shape defining an opening, and an internal frame coupled to the flexible wall and configured to control a movement of the flexible wall by applying a force to the flexible wall, wherein the movement of the flexible wall moves the sealing device through the pipeline. The system also includes a sensor assembly configured to monitor a pipeline condition and send a signal representing the pipeline condition, and a control module configured to receive the signal and control the force applied by the internal frame based on the signal. | 05-12-2016 |
20160126735 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVAL OF HARMONIC NOISE - An apparatus for removing harmonic noise from a power transmission line transmitting electricity at a primary frequency includes a filter and a controller coupled to the sensor and to an actuator-generator. The filter separates electricity at a harmonic of a primary frequency from the electrical signal transmitted by the power transmission line. The controller is configured to modulate consumption of electricity from the power transmission line. The consumption is controlled by electrical actuation of the actuator-generator, such that the electrical actuation of the actuator-generator causes consumption of electricity from the power transmission line at a harmonic of the primary frequency. The actuator-generator is coupled to an elastically deformable component, such that electrical actuation of the actuator-generator generates tension in the elastically deformable component. | 05-05-2016 |
20160124510 | TACTILE CONTROL SYSTEM - A tactile control system includes a control member configurable between a plurality of physical configurations and configured to receive manual input from a user. The tactile control system also includes a transducer coupled to the control member and configured to generate a signal based on the manual input from the user, and an actuator coupled to the transducer and the control member and configured to change the physical configuration of the control member based on the signal. | 05-05-2016 |
20160123941 | REMOTE CHEMICAL DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for detecting the release of a chemical substance includes a release device configured to release a chemical substance into a surrounding environment based on receipt of a control signal; a signaling device configured to transmit the control signal to the release device; and a sensor device configured to detect the chemical substance in the surrounding environment based on an analysis of the surrounding environment. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121666 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANTICIPATORY TIRE PRESSURE CONTROL - A vehicle tire pressure control system includes a road sensor configured to acquire road data regarding a road at an advanced location ahead of a current location of a vehicle; a pressure regulator configured to control the air pressure within a tire of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle; and a controller configured to control operation of the pressure regulator and vary the air pressure within the tire based on the road data. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121144 | AIR FILTERING DEVICES AND METHODS - A face mask includes an electrostatically-precipitating filter configured to be removably coupled to a face of a user, a controller operatively coupled to the electrostatically-precipitating filter, and a fastening member configured to removably couple the electrostatically-precipitating filter to the face of the user. The controller is configured to selectively control operation of the electrostatically-precipitating filter in response to an input received by the controller. | 05-05-2016 |
20160120238 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACTIVE COUPLING OF AIRBAGS - An airbag deployment system includes a helmet, a torso protection assembly, and an airbag assembly. The airbag assembly is coupled to one of the helmet and the torso protection assembly and includes an airbag, an inflation device configured to inflate the airbag, and a first coupling device. The first coupling device is configured to couple to a second coupling device provided on the other of the helmet and the torso protection assembly upon inflation of the airbag. The coupling resists relative movement between the helmet and the torso protection assembly. | 05-05-2016 |
20160118097 | BIPOLAR LOGIC GATES ON MOS-BASED MEMORY CHIPS - A system uses both MOS-based and bipolar-based decoding circuitry in an address decoder for MOS-based memory. The system includes a MOS-based memory, which includes an array of a plurality of memory cells configured to store data, and an address decoder including MOS-based circuitry and bipolar logic circuitry. The address decoder is configured to accept a word comprising a plurality of bits and access the array of memory cells using the word. | 04-28-2016 |
20160118035 | ACTIVE CANCELLATION OF NOISE IN TEMPORAL BONE - A noise-canceling device includes a processing circuit configured to detect vibrational noise sound waves near a listener's ear using a vibration sensor, generate a vibrational noise-canceling signal, and control operation of a speaker to provide a desired sound signal and the vibrational noise-canceling signal to at least partially cancel the vibrational noise sound waves. | 04-28-2016 |
20160117264 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING DATA REMANENCE IN MEMORY - A system for preventing data remanence in memory is provided. The system includes a computing device, a memory chip coupled to the computing device and including memory, and a heater, the heater configured to prevent data remanence in a memory by providing heat to at least a portion of the memory. The memory includes a plurality of bits configured to electronically store data. | 04-28-2016 |
20160113815 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHROMATIC ABERRATION CORRECTION - A system for correcting chromatic aberrations in an eye includes a diagnostic system configured to provide aberration data regarding a degree of chromatic aberration within an eye; a laser system; and a processing circuit configured to determine a diffractive lens profile to be applied to corneal tissue of the eye based on the aberration data and a desired correction of the chromatic aberration within the eye; and control operation of the laser system to apply the diffractive lens profile to the corneal tissue. | 04-28-2016 |
20160111905 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHARGING ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES - An electronic device for use in charging a battery includes a housing, a display device coupled to the housing, and a control circuit disposed within the housing. The control circuit is configured to determine a plurality of different options for charging a battery, including determining a predicted impact on the overall life of the battery for each of the plurality of options, display the plurality of options for charging the battery on the display device, each of the plurality of options including an indication of the predicted impact on the overall life of the battery, receive a user input identifying a user selection of one of the plurality of options, and charge the battery in accordance with the selected option. | 04-21-2016 |
20160110006 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACTIVELY RESISTING TOUCH-INDUCED MOTION - A system for actively resisting touch-induced motion includes a touchscreen device and a processing circuit. The touchscreen device includes one or more sensors configured to generate motion data based on a motion of a touchscreen display of the touchscreen device, where the motion is induced by a touch on the display. The touchscreen device further includes one or more motion control devices configured to apply a force to the display. The processing circuit is configured to determine, based on the motion data, a force to counteract the motion. The processing circuit is further configured to cause the motion control devices to apply a force to the display to counteract the motion of the display. | 04-21-2016 |
20160109972 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACTIVELY RESISTING TOUCH-INDUCED MOTION - A system for actively resisting touch-induced motion includes a touchscreen device and a processing circuit. The touchscreen device includes one or more sensors configured to generate motion data based on a motion of a touchscreen display of the touchscreen device, where the motion is induced by a touch on the display. The touchscreen device further includes one or more motion control devices configured to apply a force to the display. The processing circuit is configured to determine, based on the motion data, a force to counteract the motion. The processing circuit is further configured to cause the motion control devices to apply a force to the display to counteract the motion of the display. | 04-21-2016 |
20160109569 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING SOIL CHARACTERISTICS - A soil detection and planting apparatus. The apparatus includes a vehicle and a controller coupled to the vehicle. The apparatus further includes a planting device coupled to the vehicle, the planting device configured to plant seeds or plants into a soil material. The apparatus includes a ground penetrating radar sensor coupled to the vehicle. The ground penetrating radar soil sensor is configured to scan the soil material up to a designated depth beneath a surface of the soil material, wherein the ground penetrating radar soil sensor is further configured to provide a sensor feedback signal to the controller with respect to an intrinsic characteristic of the soil material. The controller is configured to instruct placement of a seed or a plant into the soil material based on the feedback signal. | 04-21-2016 |
20160101013 | USING A 3D DISPLAY TO TRAIN A WEAK EYE - A method for treating a weak viewer-eye includes the steps of receiving eye-strength data indicative of an eye-strength of the weak viewer-eye and causing a 3D display system to vary, in accordance with the eye-strength of the weak viewer-eye, display characteristics of a perspective that the 3D display system displays. | 04-14-2016 |
20160100200 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING PERSONALIZED AUDIO CONTENT - A method for providing audio content to a user device in a movie theater includes the steps of personalizing the audio content for the user device based on an identifier and providing the personalized audio content to the user device. In some embodiments, the identifier is based on demographic information about the user. According to some embodiments, the personalized audio content accompanies additional content that is not provided by the user device. In some embodiments, the personalized audio content accompanies a movie. | 04-07-2016 |
20160100071 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SURFACE COVERING PREPARATION - A surface covering layout system includes a processing circuit configured to receive image data regarding one or more images associated with a surface to be covered with a surface covering, and generate a surface covering layout based on the image data, the surface covering layout providing an indication of a pattern of a plurality of covering members included in the surface covering. | 04-07-2016 |
20160094832 | UNAUTHORIZED VIEWER DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for detecting and responding to an intruding camera. The system includes an electronic media display device having a screen configured to display content, a sensor, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to obtain information from the sensor, analyze the information to determine a presence of a camera, and edit any displayed content in response to the presence of the camera. | 03-31-2016 |
20160090828 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RELEASING METHANE FROM CLATHRATES - A system for removing methane from subterranean clathrates includes an oxidant source, a feed pipe, a recovery pipe, and an ignition source. The feed pipe includes an inlet end in fluid communication with the oxidant source and an outlet end configured to be disposed within a subterranean deposit that includes a stored methane gas disposed within a clathrate hydrate. The recovery pipe includes a first end disposed within the subterranean deposit and a second end opposite the first end configured to engage a storage device. The ignition source is configured to trigger a combustion reaction to melt the clathrate hydrate to produce a released methane gas. A first portion of the released methane gas travels along a recovery flow path through the recovery pipe and a second portion of the released methane gas combusts with the oxidant in-situ to perpetuate the combustion reaction. | 03-31-2016 |
20160066514 | METHODS FOR MODULATING PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTIVITY - A method is provided for modulating transpiration in an organism that is capable of photosynthesis, where the method includes contacting the organism with a composition including an effective amount of an oxygen antagonist. Also provided is an apparatus for modulating transpiration in an organism that is capable of photosynthesis. | 03-10-2016 |
20160064205 | LIQUID FILAMENT FOR INCANDESCENT LIGHTS - A filament for a light bulb includes a tube and a filament material within the tube, wherein the filament material is configured to be in a liquid state while the light bulb is in use. | 03-03-2016 |
20160064031 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ATOMIC FILM DATA STORAGE - The present disclosure provides systems and methods associated with data storage using atomic films, such as graphene, boron nitride, or silicene. A platter assembly may include at least one platter that has one or more substantially planar surfaces. One or more layers of a monolayer atomic film, such as graphene, may be positioned on a planar surface. Data may be stored on the atomic film using one or more vacancies, dopants, defects, and/or functionalized groups (presence or lack thereof) to represent one of a plurality of states in a multi-state data representation model, such as a binary, a ternary, or another base N data storage model. A read module may detect the vacancies, dopants, and/or functionalized groups (or a topographical feature resulting therefrom) to read the data stored on the atomic film. | 03-03-2016 |
20160058914 | Gastrointestinal Device With Associated Microbe-Promoting Agents - A gastrointestinal device and methods of manufacturing said gastrointestinal device are described and include a flexible tubular structure including an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one microbe-promoting agent associated with at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface, the at least one microbe-promoting agent configured to promote attraction, colonization, and growth of at least one type of commensal microbe, and a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end and the distal end forming a flow conduit through the flexible tubular structure; and at least one anchor structure including one or more gastric wall-engaging components configured to engage a wall of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject. | 03-03-2016 |
20160058593 | Gastrointestinal Device With Associated Microbe-Promoting Agents - A gastrointestinal device and methods of manufacturing said gastrointestinal device are described and include a flexible tubular structure including a layered wall, the flexible tubular structure including at least one microbe-promoting agent encased in the layered wall, the microbe-promoting agent configured to promote at least one of attraction, colonization, and growth of at least one type of commensal microbe, and a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end and the distal end forming a flow conduit through the flexible tubular structure; and at least one anchor structure including one or more gastric wall-engaging components configured to engage a wall of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject. | 03-03-2016 |
20160058591 | Gastrointestinal Device with Associated Commensal Microbes - A gastrointestinal device and methods of manufacturing said gastrointestinal device are described and include a flexible tubular structure including an inner surface and an outer surface, a plurality of at least one type of commensal microbe associated with at least a portion of at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface, and a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end and the distal end forming a flow conduit through the flexible tubular structure; and at least one anchor structure including one or more gastric wall-engaging components configured to engage a wall of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject. | 03-03-2016 |
20160052126 | STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR APPARATUSES AND METHODS - Systems for cleaning a structure via a robot are described. The robot includes a body. The robot further includes a tool coupled to the body and configured to hold a structural maintenance tool. The robot includes a sensor coupled to the body. The robot includes a drive system configured to allow positioning of the body along the structure, including inverted positioning and vertical positioning. The robot further includes a communication interface coupled to the body. The robot includes a controller coupled to the body. The controller is in communication with the tool, the sensor, and the drive system. The controller is configured to receive an operating instruction through the communication interface. The controller is configured to autonomously position the body via the drive system and to perform a task with at least one of the tool and the sensor according to the operating instruction. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052027 | SURFACE CLEANING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE - Described embodiments include an unmanned aerial vehicle and a method. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes an airframe and a rotary wing system coupled with the airframe and configured to aerodynamically lift the vehicle in the air. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a flight controller configured to control a movement of the vehicle while airborne. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a cleansing controller configured to manage a removal of a surface contaminant from a selected portion of a surface of an external object using an airflow generated by the rotary wing system. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052026 | SURFACE CLEANING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE - Described embodiments include an unmanned aerial vehicle and a method. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes an airframe and a rotary wing system coupled with the airframe and configured to aerodynamically lift the vehicle in the air. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a flight controller configured to control a movement of the vehicle while airborne. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a cleansing controller configured to manage a removal of a surface contaminant from a selected portion of a surface of an external object using an airflow generated by the rotary wing system. | 02-25-2016 |
20160048264 | SELF-CLEANING SUBSTRATE - Provided is a self-cleaning substrate system. The system includes a substrate and a cleaner coupled to the substrate, wherein the cleaner includes at least one of an electrode, an ultrasound emitter, or a coronal wind generator. The system includes a circuit configured to determine a characteristic of the substrate. The system further includes a power source. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to the cleaner, the sensor, and the power source. The circuit provides a feedback signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the controller, and wherein the controller is coupled to the cleaner such that the cleaner can be controlled by the controller. | 02-18-2016 |
20160042939 | LOW PRESSURE LAMP USING NON-MERCURY MATERIALS - A mercury-free low-pressure lamp having a bulb is provided. The bulb includes a non-mercury emissive material. When the bulb is in a non-operational state, the emissive material condenses into a liquid or solid, and when the bulb is in an operational state the emissive material forms an emitter, the emitter in combination with one or more gases generate photons when excited by an electrical discharge. | 02-11-2016 |
20160034754 | AUTOGENERATING VIDEO FROM TEXT - A method of converting user-selected printed text to a synthesized image sequence is provided. The method includes capturing a first image of printed text and generating a model information associated with the text. | 02-04-2016 |
20150374231 | TIME-BASED UNOBTRUSIVE ACTIVE EYE INTERROGATION - Methods and systems for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The physiological parameter is determined from a signal sensed from the eye of a subject according to a schedule, under the control of a scheduling controller. | 12-31-2015 |
20150374161 | DRY STEAM OVENS - An oven includes a support structure configured to support a food item having multiple cooking sites, a steam nozzle configured to direct a jet of dry steam onto the food item, and a control system configured to determine a targeted subset of the cooking sites in response to a cooking requirement of the food item and configured to dynamically control movement of the support structure or the steam nozzle to direct the jet of dry steam onto the targeted subset of cooking sites in response to the cooking requirement of the food item. | 12-31-2015 |
20150347634 | AIR BLAST WAVE PROTECTION - A method of designing a wearable air blast wave energy protection device includes computer modeling at least two candidate reflective materials for a first human-protective and primarily reflective response to a specified incident air blast wave energy. The method includes selecting a layer of a first material from the at least two candidate reflective materials based at least partially on the computer modeling of the at least two candidate reflective materials. The method includes computer modeling at least two candidate attenuative materials for a second human-protective and primarily attenuative response to the specified incident air blast wave energy transmitted through the selected layer of the first material. The method includes selecting a layer of a second material from at least two candidate attenuative materials and electronically maintaining informational data corresponding to the selected layer of the first material and the selected layer of the second material. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345312 | DUAL ELEMENT TURBINE BLADE - A method of manufacturing a turbine blade includes providing a core element having a base portion, a tip portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the base portion and the tip portion. The intermediate portion has a non-uniform cross-section and is a high-strength fiber material. The method also includes surrounding the core element with a shell, the volume between the core element and the shell forming a void. | 12-03-2015 |
20150325276 | BIPOLAR LOGIC GATES ON MOS-BASED MEMORY CHIPS - A system for using selectable-delay bipolar logic circuitry within the address decoder of a MOS-based memory includes a MOS-based memory, which includes an array of a plurality of memory cells configured to store data; an address decoder including bipolar logic circuitry, where the address decoder is configured to accept a word including a plurality of bits and access the array of memory cells using the word; where the bipolar logic circuitry includes a plurality of bipolar transistor devices, where at least one bipolar transistor device has an adjustable gate bias and is configured to accept an input, wherein the gate bias is adjusted based on the input, where the gate bias determines a selectable gate delay. | 11-12-2015 |
20150324735 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR VERIFYING THAT ONE OR MORE END USER TRANSPORT DIRECTIVES DO NOT CONFLICT WITH ONE OR MORE PACKAGE DELIVERY DIRECTIVES - Computationally implemented methods and systems that are designed for receiving one or more package delivery directives that direct a transportation vehicle unit to deliver one or more packages; receiving one or more end user transport directives that direct the transportation vehicle unit to transport one or more end users; and verifying that the one or more end user transport directives do not conflict with the one or more package delivery directives such that transport of the one or more end users by the transportation vehicle unit in accordance with the one or more end user transport directives will not violate one or more package delivery obligations of the transportation vehicle unit to deliver the one or more packages in accordance with the one or more package delivery directives. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 11-12-2015 |
20150309974 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR LEXICAL CLASSIFICATION, GROUPING, AND ANALYSIS OF DOCUMENTS AND/OR DOCUMENT CORPORA - Computationally implemented methods and systems include selecting a target portion of a source document, presenting a representation of the target portion of the source document to a client, accepting input from the client that is configured to separate the target portion of the source document into a set of one or more designated lexical units, receiving association input from the client, said association input configured to associate at least one designated lexical unit with a further portion of the source document that is different than the target portion, and providing an output structure that represents the set of one or more designated lexical units. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 10-29-2015 |
20150309973 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR MACHINES AND MACHINE STATES THAT FACILITATE MODIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS BASED ON VARIOUS CORPORA AND/OR MODIFICATION DATA - Computationally implemented methods and systems include accepting a submission of a particular document that includes at least one particular lexical unit, facilitating acquisition of document modification data that includes data configured to be used to determine a modification to the particular document, and receiving an updated document in which at least a portion of at least one occurrence of the at least one particular lexical unit has been replaced with at least a portion of an acquired replacement lexical unit that is at least partly based on the document modification data. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 10-29-2015 |
20150304032 | MULTI-WAVELENGTH VISIBLE LIGHT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for transmitting data using light includes a plurality of light sources configured to transmit light at non-overlapping wavelengths, processing electronics, and a diffuser configured to diffuse the transmission of light. The processing electronics assign the plurality of light sources to a plurality of channels, accept a data stream, allocate the data stream to the channels, and modulate a transmission of the light using the allocated data stream, where the allocated data used to modulate a first light source of the plurality of light sources is separate from the allocated data used to modulate a second light source of the plurality of light sources. | 10-22-2015 |
20150276928 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A SURFACE SCATTERING ANTENNA ARRAY - An array of scattering and/or reflector antennas are configured to produce a series of beam patterns, where in some embodiments the scattering antenna and/or the reflector antenna includes complementary metamaterial elements. In some embodiments circuitry may be configured to set a series of conditions corresponding to the array to produce the series of beam patterns, and to produce an image of an object that is illuminated by the series of beam patterns. | 10-01-2015 |
20150269746 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SURFACE COVERING PREPARATION - A surface covering layout system includes a processing circuit configured to receive image data regarding one or more images associated with a surface to be covered with a surface covering, and generate a surface covering layout based on the image data, the surface covering layout providing an indication of a pattern of a plurality of covering members included in the surface covering. | 09-24-2015 |
20150264452 | COMPUTATIONAL METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REPORTING INFORMATION REGARDING APPURTENANCES TO WOUND DRESSINGS - Computational systems and methods for reporting information regarding appurtenances to wound dressings are described. A system can include an appurtenance to a wound dressing, including a substrate, a transmission unit, a selectively activated switch, and a projection of a size and shape to extend into an interior region of a wound dressing and configured to sample a fluid associated with a wound; a local unit, including a receiver configured to receive signals from the transmission unit, a transmitter configured to send signals to the transmission unit, a processor, non-volatile memory, and a power source; and a central assembly, including a processor, a receiver configured to receive signals from the local unit, and at least one user interface. | 09-17-2015 |
20150257306 | MICROCHANNEL HEAT TRANSFER WITH LIQUID METALS - A apparatus for controlling heat transfer between portions of a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate including at least part of a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit including a plurality of microconduits, the plurality of microconduits including a first microconduit and a second microconduit. The apparatus further includes a liquid metal flowing through the hydraulic circuit and a magnetic field configured to selectively direct the flow of the liquid metal between the plurality of microconduits. The flow of the liquid metal through the hydraulic circuit transfers heat between a first portion of the substrate and the liquid metal. | 09-10-2015 |
20150252950 | UNDERWATER OIL PIPELINE HEATING SYSTEMS - A system for reducing buildup of solids in pipes used in underwater oil operations is disclosed. The system includes an annular pipe having an inner pipe wall and an outer pipe wall. The inner pipe wall defines an inner pipe configured to transport an oil. The outer pipe wall is displaced from the inner pipe wall. The outer pipe wall defines an outer pipe between the outer pipe wall and the inner pipe wall. The system includes an oxidizer delivery pipe having an oxidizer delivery outlet. The oxidizer delivery pipe is configured to supply an oxidizer to the outer pipe. The system further includes a fuel delivery pipe having a fuel delivery outlet. The fuel delivery pipe is configured to supply a fuel to the outer pipe. The oxidizer and the fuel release thermal energy in an exothermic reaction. | 09-10-2015 |
20150250435 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR LOWERING DENTAL X-RAY DOSAGE INCLUDING FEEDBACK SENSORS - Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, an intra-oral x-ray imaging system configured to reduce patient exposure to x-rays, reduce amount of scatter, transmission, or re-radiation during imaging, or improve x-ray image quality. In an embodiment, an intra-oral x-ray imaging system includes an intra-oral x-ray sensor configured to communicate intra-oral x-ray sensor position information or intra-oral x-ray sensor orientation information to a remote x-ray source. | 09-10-2015 |
20150249781 | MOBILE DEVICE FOR REQUESTING THE CAPTURE OF AN IMAGE - A system for capturing an image of a user includes a mobile device for requesting capture of the image of the user and a camera. The mobile device further includes a communications device, a user input device, and a processing circuit configured to broadcast a request formatted to cause one or more cameras to capture an image using the communications device and in response to an input received via the user input device. The camera is configured to receive a broadcasted request, determine the location of the user, and capture an image of the user. | 09-03-2015 |
20150244873 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING SOUND DURING AN IN-BUILDING EMERGENCY - A system for monitoring a building having one or more microphones coupled to a telephone includes a detector configured to detect a triggering event within the building and transmit an activating signal when the triggering event is detected, and a control module configured to receive the activating signal from the detector. The control module is programmed to activate at least one of the one or more microphones to monitor sound when the activating signal is received. | 08-27-2015 |
20150243468 | APPLICATIONS OF GRAPHENE GRIDS IN VACUUM ELECTRONICS - Graphene grids are configured for applications in vacuum electronic devices. A multilayer graphene grid is configured as a filter for electrons in a specific energy range, in a field emission device or other vacuum electronic device. A graphene grid can be deformable responsive to an input to vary electric fields proximate to the grid. A mesh can be configured to support a graphene grid. | 08-27-2015 |
20150233070 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEICING - A deicing method includes the steps of determining a necessary quantity of heat to substantially vaporize an interfacial layer between a solid surface and a layer of ice and applying pulsed heating at the interfacial layer. The pulsed heating is applied with the determined necessary quantity of heat to substantially vaporize the interfacial layer. | 08-20-2015 |
20150222886 | CONTROLLABLE LENTICULAR LENSLETS - An autostereoscopic 3D display system includes a display having a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel is configured to display light rays representing a left-eye view and a right-eye view of an image. The autostereoscopic 3D display system further includes an optical-deflection system configured to control the light rays representing the left-eye view and the right-eye view. The optical-deflection system includes a separately controllable lenslet associated with each pixel, where the lenslet is configured to steer the light ray representing the left-eye view corresponding to the pixel, and steer the light ray representing the right-eye view corresponding to the pixel. | 08-06-2015 |
20150222075 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PUMPING OF AN OPTICAL RESONATOR - A method of pumping an optical resonator includes directing light generated by a pumping light at the optical resonator, exciting a propagating surface state of the optical resonator at an interface of the optical resonator, and changing a propagating frequency of the light proximate the interface, where the changed frequency corresponds to a propagation frequency of the surface state. The optical resonator includes a photonic crystal and a material, where the interface is formed between the photonic crystal and the material. | 08-06-2015 |
20150220803 | AUTOGENERATING VIDEO FROM TEXT - A method of converting user-selected printed text to a synthesized image sequence is provided. The method includes capturing a first image of printed text and generating a model information associated with the text. | 08-06-2015 |
20150214740 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLED STARTUP OF ELECTRICAL DEVICES LOADING A POWER LINE - An electrical system having a plurality of devices is supplied with power by a common power supply line. One of the devices has a circuit that slows or delays device startup or activation in response to a signal indicative of power demand, draw or use by another of the plurality of devices supplied with power by the common power supply line. | 07-30-2015 |
20150211791 | VACUUM ASSISTED DRYER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Dryers and methods of using dryers are described herein. The dryer includes a housing, a drying chamber disposed within the housing, and a heating element. The dryer further includes an intake configured to supply intake air to the drying chamber. The dryer includes an exhaust configured to vent exhaust air out of the drying chamber. The dryer includes a pump coupled to the housing. The dryer further includes an energy recovery system coupled to the housing. The pump is configured to reduce the air pressure within the drying chamber. The energy recovery system includes a heat transfer fluid and is configured to use the heat transfer fluid to transfer thermal energy from the exhaust air to the drying chamber. | 07-30-2015 |
20150208961 | DORMANT TO ACTIVE APPURTENANCES FOR REPORTING INFORMATION REGARDING WOUND DRESSINGS - Appurtenances to wound dressings can include: a substrate configured to attach to a wound dressing; a fluid-activated voltaic cell attached to the substrate; a transmission unit attached to a surface of the substrate, the transmission unit including circuitry and at least one antenna, the transmission unit configured to transmit a signal in response to current generated by the fluid-activated voltaic cell; and a projection operably attached to the fluid-activated voltaic cell, the projection of a size and shape to extend into an interior region of the wound dressing and configured to sample a fluid within the interior region of the wound dressing. | 07-30-2015 |
20150204998 | SECURITY SCANNING DEVICE - A method of searching for a threat includes determining a characteristic of a target, determining an allowable dosage based on the characteristic, determining a parameter of a scanning beam based on the allowable dosage with a processing circuit, transmitting the scanning beam toward the target with a scanner, and creating a representation of the target with the processing circuit. | 07-23-2015 |
20150204681 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING A CONTOUR OF A VEHICLE BASED ON A PROTRUSION - A system for informing a navigation system of a vehicle of a protrusion includes a sensor and a processing circuit. The sensor is configured to generate sensor data based on a position of cargo. The processing circuit is configured to determine a contour of the vehicle, detect protruding cargo extending outside the contour of the vehicle, where detecting the protruding cargo is based on the sensor data and the contour, and notify the navigation system of the vehicle of the protruding cargo. | 07-23-2015 |
20150204006 | ENERGY EFFICIENT DRYER SYSTEMS - A dryer including a housing, a drying chamber disposed within the housing, and a heating element coupled to the housing. The dryer further includes an intake configured to supply intake air to the drying chamber and an exhaust vent configured to vent exhaust air out of the drying chamber. The intake, the drying chamber, and the exhaust vent define an air flow path from the intake through the drying chamber and out the exhaust vent. The dryer includes a heat exchanger and a heat pump having a condenser. The heat exchanger and the heat pump are each configured to absorb thermal energy from the exhaust air and transfer the thermal energy to the intake air. The air flow path is configured such that the intake air is heated directly or indirectly by the heat exchanger prior to the intake air being further heated directly or indirectly by the condenser. The air flow path is configured such that the intake air is further heated directly or indirectly by the condenser prior to the intake air entering the drying chamber. | 07-23-2015 |
20150201566 | HARVESTING AND GRAFTING OF TREES - A tree harvester includes a body and a harvesting system coupled to the body. The tree harvester further includes a control system coupled to the body. The control system is configured to receive data from the harvesting system regarding a characteristic of a harvested tree and control operation of the harvesting system based on the data. The harvesting system is configured to remove an intermediate portion of the harvested tree below a tree crown and graft the tree crown to a tree stump. | 07-23-2015 |
20150199992 | TOPOGRAPHIC FEEDFORWARD SYSTEM - A control mechanism may control the height and/or position of a read/write head configured to interact with a rotating information storage surface. A computation unit may compute a detected topography from gap measurements using a dynamic filter including a model of read/write head dynamics. A sensor may detect gap measurements of a side read/write track while the read/write head is interacting with a current read/write track. A memory may store the detected topography. The control mechanism may adjust the height of the read/write head based on the detected and/or stored topography. The control mechanism may be a reactionless control mechanism configured to apply a counterforce to offset movements of the read/write head and/or a slider. | 07-16-2015 |
20150197905 | BIOMASS STORAGE SYSTEM - An apparatus for forming a water storage material from a biomass input material using supercritical or subcritical fluid processing, the water storage material capable of absorbing a liquid and releasing the liquid. The apparatus utilizes supercritical fluid processing, subcritical fluid processing, charring, or a combination thereof. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control the apparatus. The apparatus further including a processing station configured to hold the biomass input material, and to use the biomass input material for processing into the water storage material. | 07-16-2015 |
20150156626 | MOBILE DEVICE THAT ACTIVATES UPON REMOVAL FROM STORAGE - A mobile device includes a motion sensor configured to acquire motion data, a light sensor configured to detect an ambient light level and generate light data, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive the motion data from the motion sensor, receive the light data from the light sensor, analyze the motion data to determine displacement data corresponding to a displacement of the mobile device, analyze the light data to detect a light transition, and analyze the displacement data and the light transition to determine whether to initiate an action. | 06-04-2015 |
20150141086 | CUSTOMIZED HARDWARE SELECTION FOR A MOBILE PHONE - A mobile device includes a shell; a first replaceable hardware component received within the shell; and a second replaceable hardware component received within the shell, the second replaceable hardware component configured to receive a wireless power signal from a remote device and convert the power signal into electrical energy usable by the mobile device. | 05-21-2015 |
20150130919 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REGISTERING ADVERTISEMENT VIEWING - An apparatus for identifying active access, by a viewer, of a source containing an advertisement includes a video capture device for recording user interaction in an area and a video processor electrically coupled to the video capture device. The video processor is configured to analyze the video obtained by the video capture device. The video process analysis includes identification of active access, by the viewer, of the source containing the advertisement. The source is electrically decoupled from the video capture device. | 05-14-2015 |
20150123756 | ELECTRICAL DEVICE WITH EMERGENCY COOLING SYSTEM - An electrical device includes a winding including an interior portion and an exterior surface, a primary cooling system for cooling the exterior surface of the winding, a secondary cooling system for cooling the interior portion of the winding, and a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the primary cooling system and the secondary cooling system. | 05-07-2015 |
20150122364 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PIPELINE DEVICE PROPULSION - A method for sealing a leak in a pipeline used to transport fluid includes positioning a sealing device within the pipeline, moving the sealing device through the pipeline to a leak location, and internally generating an inflation pressure to inflate the sealing device to substantially cover a leak opening and limit release of the fluid from the pipeline. | 05-07-2015 |
20150113665 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING DATA REMANENCE IN MEMORY - A system for preventing data remanence in memory is provided. The system includes a computing device, a memory chip coupled to the computing device and including memory, and a heater, the heater configured to prevent data remanence in a memory by providing heat to at least a portion of the memory. The memory includes a plurality of bits configured to electronically store data. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112729 | GENERATING A DESCRIPTION OF, AND AN OFFER TO TRANSFER OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO ACQUIRE, AN ASSET THAT INCLUDES AT LEAST ONE COVERAGE DENIAL CONTRACT - An embodiment of a method includes generating a description of an asset that includes at least one coverage-denial contract, and generating an offer to transfer, or a solicitation of an offer to acquire, the asset. The asset may also include one or more instruments other than the at least one coverage-denial contract. Such an embodiment may allow a party to a coverage-denial contract to diversify its risk, or to recoup at least a portion of the fee it paid under the contract. An example of a coverage-denial contract includes a party paying a fee (e.g., an insurance premium) for another party to take an action (e.g., pay money to, or on behalf of, the party) if an insurer under another contract denies coverage for treating an insured under the other contract. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112728 | MANAGING A RISK OF A LIABILITY THAT IS INCURRED IF ONE OR MORE INSURERS DENIES COVERAGE FOR TREATING ONE OR MORE INSURED FOR ONE OR MORE CONDITIONS - An embodiment of a risk-management method includes determining a risk that one or more insurers will deny coverage for treating one or more insured for one or more conditions, and calculating, in response to a determined risk, a fee for taking a respective action for each instance of at least one of the one or more insurers denying coverage for treating at least one of the one or more insured. Such an embodiment may aid in managing a risk of a liability that may be incurred if one or more insurers under one or more medical insurance policies deny coverage for treating one or more insured under the one or more polices. An example of such liability includes money owing to one or more physicians or other treatment providers that treated the one or more insured (or, from a treatment provider's perspective, the inability to collect such money owing). | 04-23-2015 |
20150112727 | MANAGING A RISK OF A LIABILITY THAT IS INCURRED IF AN INSURER DENIES COVERAGE FOR TREATING AN INSURED FOR A CONDITION - An embodiment of a risk-management method includes determining a risk that an insurer will deny coverage for treating an insured for a condition, and calculating, in response to a determined risk, a fee for taking an action if the insurer denies coverage for treating the insured. Such an embodiment may aid in managing a risk of a liability that may be incurred if an insurer under a medical insurance policy denies coverage for treating an insured under the policy. Examples of such liability include money owing to a physician or other provider that treated the insured, interest on the money owing, late fees and other penalties, and a downgrading of the credit of the insured or of a party financially responsible for the insured. | 04-23-2015 |
20150109148 | Pedestrian Warning System - A pedestrian warning system detects vehicle-mounted radar or lidar systems (generally, but not necessarily, provided for avoiding collisions with other vehicles) and alerts the pedestrian of a potential collision. | 04-23-2015 |
20150106195 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR HANDLING INSERTED DATA INTO CAPTURED IMAGES - Computationally implemented methods and systems include acquiring a captured image, wherein the captured image depicts at least one entity, performing a comparison between an estimated potential revenue generated from a distribution of the captured image and an estimated potential liability incurred for the distribution of the captured image, and modifying the captured image by placing at least one advertisement image at a particular location of the captured image. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 04-16-2015 |
20150104006 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR HANDLING IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICES AND CAPTURED IMAGES - Computationally implemented methods and systems include acquiring an encrypted image that is a captured image that has been encrypted through use of a particular device code associated with an image capture device that captured the captured image, wherein the captured image includes a representation of a feature of an entity, decrypting the acquired encrypted image that was encrypted through use of the particular device code, and performing a validation detection operation to detect a privacy beacon associated with the entity in the decrypted captured image. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 04-16-2015 |
20150095115 | USER INTERFACE TO EMPLOYMENT RELATED INFORMATION CENTER ASSOCIATED WITH COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIRELESS ELECTRIC VEHICLE ELECTRICAL ENERGY TRANSFER - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically presenting user interface content outputted by code operated by one or more computer operating systems, the user interface content presented on one or more electronic user interface outputs and related at least in part to employment information associated with one or more employees as being involved with one or more electric vehicles and related at least in part to wireless transfer of electrical energy to the one or more electric vehicles. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 04-02-2015 |
20150094888 | Communication and Control System and Method Regarding Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment for Wireless Electric Vehicle Electrical Energy Transfer - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically accessing energy impartation information regarding imparting of wireless electrical energy from one or more wireless electrical energy imparting stations to an electric vehicle, the energy impartation information including aspects regarding evidence of intended activity of one or more users of the electric vehicle, the electric vehicle configured for travel by electromotive force through electrical energy wirelessly received from the one or more wireless electrical energy imparting stations and stored by the electric vehicle; and electronically determining operational direction information for wirelessly imparting electrical energy from the one or more wireless electrical energy imparting stations to the electric vehicle based at least in part upon the energy impartation information. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 04-02-2015 |
20150094046 | MOBILE DEVICE SHARING FACILITATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS OPERABLE IN NETWORK EQUIPMENT - Structures and protocols are presented for using or otherwise relating to a first mobile device (a smartphone or tablet computer or wearable device, e.g.) configured to be shared by two or more parties such that a subset of the parties may be addressed selectively (in content directed to such parties, e.g.) in a cost-effective manner. | 04-02-2015 |
20150094040 | MOBILE DEVICE SHARING FACILITATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Structures and protocols are presented for using or otherwise relating to a first mobile device (a smartphone or tablet computer or wearable device, e.g.) configured to be shared by two or more parties such that a subset of the parties may be addressed selectively (in content directed to such parties, e.g.) in a cost-effective manner. | 04-02-2015 |
20150090270 | Device and Method for Detection and Treatment of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in a Mammalian Subject - Devices and methods are disclosed herein for preventing or treating ventilator associated pneumonia in a mammalian subject. The device includes an endotracheal tube having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and one or more closed cell layers in contact with the exterior surface and circumferentially surrounding one or more longitudinal portion of the endotracheal tube, wherein the closed cell layer is flexibly shaped to reversibly form a seal in a trachea of a mammalian subject. | 04-02-2015 |
20150090263 | Device and Method for Detection and Treatment of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in a Mammalian Subject - Devices and methods are disclosed herein for preventing or treating ventilator associated pneumonia in a mammalian subject. The device includes an endotracheal tube having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a sealant composition in contact with the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube; and a temperature control element in contact with the endotracheal tube configured to heat or cool the sealant composition to a level required to reversibly convert the sealant composition from a solid sealant composition to a flowable sealant composition. | 04-02-2015 |
20150084289 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS INCLUDING A STAND-UP WHEEL CHAIR HAVING AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL - Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, a stand-up wheel chair having automatic stability control. | 03-26-2015 |
20150075282 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING OVERHEAD LINE MOTION - A system for monitoring motion of an overhead line includes a monitoring device. The monitoring device includes an accelerometer and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to accept data from the accelerometer corresponding to line movement, analyze the data to determine displacement data corresponding to a displacement of the overhead line, accept data corresponding to a location of at least one external object proximate to the overhead line, and analyze the displacement data to determine a clearance from the at least one external object. | 03-19-2015 |
20150072068 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING CONCRETE STRUCTURES - The embodiments disclosed herein relate to construction systems, assemblies, and methods. The construction systems can include concrete dispensing assemblies. The concrete dispensing assemblies can be configured to dispense a plurality of discrete units. The concrete dispensing assemblies can also be configured to simultaneously dispense two or more concrete mixtures. One or more dispensing parameter may be controllable, for example, by a computer control system. Additives and/or curing agents may also be used. Exemplary curing agents include carbon dioxide containing materials. | 03-12-2015 |
20150070652 | UNOBTRUSIVE ACTIVE EYE INTERROGATION - Methods and systems for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The physiological parameter is determined from a signal sensed from the eye of a subject when the eye of the subject is properly aligned with regard to an interrogation signal source and/or response signal sensor. | 03-12-2015 |
20150061491 | LOW PRESSURE LAMP USING NON-MERCURY MATERIALS - A mercury-free low-pressure lamp having a bulb is provided. The bulb includes an emissive material and one or more phosphors. The emissive material includes at least one of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, wherein when the bulb is in a non-operational state, the emissive material condenses into a liquid or solid, and when the bulb is in an operational state the emissive material forms an emitter, the emitter in combination with one or more gases generate photons when excited by an electrical discharge. The one or more phosphors are configured to convert at least a portion of the photons to other visible wavelengths. | 03-05-2015 |
20150058543 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING DATA STORED ON A REMOVABLE DATA STORAGE DEVICE - A system for protecting data stored in a removable data storage device includes a personal electronic device, a removable solid state data storage device operatively coupled to the personal electronic device, and a circuit configured to protect data stored in the data storage device in response to detecting impending removal of the data storage device from the personal electronic device. | 02-26-2015 |
20150053481 | KINETIC PENETRATOR WITH A RETRIEVAL TETHER - A retrievable kinetic penetrator includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end, a nose coupled to the first end of the tubular body, and a retrieval system. The nose is configured to penetrate a ground surface and subsurface materials of a subterranean ground volume. The retrieval system includes a tether coupled to the tubular body and is configured to facilitate recovery of the tubular body from the subterranean ground volume. | 02-26-2015 |
20150039486 | GENERATING A DESCRIPTION OF, AND AN OFFER TO TRANSFER OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO ACQUIRE, AN ASSET THAT INCLUDES AT LEAST ONE RETREATMENT CONTRACT - An embodiment of a method includes generating a description of an asset that includes at least one retreatment contract, and generating an offer to transfer, or a solicitation of an offer to acquire, the asset. The asset may also include one or more instruments other than the at least one retreatment contract. Such an embodiment may allow a party to a retreatment contract to diversify its risk, or to recoup at least a portion of the fee it paid under the contract. An example of a retreatment contract includes a party paying a fee (e.g., an insurance premium) for another party to take an action (e.g., pay money to the party) if a subject treated for a condition is retreated for the condition, for a complication arising from the treatment of the condition, or for another reason, within a specified time period. | 02-05-2015 |
20150039337 | MANAGING A RISK OF A LIABILITY THAT IS INCURRED IF ONE OR MORE SUBJECTS EACH TREATED FOR A RESPECTIVE CONDITION ARE RETREATED WITHIN A RESPECTIVE SPECIFIED TIME PERIOD - An embodiment of a risk-management method includes determining a risk that one or more subjects each treated for a respective condition by a respective provider will be retreated within a respective retreatment time period, and calculating, in response to a determined risk, a fee for taking a respective action for each of the one or more subjects that is retreated within the respective retreatment time period. For example, such an embodiment may aid in managing a risk of a liability that may be incurred if one or more subjects each treated for a respective condition is retreated for the respective condition, for a complication arising from the respective condition or the treatment of the respective condition, or for another reason, within a respective specified retreatment time period. | 02-05-2015 |
20150039324 | MANAGING A RISK OF A LIABILITY THAT IS INCURRED IF A SUBJECT TREATED FOR A CONDITION IS RETREATED WITHIN A SPECIFIED TIME PERIOD - An embodiment of a risk-management method includes determining a risk that a subject treated for a condition will be retreated within a time period, and calculating, in response to a determined risk, a fee for taking an action if the subject is retreated within the time period. For example, such an embodiment may aid in managing a risk of a liability that may be incurred if a subject treated for a condition is retreated for the condition, for a complication arising from the condition or from the treatment of the condition, or for another reason, within a specified retreatment time period. | 02-05-2015 |
20150031298 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECEIVING GESTURE INDICATIVE DATA AT A LIMB WEARABLE COMPUTING DEVICE - Computationally implemented methods and systems include soliciting to provide to a limb wearable computing device from one or more functional devices that are within the communication range of the limb wearable computing device gesture indicative data that is indicative of one or more user gestures, the communication range being a spatial volume that includes the limb wearable computing device and being externally defined by an enveloping boundary, where low-power signals transmitted by the limb wearable computing device being discernible over background noise within the enveloping boundary and not discernible over background noise outside the enveloping boundary, the limb wearable computing device being designed to be worn around a limb of a user; and facilitating the limb wearable computing device to receive the gesture indicative data from the one or more functional devices. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 01-29-2015 |
20150031294 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ONE OR MORE FUNCTIONALITIES TO A WEARABLE COMPUTING DEVICE WITH DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA - Computationally implemented methods and systems include receiving one or more signals through a directional antenna of a wearable computing device, the one or more signals having been transmitted by one or more electronic devices; determining that the one or more electronic devices are within a spatial pod surrounding the wearable computing device based, at least in part, on the one or more signals received by the wearable computing device; and obtaining at least access to one or more functionalities from the one or more electronic devices that were determined to be within the spatial pod of the wearable computing device. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 01-29-2015 |
20150031291 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ONE OR MORE FUNCTIONALITIES TO A WEARABLE COMPUTING DEVICE - Computationally implemented methods and systems include detecting presence of one or more electronic devices near a wearable computing device, the wearable computing device being a computing device designed to be worn by a user; determining which of the one or more electronic devices that are detected as being near the wearable computing device are at least designed to provide one or more specific functionalities that are being sought by the wearable computing device; and acquiring, by the wearable computing device based at least, in part, on said detecting and said determining, one or more specific functionalities that are available through at least one electronic device that was detected as being near the wearable computing device and that was determined to provide the one or more specific functionalities. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 01-29-2015 |
20150029050 | WEARABLE RADAR REFLECTORS - A wearable radar reflector includes a retroreflector configured to reflect radiation received from a vehicle, and incorporated into a garment worn by a pedestrian. | 01-29-2015 |
20150014057 | MINING DRILL WITH GRADIENT SENSING - A drill for excavating a bore in the earth includes a steerable boring tool configured to excavate a bore and sensors coupled to the boring tool. The sensors are spaced apart from one another at multiple azimuthal locations around the steerable boring tool and the sensors are configured to detect a mineral property in the earth adjacent the steerable boring tool. | 01-15-2015 |
20140376156 | GRAPHENE MOUNTED ON AEROGEL - An apparatus having reduced phononic coupling between a graphene monolayer and a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes an aerogel substrate and a monolayer of graphene coupled to the aerogel substrate. | 12-25-2014 |
20140375065 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING ENERGY - An energy storage apparatus for storing energy transmitted by a power transmission line includes an elastically deformable component and an actuator-generator. The actuator-generator is coupled to the elastically deformable component such that electrical actuation of the actuator-generator generates tension in the elastically deformable component. The actuator-generator is further coupled to the elastically deformable component such that mechanical actuation of the actuator-generator via a release of tension in the elastically deformable component causes a generation of electrical energy by the actuator-generator. | 12-25-2014 |
20140365084 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING SOIL CHARACTERISTICS - A soil detection and planting apparatus. The apparatus includes a vehicle and a controller coupled to the vehicle. The apparatus further includes a planting device coupled to the vehicle, the planting device configured to plant seeds or plants into a soil material. The apparatus includes a ground penetrating radar sensor coupled to the vehicle. The ground penetrating radar soil sensor is configured to scan the soil material up to a designated depth beneath a surface of the soil material, wherein the ground penetrating radar soil sensor is further configured to provide a sensor feedback signal to the controller with respect to an intrinsic characteristic of the soil material. The controller is configured to instruct placement of a seed or a plant into the soil material based on the feedback signal. | 12-11-2014 |
20140361080 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, ADMIXTURES, AND METHODS INCLUDING TRANSPONDERS FOR INDICATION OF FOOD ATTRIBUTES - Systems, devices, admixtures, and methods are described including transponder devices (e.g., a palatable transponder, an edible transponder, a palatable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an edible RFID tag, etc.) for admixing with a food product. | 12-11-2014 |
20140336561 | NEEDLELESS INJECTOR SYSTEMS, AND RELATED METHODS AND COMPONENTS - Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for protecting needleless injector units from one or more contaminants. In an embodiment, a needleless injector system includes a needleless injector unit and an auxiliary unit. The needleless injector unit has a nozzle portion and a supply of one or more substances for injection. The needleless injector unit is configured to inject the one or more substances from the nozzle portion through a skin surface of a subject. The auxiliary unit is coupleable to the needleless injector unit. The auxiliary unit includes a source of one or more protectants and is configured to emit the one or more protectants in a region between the nozzle portion of the needleless injector unit and the skin surface of the subject. | 11-13-2014 |
20140334289 | Dynamic Point to Point Mobile Network Including Intermediate Device Aspects System and Method - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically receiving one or more communication network relay related transmissions at least in part associated with one or more first portions of mobile operating system operated intermediate electronic communication device functionality related at least in part to communication network relay functionality of a mobile operating system operated intermediate electronic communication device as one or more standby communication network relays upon activation thereof for use by one or more origination electronic communication devices to communicate at least in part with one or more destination electronic communication devices, the mobile operating system operated intermediate electronic communication device functionality including second portions related at least in part to mobile electronic communication device functionality. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 11-13-2014 |
20140333744 | System and Method for Monitoring Potential Spread of an Infectious Agent in an Environment - A system and a method are disclosed herein for monitoring potential spread of an infectious agent in an environment. A method is disclosed that includes providing a detectable marker/tracer for emplacement on one or more body regions of a subject at a time when the subject is entering the environment; identifying a unique tag/identifier associating the detectable marker/tracer with the subject; observing with a camera the marker/tracer in the environment; and detecting a transfer of the marker/tracer from the one or more body regions of the subject to one or more surfaces of the environment. | 11-13-2014 |
20140327324 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVAL OF HARMONIC NOISE - An apparatus for removing harmonic noise from a power transmission line transmitting electricity at a primary frequency includes a filter and a controller coupled to the sensor and to an actuator-generator. The filter separates electricity at a harmonic of a primary frequency from the electrical signal transmitted by the power transmission line. The controller is configured to modulate consumption of electricity from the power transmission line. The consumption is controlled by electrical actuation of the actuator-generator, such that the electrical actuation of the actuator-generator causes consumption of electricity from the power transmission line at a harmonic of the primary frequency. The actuator-generator is coupled to an elastically deformable component, such that electrical actuation of the actuator-generator generates tension in the elastically deformable component. | 11-06-2014 |
20140298928 | WOUND DRESSING MONITORING SYSTEMS INCLUDING APPURTENANCES FOR WOUND DRESSINGS - Appurtenances to a wound dressing and systems for monitoring wound dressings are described. In some embodiments, a system for monitoring a wound dressing includes: an appurtenance to a wound dressing, wherein the appurtenance includes a sensor unit, an electronic identifier, and a transmitter unit operably attached to the sensor unit and to the electronic identifier; and a local unit including a receiver for the transmitter unit, a processor operably attached to the receiver, and a communication unit operably attached to the processor. | 10-09-2014 |
20140279458 | DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTING MULTIPLE DISCRETE DEVICES - Computationally implemented methods and systems include acquiring a request to carry out at least one particular transaction with a set of two or more client devices configured to carry out the particular transaction, adapting at least one vendor payment channel of a vendor payment channel set for use with a first client payment channel acquired from a first device of the set of two or more client devices, to facilitate at least a portion of a particular transaction with the first device, wherein the first client payment channel is absent from the vendor payment channel set, and adapting at least one vendor payment channel of the vendor payment channel set for use with a second client payment channel acquired from a second device of the set of two or more client devices, to facilitate at least a portion of a further transaction with the second device, wherein the second client payment channel is different than the first client payment channel. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279430 | DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTING MULTIPLE DISCRETE DEVICES - Computationally implemented methods and systems include acquiring a request to carry out at least one particular transaction with a set of two or more client devices configured to carry out the particular transaction, adapting at least one vendor payment channel of a vendor payment channel set for use with a first client payment channel acquired from a first device of the set of two or more client devices, to facilitate at least a portion of a particular transaction with the first device, wherein the first client payment channel is absent from the vendor payment channel set, and adapting at least one vendor payment channel of the vendor payment channel set for use with a second client payment channel acquired from a second device of the set of two or more client devices, to facilitate at least a portion of a further transaction with the second device, wherein the second client payment channel is different than the first client payment channel. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277252 | SLEEP-APNEA-TREATMENT SYSTEM THAT CHANGES THE TREATMENT PRESSURE OVER A PERIOD THAT BEGINS OR ENDS AT A SETTABLE TIME - A system includes an apparatus and a controller, according to an embodiment. The apparatus is configured to maintain an airway of a subject open while the subject is sleeping by applying to the airway a pressure having a magnitude, and the controller is configured to cause the apparatus to change the magnitude of the pressure over a period that begins at a settable start time. For example, the system can be configured to treat a subject's sleep apnea with positive or negative pressure, and to function as an alarm clock by beginning to change the pressure magnitude at a settable start time, and to continue changing the pressure over a period with a settable duration (or settable stop time) to gently awaken the subject by the end of the period. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276252 | TREATING SLEEP APNEA WITH NEGATIVE PRESSURE - An embodiment of a system for treating sleep apnea includes a collar, a pump, and a motor. The collar has a vacuum surface and has a sealing surface that is configured to form a seal with a region of a neck of a subject having an airway. The pump is secured to the collar, and is configured to maintain the airway open by drawing a vacuum between the vacuum surface of the collar and a region of a throat of the subject. And the motor is secured to the collar and is configured to drive the pump. As compared to existing systems (e.g., a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) system) for treating sleep apnea, the above-described system may be more portable, more comfortable, may be less likely to require adjustment while a subject using the system is asleep, and, therefore, may be less likely to awaken the subject. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276174 | CORRELATING A CONDITION OF A SUBJECT WITH A DEGREE OF SLEEP APNEA BEING EXPERIENCED BY THE SUBJECT - A system can perform the following procedure as part of a plan to treat sleep apnea, according to an embodiment. The system monitors a degree to which an airway of a subject is open, and monitors a condition that is related to the degree to which the airway is open. The system also correlates the condition to the degree to which the airway is open, and generates a data structure that represents the correlation between the condition and the degree to which the airway is open. This system can allow a sleep-apnea-treatment system to operate in a closed-loop mode, i.e., to monitor a level of sleep apnea in a subject by monitoring the correlated condition, and to treat the subject in a manner that the treatment system deems appropriate for the level of sleep apnea that the treatment system determines that the subject is experiencing. | 09-18-2014 |
20140273924 | PROTOCOLS FOR FACILITATING BROADER ACCESS IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS - Structures and protocols are presented for signaling a status or decision concerning a wireless service or device within a region to a communication device (smartphone or wearable device, e.g.) or other wireless communication participant (motor vehicle having a wireless communication capability, e.g.). | 09-18-2014 |
20140271581 | COMPOSITIONS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS RELATED TO MAKING AND ADMINISTERING MODIFIED T CELLS - Embodiments described herein relate to methods, devices, and computer systems thereof for the derivation of T CAR libraries (Universal Subject or Individual Subject) for personalized treatment of disease in a subject. In certain embodiments, differential screening of normal and diseased tissue expression data is utilized to determine disease-specific antigens and thereby generate T CAR cells reactive to such antigens to form a disease-specific library. In certain embodiments, determination of the most effective T CAR clones from the disease-specific library is based on the subject's own disease-specific antigens. In certain embodiments, a subject is treated with a therapeutically effective amount of T CAR clones. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271579 | Compositions, Methods, and Computer Systems Related to Making and Administering Modified T Cells - Embodiments described herein relate to methods, devices, and computer systems thereof for the derivation of T CAR libraries (Universal Subject or Individual Subject) for personalized treatment of disease in a subject. In certain embodiments, differential screening of normal and diseased tissue expression data is utilized to determine disease-specific antigens and thereby generate T CAR cells reactive to such antigens to form a disease-specific library. In certain embodiments, determination of the most effective T CAR clones from the disease-specific library is based on the subject's own disease-specific antigens. In certain embodiments, a subject is treated with a therapeutically effective amount of T CAR clones. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269243 | TOPOGRAPHIC FEEDFORWARD SYSTEM - A topography detection mechanism may measure surface height of a side read/write track while the read/write head is interacting with a current read/write track. A memory may store the measured surface height. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269239 | TOPOGRAPHIC FEEDFORWARD SYSTEM - A control mechanism may control the height and/or position of a read/write head configured to interact with a rotating information storage surface. A computation unit may compute a detected topography from gap measurements using a dynamic filter including a model of read/write head dynamics. A sensor may detect gap measurements of a side read/write track while the read/write head is interacting with a current read/write track. A memory may store the detected topography. The control mechanism may adjust the height of the read/write head based on the detected and/or stored topography. The control mechanism may be a reactionless control mechanism configured to apply a counterforce to offset movements of the read/write head and/or a slider. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269207 | Portable Electronic Device Directed Audio Targeted User System and Method - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically conditioning one or more information signals accessed at least in part through one or more portions of a portable electronic device to be transmitted from one or more portable electronic device emitters through one or more modulated acoustic ultrasonic signals; and electronically governing for output of one or more beams of said one or more modulated acoustic ultrasonic signals for demodulation of said one or more modulated acoustic ultrasonic signals into one or more acoustic audio signals containing said one or more information signals at a first location spaced away from said portable electronic device and spaced away from a second location. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268573 | MANAGEMENT OF EXTERIOR TEMPERATURES ENCOUNTERED BY USER OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE IN RESPONSE TO AN INFERRED USER CONTACT WITH THE PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Described embodiments include a portable electronic device. The device includes a shell housing components of the portable electronic device having a heat-generating component. The device includes a heat-rejection element located at an exterior surface of the shell. The heat-rejection element is configured to reject heat received from the heat-generating component into an environment in thermal contact with the heat-rejection element. The device includes a controllable thermal coupler configured to regulate heat transfer to the heat-rejection element. The device includes an activity monitor configured to infer a user touch to the shell in response to a detected activity of the portable electronic device. The device includes a thermal manager configured to regulate heat transfer by the controllable thermal coupler to the heat-rejection element in response to the inferred user touch. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267184 | Multimode Stylus - A stylus for use as an input device automatically switches its mode of operation. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267176 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PARALLAX COMPENSATION - An electronic device may include a touch screen electronic display configured to offset and/or shift the contact locations of touch implements and/or displayed content based on one or more calculated parallax values. The parallax values may be associated with the viewing angle of an operator relative to the display of the electronic device. In various embodiments, the parallax value(s) may be calculated using three-dimensional location sensors, an angle of inclination of a touch implement, and/or one or more displayed calibration objects. Parallax values may be utilized to remap contact locations by a touch implement, shift and/or offset displayed content, and/or perform other transformations as described herein. A stereoscopically displayed content may be offset such that a default display plane is coplanar with a touch surface rather than a display surface. Contacts by a finger may be remapped using portions of the contact region and/or a centroid of the contact region. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266405 | MANAGEMENT OF EXTERIOR TEMPERATURES ENCOUNTERED BY USER OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE BY REDUCING HEAT GENERATION BY A COMPONENT - Described embodiments include a portable electronic device. The device includes a shell housing components of the portable electronic device and a heat-generating component. The device includes a contact sensor configured to determine a user touch to the shell. The device includes a temperature sensor configured to determine an exterior temperature of the shell. The device includes a thermal manager configured to reduce the exterior shell temperature by regulating heat generation by the heat-generating component. The regulating heat generation is responsive to the determined user touch and the measured determined temperature of the shell. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264294 | Three-dimensional Printing Surface Treatments - Systems and methods for applying a surface treatment to a product may implement operations including, but not limited to: depositing at least one first conductive element on at least one surface of the product; depositing at least one of one or more microcapsules or one or more organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to at least partially electrically couple with the at least one first conductive element; and depositing at least one second conductive element to at least partially electrically couple with the at least one of one or more microcapsules or one or more OLEDs. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263260 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEICING - A deicing method includes the steps of determining a necessary quantity of heat to substantially vaporize an interfacial layer between a solid surface and a layer of ice and applying pulsed heating at the interfacial layer. The pulsed heating is applied with the determined necessary quantity of heat to substantially vaporize the interfacial layer. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262128 | MANAGEMENT OF EXTERIOR TEMPERATURES ENCOUNTERED BY USER OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING MULTIPLE HEAT-REJECTION ELEMENTS - Described embodiments include a portable electronic device. The device includes a shell and a heat-generating component. The device includes a first and a second exterior heat-rejection element. Each heat-rejection element is configured to reject heat received from the heat-generating component into an environment. The device includes a controllable thermal coupler configured to regulate heat transfer to the first and second heat-rejection elements. The device includes a first proximity sensor configured to determine if a user touch to the shell is within a first zone of possible heat discomfort. The device includes a thermal manager configured to regulate heat transfer by the controllable thermal coupler to the first and second heat-rejection elements. The regulated heat transfer includes adjusting heat rejection away from the first heat-rejection element and toward the second heat-rejection element if the user touch is within the first zone. | 09-18-2014 |
20140250525 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING DATA REMANENCE IN MEMORY - A system for preventing data remanence in memory is provided. The system includes a computing device, a memory chip coupled to the computing device and including memory, and a heater, the heater configured to prevent data remanence in a memory by providing heat to at least a portion of the memory. The memory includes a plurality of bits configured to electronically store data. | 09-04-2014 |
20140239806 | LOW PRESSURE LAMP USING NON-MERCURY MATERIALS - A mercury-free low-pressure lamp having a bulb is provided. The bulb includes an emissive material and one or more phosphors. The emissive material includes at least one of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, wherein when the bulb is in a non-operational state, the emissive material condenses into a liquid or solid, and when the bulb is in an operational state the emissive material forms an emitter, the emitter in combination with one or more gases generate photons when excited by an electrical discharge. The one or more phosphors are configured to convert at least a portion of the photons to other visible wavelengths. | 08-28-2014 |
20140234009 | WRITING IMPLEMENT SENSING A USER'S HAND CLEANLINESS - Described embodiments include a device. The device includes a hand-holdable housing carrying a writing element, a cleanliness sensor, and a cleanliness notification circuit. The device includes the writing element configured to form a mark on a surface in response to a touch or movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The device includes the cleanliness sensor configured to detect an indicator of a pathogen present on a hand of a person holding the hand-holdable housing. The device includes the cleanliness notification circuit configured to output a signal responsive to the detected indicator of a pathogen on the hand of the person. | 08-21-2014 |
20140233864 | AUTOGENERATING VIDEO FROM TEXT - A method of converting user-selected printed text to a synthesized image sequence is provided. The method includes capturing a first image of printed text and generating a model information associated with the text. | 08-21-2014 |
20140232662 | COMPUTING DEVICE HAVING A HAND CLEANLINESS SENSOR - Described embodiments include a computing device. The computing device includes a touch-sensitive screen configured to accept an input from a hand of a person based upon a touch contact. The computing device includes a cleanliness sensor configured to detect an indicator of a pathogen present on the hand of the person contacting the touch-sensitive screen or present on the other hand of the person. The computing device includes a cleanliness notification circuit configured to output a signal responsive to the detected indicator of a pathogen. | 08-21-2014 |
20140201220 | COMMUNICATION VIA JOINING THE CONVERSATION - A method substantially as shown and described the detailed description and/or drawings and/or elsewhere herein. A device substantially as shown and described the detailed description and/or drawings and/or elsewhere herein. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200496 | POSITION SENSING ACTIVE TORSO SUPPORT - An active torso support includes multiple force applying elements for applying force to selected regions of a torso of a subject, to reduce or prevent injury or discomfort, under the control of control circuitry on the torso support. Target regions for application of force are selected by detecting the position of a landmark in or on the torso of the subject relative to a portion of the torso support, and selecting one or more force applying elements closest to the target region. Force can be applied according to spatial or temporal patterns, selected in response to user input or detected motion or activity of the subject. Related devices and methods are described. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200079 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN DOMINANT AND WEAK EYES IN 3D DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY - A method of displaying visual information to different viewer-eyes includes receiving eye strength data indicative of a deficiency of a weak viewer-eye with respect to a dominant viewer-eye. The method further includes causing a 3D-display system to display a first perspective of an image to the weak viewer-eye and causing the 3D-display system to display a second perspective of the image to the dominant viewer-eye. A difference between the first perspective and the second perspective is a variation of a display characteristic of one of the first and second perspectives where the variation is made in accordance with the indicated deficiency of the weak viewer-eye | 07-17-2014 |
20140199455 | DRY STEAM OVENS - A method of cooking a food item includes supporting a food item having multiple cooking sites, providing a jet of dry steam from a steam nozzle, determining a targeted subset of the cooking sites, and dynamically moving the food item or the steam nozzle so that the jet of dry steam is directed onto the targeted subset of the cooking sites. | 07-17-2014 |
20140198297 | USING A 3D DISPLAY TO TRAIN A WEAK EYE - A method for treating a weak viewer-eye includes the steps of receiving eye-strength data indicative of an eye-strength of the weak viewer-eye and causing a 3D display system to vary, in accordance with the eye-strength of the weak viewer-eye, display characteristics of a perspective that the 3D display system displays. | 07-17-2014 |
20140189846 | COST-EFFECTIVE MOBILE CONNECTIVITY PROTOCOLS - Structures and protocols are presented for signaling a status or decision concerning a wireless service or device within a region to a network participant or other communication device (smartphone or motor vehicle, e.g.). | 07-03-2014 |
20140188494 | ESTIMATING FEES AND COSTS INCURRED BY PATIENT BASED ON INDIRECTLY ACQUIRED DATA OR PATIENT ENTERED DATA - For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a computer-implemented method. The computer-implemented method includes electronically receiving data indicative of a healthcare service provided to a particular patient. The received data includes at least one of data indicative of an activity within a proximity of the patient, or data inputted by the patient and relevant to determining an aspect of the healthcare service. The computer-implemented method includes converting the received data into information indicative of one or more units of service. The computer-implemented method includes estimating probable fees and costs incurred to date in providing the healthcare service. The estimating is responsive to the information indicative of units of healthcare service provided to the patient. The computer-implemented method includes outputting information indicative of the probable fees and costs incurred to date providing the healthcare service. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188493 | INFORMATION INDICATING FEES AND COSTS TO COMPLETE DELIVERY OF A HEALTHCARE SERVICE TO A PATIENT AND AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE HEALTHCARE SERVICE - For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a computer-implemented method. The computer-implemented method includes electronically receiving a request for information indicative of future fees and costs to be incurred by a particular patient presently undergoing a healthcare service. The computer-implemented method includes electronically receiving data at least partially indicative of the healthcare service provided to the patient. The computer-implemented method includes forecasting probable future fees and costs to complete delivery of the healthcare service. The forecasting is responsive to the received data and a characteristic of the healthcare service. The computer-implemented method includes identifying an efficacious alternative healthcare service option. The computer-implemented method includes outputting in substantially real time information indicative of the forecasted probable future fees and costs to complete delivery of the healthcare service to the patient and the efficacious alternative healthcare service option. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188492 | FORECASTING FEES AND COSTS TO COMPLETE DELIVERY OF A HEALTHCARE SERVICE TO A PATIENT - Described embodiments include a computer-implemented method, device, and computer program product. A computer-implemented method includes electronically receiving a request for information indicative of future fees and costs to be incurred by a particular patient presently undergoing a diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a particular disease, illness, injury, or other physical or mental impairment (hereafter “healthcare service”). The computer-implemented method includes electronically receiving data at least partially indicative of the healthcare service provided to the patient as of receipt of the request for information. The computer-implemented method includes forecasting probable fees and costs to complete delivery of the healthcare service to the patient. The forecasting is responsive to the received data and on a characteristic of the healthcare service. The computer-implemented method includes outputting in substantially real time information indicative of the probable future fees and costs to complete delivery of the healthcare service to the patient. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188491 | ESTIMATING FEES AND COSTS INCURRED BY A PATIENT RECEIVING A HEALTHCARE SERVICE - Described embodiments include a computer-implemented method, device, and computer program product. A computer-implemented method includes electronically receiving a previously prepared estimate of fees and costs to deliver a diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a particular disease, illness, injury, or other physical or mental impairment (hereafter “healthcare service”) to a particular patient. The computer-implemented method includes electronically receiving data at least partially indicative of the healthcare service provided to the patient to date. The computer-implemented method includes estimating probable fees and costs incurred to date in providing the healthcare service to the particular patient. The estimating is responsive to the received data indicative of at least part of the healthcare service provided to date. The computer-implemented method includes outputting in substantially real time information indicative of the probable fees and costs incurred to date in view of the previous estimate of the fees and costs for providing the healthcare service. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187425 | ARTICLES AND METHODS FOR ADMINISTERING CO2 INTO PLANTS - Methods and articles are provided for reducing the amount of water consumed by a plant over a period of time, sequestering CO | 07-03-2014 |
20140187279 | COST-EFFECTIVE MOBILE CONNECTIVITY PROTOCOLS - Structures and protocols are presented for signaling a status or decision concerning a wireless service or device within a region to a network participant or other communication device (smartphone or motor vehicle, e.g.). | 07-03-2014 |
20140187161 | COST-EFFECTIVE MOBILE CONNECTIVITY PROTOCOLS - Structures and protocols are presented for signaling a status or decision concerning a wireless service or device within a region to a network participant or other communication device (smartphone or motor vehicle, e.g.). | 07-03-2014 |
20140187145 | COST-EFFECTIVE MOBILE CONNECTIVITY PROTOCOLS - Structures and protocols are presented for signaling a status or decision concerning a wireless service or device within a region to a network participant or other communication device (smartphone or motor vehicle, e.g.). | 07-03-2014 |
20140186916 | ARTICLES AND METHODS FOR ADMINISTERING CO2 INTO PLANTS - Methods and articles are provided for reducing the amount of water consumed by a plant over a period of time, sequestering CO | 07-03-2014 |
20140185804 | LEVEL-TWO DECRYPTION ASSOCIATED WITH INDIVIDUAL PRIVACY AND PUBLIC SAFETY PROTECTION VIA DOUBLE ENCRYPTED LOCK BOX - Systems and/or processes related but not limited to a machine configured to create a physical reality of receiving a level-one encrypted output of a surveillance device; a machine configured to create a physical reality of decrypting at least a part of the level-one encrypted output of the surveillance device with a level-one decryption key that is practicably inaccessible by a level-one encryption entity; and a machine configured to create a physical reality of transmitting a plaintext output of the surveillance device. Other machines/processes are also disclosed/claimed. | 07-03-2014 |
20140185457 | COST-EFFECTIVE MOBILE CONNECTIVITY PROTOCOLS - Structures and protocols are presented for signaling a status or decision concerning a wireless service or device within a region to a network participant or other communication device (smartphone or motor vehicle, e.g.). | 07-03-2014 |
20140185338 | BALANCING POWER GRID PARAMETERS USING DISTRIBUTED ENERGY CONTROL - Described embodiments include a system and a method. A system includes an energy storage device configured to store and release energy. The system includes a waveform sensor configured to detect a second harmonic or higher frequency component deviation in a waveform of electric power supplied to the system by an electrical power grid. The system includes a bi-directional switched-mode converter coupled between the energy storage device and the electrical power grid. The switched-mode converter is configured to receive and convert electric power from the electrical power grid into energy stored in the energy storage device and to convert energy released from the energy storage device into electric power and discharge the converted electric power into the electrical power grid. The system includes a waveform correction manager configured to control the bi-directional switched-mode converter in a manner implementing a waveform deviation reduction strategy responsive to the detected deviation in the waveform. | 07-03-2014 |
20140183927 | NANOTUBE SLICER - A system for slicing material includes a structural support and a nanotube blade. The nanotube blade is coupled to the structural support and includes a nanotube filament having atoms arranged in a lattice structure. A first end and a second end of the nanotube blade are coupled such that the nanotube blade forms a nanotube loop. | 07-03-2014 |
20140183795 | NANOIMPRINT LITHOGRAPHY - A mold may include a plurality of nanostructures configured to form a lithographic pattern when imprinted into a material. Imprinting may include imprinting the mold a first predetermined distance, modifying a temperature of the material, and altering a position of the mold based on the temperature modification. One or more thermal elements may alter a temperature of a first section of the material and/or one or more nanostructures for a predetermined pulse time less than an equilibrium time required for the mold and/or material to reach a stable temperature state. A first thermal element may selectively alter the temperature of a first section of the material and/or a first nanostructure and a second thermal element may selectively alter the temperature of a second section of the material and/or a second nanostructure. The one or more thermal elements may include one or more thermoelectric elements. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182435 | NANOTUBE SLICER - A device for slicing material includes a structural support and a nanotube blade. The nanotube blade includes a nanotube filament having atoms arranged in a lattice structure and has a first end and a second end. Both the first end and the second end are coupled to the structural support and separated by a length of the nanotube blade. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182200 | ARTICLES AND METHODS FOR ADMINISTERING CO2 INTO PLANTS - Methods and articles are provided for reducing the amount of water consumed by a plant over a period of time, sequestering CO | 07-03-2014 |
20140180639 | Ad-hoc Wireless Sensor Package - Systems, methods, computer-readable storage mediums including computer-readable instructions and/or circuitry for control of transmission to a target device with communicating with one or more sensors in an ad-hoc sensor network may implement operations including, but not limited to: wirelessly transmitting one or more sensor operation activation signals to one or more sensors according to one or more transmission authorization parameters; and powering one or more sensing operations of a sensor via the one or more sensor operation activation signals. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180630 | Ad-hoc Wireless Sensor Package - Systems, methods, computer-readable storage mediums including computer-readable instructions and/or circuitry for control of transmission to a target device with communicating with one or more sensors in an ad-hoc sensor network may implement operations including, but not limited to: receiving electrical power via at least one structurally integrated electrically conductive element; and powering one or more sensing operations of one or more sensors via the electrical power. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180628 | Ad-hoc Wireless Sensor Package - Systems, methods, computer-readable storage mediums including computer-readable instructions and/or circuitry for communicating with one or more sensors in an ad-hoc sensor network may implement operations including, but not limited to: receiving one or more wireless signals indicative of a presence of a sensor within a portion of a region to be monitored; storing location data associated with the portion of the region to be monitored; and wirelessly transmitting one or more sensor operation activation signals to one or more sensors according to the location data. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180186 | POSTURE-DEPENDENT ACTIVE TORSO SUPPORT - An active torso support that controls force applied to one or more portions of a torso of a subject in response to detected posture of the subject is described. The active torso support includes one or more elements for applying force to the torso of the subject, positioned on the torso of the subject by a positioning element, which may include a belt, for example. Posture of the subject can be determined at least in part from a height measurement. In some aspects posture may be determined in part from additional measurements, e.g., inclination or force. For example, the torso support can be a back brace for providing support to the back of a subject to limit or prevent injury or discomfort. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180171 | GAIT-RESPONSIVE ACTIVE TORSO SUPPORT - An active torso support that controls force applied to one or more portions of a torso of a subject in response to detected gait of the subject is described. For example, the torso support can be a back brace for providing support to the back of a subject to limit or prevent injury or discomfort. The active torso support includes one or more elements for applying force to the torso of the subject, positioned on the torso of the subject by a positioning element, which may include a belt, for example. Gait of the subject can be determined through analysis of signals from one or more sensors located on the active torso support and/or at a location remote from the active torso support. | 06-26-2014 |
20140177524 | Ad-Hoc Wireless Sensor Package - Systems, methods, computer-readable storage mediums including computer-readable instructions and/or circuitry for control of transmission to a target device with communicating with one or more sensors in an ad-hoc sensor network may implement operations including, but not limited to: receiving one or more wireless signals associated with a sensing capability status of at least one sensor; wirelessly transmitting one or more sensor operation activation signals to one or more sensors according to the sensing capability status of the at least one sensor; and at least one of powering one or more sensing operations of the at least one sensor and charging one or more power storage devices of the at least one sensor via the one or more sensor operation activation signals. | 06-26-2014 |
20140176343 | Ad-hoc Wireless Sensor Package - Systems, methods, computer-readable storage mediums including computer-readable instructions and/or circuitry for control of transmission to a target device with communicating with one or more sensors in an ad-hoc sensor network may implement operations including, but not limited to: obtaining location data associated with a portion of a region including at least one sensor; wirelessly transmitting one or more sensor operation activation signals to one or more sensors; and powering one or more sensing operations of a sensor via the one or more sensor operation activation signals. | 06-26-2014 |
20140176061 | Ad-hoc Wireless Sensor Package - Systems, methods, computer-readable storage mediums including computer-readable instructions and/or circuitry for control of transmission to a target device with communicating with one or more sensors in an ad-hoc sensor network may implement operations including, but not limited to: generating electrical power from at least one ambient source via at least one transducer; powering at least one transmitter via the electrical power from at least one ambient source to wirelessly transmit one or more sensor operation activation signals to one or more sensors; and at least one of powering one or more sensing operations of the one or more sensors or charging one or more power storage devices of the one or more sensors via the one or more sensor operation activation signals. | 06-26-2014 |
20140174701 | Heat Pipe - An improved heat engine is disclosed. The heat engine comprises at least one heat pipe containing a working fluid flowing in a thermal cycle between vapor phase at an evaporator end and liquid phase at a condenser end. Heat pipe configurations for high-efficiency/high-performance heat engines are disclosed. The heat pipe may have an improved capillary structure configuration with characteristic pore sizes between 1μ and 1 nm (e.g. formed through nano- or micro-fabrication techniques) and a continuous or stepwise gradient in pore size along the capillary flow direction. The heat engine may have an improved generator assembly configuration that comprises an expander (e.g. rotary/turbine or reciprocating piston machine) and generator along with magnetic bearings, magnetic couplings and/or magnetic gearing. The expander-generator may be wholly or partially sealed within the heat pipe. A heat engine system (e.g. individual heat engine or array of heat engines in series and/or in parallel) for conversion of thermal energy to useful work (including heat engines operating from a common heat source) is also disclosed. The system can be installed in a vehicle or facility to generate electricity. | 06-26-2014 |
20140174086 | HEAT ENGINE SYSTEM - An improved heat engine is disclosed. The heat engine comprises at least one heat pipe containing a working fluid flowing in a thermal cycle between vapor phase at an evaporator end and liquid phase at a condenser end. Heat pipe configurations for high-efficiency/high-performance heat engines are disclosed. The heat pipe may have an improved capillary structure configuration with characteristic pore sizes between 1μ and 1 nm (e.g. formed through nano- or micro-fabrication techniques) and a continuous or stepwise gradient in pore size along the capillary flow direction. The heat engine may have an improved generator assembly configuration that comprises an expander (e.g. rotary/turbine or reciprocating piston machine) and generator along with magnetic bearings, magnetic couplings and/or magnetic gearing. The expander-generator may be wholly or partially sealed within the heat pipe. A heat engine system (e.g. individual heat engine or array of heat engines in series and/or in parallel) for conversion of thermal energy to useful work (including heat engines operating from a common heat source) is also disclosed. The system can be installed in a vehicle or facility to generate electricity. | 06-26-2014 |
20140174085 | HEAT ENGINE - An improved heat engine is disclosed. The heat engine comprises at least one heat pipe containing a working fluid flowing in a thermal cycle between vapor phase at an evaporator end and liquid phase at a condenser end. Heat pipe configurations for high-efficiency/high-performance heat engines are disclosed. The heat pipe may have an improved capillary structure configuration with characteristic pore sizes between 1μ and 1 nm (e.g. formed through nano- or micro-fabrication techniques) and a continuous or stepwise gradient in pore size along the capillary flow direction. The heat engine may have an improved generator assembly configuration that comprises an expander (e.g. rotary/turbine or reciprocating piston machine) and generator along with magnetic bearings, magnetic couplings and/or magnetic gearing. The expander-generator may be wholly or partially sealed within the heat pipe. A heat engine system (e.g. individual heat engine or array of heat engines in series and/or in parallel) for conversion of thermal energy to useful work (including heat engines operating from a common heat source) is also disclosed. The system can be installed in a vehicle or facility to generate electricity. | 06-26-2014 |
20140172310 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING ACQUISITION OF SENSOR INFORMATION - Systems and methods are described for controlling acquisition of sensor information, including: one or more physiological sensors and a computing device including a processor programmed to query the physiological sensors to measure one or more physiological parameters of an individual in response to at least one flag indicating a need to measure the one or more physiological parameters; receive a set of sensor values from the physiological sensors; assign a quality value to the set of sensor values received from the physiological sensors; retain the set of sensor values if the assigned quality value of the set of sensor values meets or exceeds a minimum quality value threshold; and update the at least one flag if the assigned quality value of the set of sensor values meets or exceeds the minimum quality value threshold. | 06-19-2014 |
20140171749 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING ACQUISITION OF SENSOR INFORMATION - Systems and methods are described for controlling acquisition of sensor information, including: one or more condition sensors, one or more physiological sensors, and a computing device including a processor programmed to query the condition sensors to initiate measurement of one or more conditions of an individual relative to the one or more physiological sensors; receive a set of condition sensor values from the condition sensors; assign a predictive value to the set of condition sensors values; query at least one of the one or more physiological sensors to measure one or more physiological parameters of the individual if the assigned predictive value of the set of condition sensor values meets or exceeds a minimum predictive value threshold; and re-query at least one of the one or more condition sensors if the assigned predictive value of the set of condition sensors fails to meet or exceed the minimum predictive value threshold. | 06-19-2014 |
20140170392 | MULTI-LAYER PHONONIC CRYSTAL THERMAL INSULATORS - A thermal insulator includes a plurality of layers. At least some of the layers include phononic crystals having a phononic bandgap, wherein heat transporting phonons within a selected range of frequencies are substantially blocked by each phononic crystal layer. The plurality of layers thermally isolate a first region from a second region, wherein the first region is at one end of the plurality of layers and the second region is at the other end of the plurality of layers. | 06-19-2014 |
20140164115 | SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING THIRD-PARTY ART SUBMISSIONS - A method and for submitting third-party prior art submissions in a patent application to a patent office. The method including receiving a request from a third-party. The request identifies a target patent application. The method further includes publishing an advertisement for a prior art search relating to the target patent application. The method includes receiving an indication from a search party that the search party will perform the prior art search. The method includes receiving a first prior art document from the search party. The method includes submitting a package of documents to the patent office, wherein the package of documents includes the first prior art document and a statement of relevance. | 06-12-2014 |
20140163329 | Unobtrusive Active Eye Interrogation with Gaze Attractor - Methods and systems for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The system includes a gaze attractor for attracting the gaze of the subject to cause an eye of the subject to move into alignment with regard to an interrogation signal source and/or response signal sensor to facilitate detection of a signal from the eye of the subject. | 06-12-2014 |
20140160434 | Time-Based Unobtrusive Active Eye Interrogation - Methods and systems for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The physiological parameter is determined from a signal sensed from the eye of a subject according to a schedule, under the control of a scheduling controller. | 06-12-2014 |
20140160433 | Unobtrusive Active Eye Interrogation - Methods and systems for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The physiological parameter is determined from a signal sensed from the eye of a subject when the eye of the subject is properly aligned with regard to an interrogation signal source and/or response signal sensor. | 06-12-2014 |
20140160432 | Self-Aligning Unobtrusive Active Eye Interrogation - Methods and system for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The gaze direction of the eye of the subject is determined and an interrogation signal source and/or response signal sensor are moved into alignment with the eye using an actuator to facilitate detection of the signal from the eye of the subject. | 06-12-2014 |
20140154170 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEN GAS - Systems and methods for thermally decomposing hydrocarbon feedstock may comprise a hydrocarbon feedstock, a non-oxidizing carrier gas, one or more heat exchangers, and a reaction chamber. The carrier gas may be used to transfer heat to the hydrocarbon feedstock. The heat exchanger(s) may be configured to heat the carrier gas. And the reaction chamber may be configured to receive hydrocarbon feedstock and heated carrier gas. Inside the reaction chamber, the hydrocarbon feedstock and the heated carrier gas may mix with one another causing the thermal decomposition reaction. The thermal decomposition reaction occurs in a substantially oxidant-free environment thereby eliminating or greatly reducing the production of carbon oxide byproducts. Hydrogen gas may be separated from a gaseous product stream that is thereafter collected from the reaction chamber. A portion of the gaseous product stream may be thermally coupled to the carrier gas and may thereafter be recycled through the system. | 06-05-2014 |
20140154169 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEN GAS - Systems and methods for thermally decomposing hydrocarbon feedstock may comprise a hydrocarbon feedstock, a non-oxidizing carrier gas, one or more heat exchangers, and a reaction chamber. The carrier gas may be used to transfer heat to the hydrocarbon feedstock. The heat exchanger(s) may be configured to heat the carrier gas. And the reaction chamber may be configured to receive hydrocarbon feedstock and heated carrier gas. Inside the reaction chamber, the hydrocarbon feedstock and the heated carrier gas may mix with one another causing the thermal decomposition reaction. The thermal decomposition reaction occurs in a substantially oxidant-free environment thereby eliminating or greatly reducing the production of carbon oxide byproducts. Hydrogen gas may be separated from a gaseous product stream that is thereafter collected from the reaction chamber. A portion of the gaseous product stream may be thermally coupled to the carrier gas and may thereafter be recycled through the system. | 06-05-2014 |
20140148978 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIRECTING BIRDS AWAY FROM EQUIPMENT - A system for directing a bird away from equipment includes an item of equipment and a detector configured to detect a bird that could be harmed by or that could harm the equipment and to determine the proximity of the bird to the equipment. The system also includes an unmanned aerial vehicle and a pilot system configured to control the unmanned aerial vehicle. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148341 | METHODS FOR MODULATING PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTIVITY - A method is provided for modulating transpiration in an organism that is capable of photosynthesis, where the method includes contacting the organism with a composition including an effective amount of an oxygen antagonist. Also provided is an apparatus for modulating transpiration in an organism that is capable of photosynthesis. | 05-29-2014 |
20140147556 | EDIBLE OR INHALABLE COMPOSITIONS HAVING ANTIBODIES AND METHODS OF USE - The present technology provides, in one aspect, an edible or inhalable composition including an isolated “antagonist ligand” or an isolated “antagonist antibody” or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, which specifically binds a taste receptor ligand or an olfactory receptor ligand. Foods and intranasal formulations containing the above-described compositions are described, as are methods of use. | 05-29-2014 |
20140147555 | EDIBLE COMPOSITIONS - The present technology provides an edible composition including a plurality of dietary strands coated with a flavored coating; where the interior of each dietary strand comprises a fat, protein, carbohydrate, or a combination thereof; where the dietary strands are braided or woven together; and where the flavor of the interior of the dietary strand is distinct from the flavor of the flavored coating. Also provided are methods of providing an animal with nourishment, including providing the animal with any one of the edible compositions described herein. The animal may or may not be a human. | 05-29-2014 |
20140145002 | SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING CLOUD FORMATION AND CLOUD PRECIPITATION - A system for facilitating cloud formation and cloud precipitation includes a controller and a beam emitter that is responsive to the controller. The beam emitter is configured to emit a beam to form charged particles within an atmospheric zone containing water vapor. The charged particles enhance the formation of cloud condensation nuclei such that water vapor condenses on the cloud condensation nuclei forming cloud droplets. The system further includes a sensor configured to detect a cloud status and output a signal corresponding to the cloud status to the controller. | 05-29-2014 |
20140144390 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIRECTING BIRDS AWAY FROM EQUIPMENT - A system for directing a bird away from equipment includes an emitter configured to transmit a beam of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound. The beam of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound is configured to frequency down-convert in the atmosphere to produce a specified audible sound for a bird at a selected distance away from the emitter. | 05-29-2014 |
20140144036 | ENERGY EFFICIENT DRYER SYSTEMS - A dryer including a housing, a drying chamber disposed within the housing, and a heating element coupled to the housing. The dryer further includes an intake configured to supply intake air to the drying chamber and an exhaust vent configured to vent exhaust air out of the drying chamber. The intake, the drying chamber, and the exhaust vent define an air flow path from the intake through the drying chamber and out the exhaust vent. The dryer includes a heat exchanger and a heat pump having a condenser. The heat exchanger and the heat pump are each configured to absorb thermal energy from the exhaust air and transfer the thermal energy to the intake air. The air flow path is configured such that the intake air is heated directly or indirectly by the heat exchanger prior to the intake air being further heated directly or indirectly by the condenser. The air flow path is configured such that the intake air is further heated directly or indirectly by the condenser prior to the intake air entering the drying chamber. | 05-29-2014 |
20140143884 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING DATA STORED ON A REMOVABLE DATA STORAGE DEVICE - A system for protecting data stored in a memory of a removable data storage device is provided. The system includes a personal electronic device, a removable solid state data storage device operatively coupled to the personal electronic device, and a circuit including a data protection module and an authorization module. The data storage device includes a memory for storing data. The authorization module is configured to determine whether a preauthorized state is active. When the preauthorized state is not active, the data protection module is configured to protect at least some of the data stored in the memory in response to detecting impending removal of the data storage device from the personal electronic device. When the preauthorized state is active, the data protection module is configured to preserve certain data stored in the memory in response to detecting impending removal of the data storage device from the personal electronic device. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142888 | MITIGATING WIND TURBINE BLADE NOISE GENERATION - Described embodiments include a wind turbine system. In this embodiment, the system includes a rotor blade attached to a rotor hub drivingly coupled to an electric generator. The system includes a sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the rotor blade relative to a surface of the ground. The system includes a noise controller configured to implement a noise mitigation measure responsive to the detected rotational position of the rotor blade relative to the surface of the ground. In an embodiment, the system further includes a support structure mounted on or in the ground and maintaining the rotor hub a sufficient distance above the surface of the ground to allow the rotor blade to rotate about the rotor hub without contacting the surface of the ground. | 05-22-2014 |
20140141124 | UREA FOOD PELLETS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A controlled release form of a non-protein nitrogenous feedstock for animals is provided. In certain embodiments, the non-protein nitrogenous feedstock is urea, the animals are ruminants, and the release of the nitrogen is pH-dependent. Processes and methods for manufacturing and administering a non-protein nitrogenous feedstock for animals, as described herein, are also provided. | 05-22-2014 |
20140141118 | UREA FOOD PELLETS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A controlled release form of a non-protein nitrogenous feedstock for animals is provided. In certain embodiments, the non-protein nitrogenous feedstock is urea, the animals are ruminants, and the release of the nitrogen is pH-dependent. Processes and methods for manufacturing and administering a non-protein nitrogenous feedstock for animals, as described herein, are also provided. | 05-22-2014 |
20140140842 | MITIGATING WIND TURBINE BLADE NOISE GENERATION IN VIEW OF A MINIMUM POWER GENERATION REQUIREMENT - Described embodiments include a wind turbine system. In this embodiment, the system includes a wind turbine including a rotor blade having a controllable feature and attached to a rotor hub drivingly coupled to an electric generator. The controllable feature is configured if activated to decrease a noise generated by the rotor blade and correspondingly to decrease electric power generated by the electric generator. The wind turbine system includes a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of present or possible future noise generation state of the rotor blade. The wind turbine system includes a noise manager circuit configured to select a noise mitigation measure responsive to the detected parameter and in compliance with a minimum electric power generation requirement assigned to the wind turbine. The wind turbine system includes a control circuit configured to activate the controllable feature in response to the selected noise mitigation measure. | 05-22-2014 |
20140140808 | MITIGATING WIND TURBINE BLADE NOISE GENERATION IN RESPONSE TO AN ATMOSPHERIC VARIATION - Described embodiments include a wind turbine system. In this embodiment, the system includes a rotor blade attached to a rotor hub drivingly coupled to an electric generator. The system includes a controllable feature configured to decrease a noise generated by the rotor blade if activated. The system includes a sensor configured to detect an atmospheric variation approaching the rotor blade. The system includes a noise manager circuit configured to authorize a noise mitigation measure responsive to the detected atmospheric variation. The system includes a control circuit configured to activate the controllable feature in response to the authorized noise mitigation measure. In an embodiment, the system includes a support structure positioning the rotor hub a sufficient distance above the ground to allow rotation of the rotor blade about the rotor hub without contacting the ground. | 05-22-2014 |
20140139652 | PULSED PROJECTION SYSTEM FOR 3D VIDEO - A 3D-display system alternates between directing light representing a left-eye view of a 3D image to a viewer's left eye and directing light representing a right-eye view of a 3D image to a viewer's right eye. To direct the light towards the viewer's eyes, the system receives eye-location data relative to a display device from an eye-tracking system and uses light deflectors, such as acousto-optic, electro-optic, and passive optical deflectors, to aim the light in a particular direction. | 05-22-2014 |
20140138109 | BIOMASS STORAGE SYSTEM - An apparatus for forming a water storage material from a biomass input material using supercritical or subcritical fluid processing, the water storage material capable of absorbing a liquid and releasing the liquid. The apparatus utilizes supercritical fluid processing, subcritical fluid processing, charring, or a combination thereof. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control the apparatus. The apparatus further including a processing station configured to hold the biomass input material, and to use the biomass input material for processing into the water storage material. | 05-22-2014 |
20140138058 | HEAT PIPE HAVING A CHANNELED HEAT TRANSFER ARRAY - Described embodiments include a heat pipe system. The system includes an evaporator portion having a wall internally defining an evaporator chamber and configured to evaporate a liquid phase of a working fluid by absorbing heat. A condenser portion has a wall internally defining a condenser chamber and configured to condense a vapor phase of the working fluid by releasing heat. The system includes the working fluid. The system includes a channeled heat transfer array including at least two tubes. Each tube of the at least two tubes has a wall defining (i) a channel flowing an intermediate fluid and (ii) an exterior surface directly exposed to the working fluid. The evaporator chamber, the condenser chamber, and the exterior surfaces of the at least two tubes of the channeled heat transfer array form a hermetically sealed hollow vessel containing the working fluid. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137951 | UNDERWATER OIL PIPELINE HEATING SYSTEMS - A system for reducing buildup of solids in pipes used in underwater oil operations is disclosed. The system includes an annular pipe having an inner pipe wall and an outer pipe wall. The inner pipe wall defines an inner pipe configured to transport an oil. The outer pipe wall is displaced from the inner pipe wall. The outer pipe wall defines an outer pipe between the outer pipe wall and the inner pipe wall. The system includes an oxidizer delivery pipe having an oxidizer delivery outlet. The oxidizer delivery pipe is configured to supply an oxidizer to the outer pipe. The system further includes a fuel delivery pipe having a fuel delivery outlet. The fuel delivery pipe is configured to supply a fuel to the outer pipe. The oxidizer and the fuel release thermal energy in an exothermic reaction. | 05-22-2014 |
20140136140 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING OVERHEAD LINE MOTION - A system for monitoring motion of an overhead line includes a monitoring device. The monitoring device includes an accelerometer and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to accept data from the accelerometer corresponding to line movement, analyze the data to determine displacement data corresponding to a displacement of the overhead line, accept data corresponding to a location of at least one external object proximate to the overhead line, and analyze the displacement data to determine a clearance from the at least one external object. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135951 | ACTIVELY RELEASED FOOD ADDITIVES - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for actively releasing food additives to deliver aromatic compounds to consumers during food or drink consumption. The food additives may be contained within an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer may be configured to release the food additives in response to being exposed to energy provided by an activation source proximate to the food additives. The activation source may be incorporated into, or connected with, an eating utensil or an oral implant. The activation source can be manually controlled by a consumer, can be controlled based on conditions near the food additives, or can be programmed with a release schedule that defines how and when food additives are to be released. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135816 | Embolism Deflector - Devices, methods, and systems provide an embolism deflecting device, methods for deflecting or diverting emboli away from critical locations in the body, and systems therefor. Embodiments of the embolism deflecting device comprise an embolism detector, a diverter controller operable for determining the presence of emboli from a target input from the embolism detector, and an embolism diverter operable by the diverter controller to deflect, divert, redirect, etc., emboli away from the critical body location on the detection thereof. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135815 | Embolism Deflector - Devices, methods, and systems provide an embolism deflecting device, methods for deflecting or diverting emboli away from critical locations in the body, and systems therefor. Embodiments of the embolism deflecting device comprise an embolism detector, a diverter controller operable for determining the presence of emboli from a target input from the embolism detector, and an embolism diverter operable by the diverter controller to deflect, divert, redirect, etc., emboli away from the critical body location on the detection thereof. | 05-15-2014 |
20140134298 | ACTIVELY RELEASED FOOD ADDITIVES - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for actively releasing food additives to deliver aromatic compounds to consumers during food or drink consumption. The food additives may be contained within an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer may be configured to release the food additives in response to being exposed to energy provided by an activation source proximate to the food additives. The activation source may be incorporated into, or connected with, an eating utensil or an oral implant. The activation source can be manually controlled by a consumer, can be controlled based on conditions near the food additives, or can be programmed with a release schedule that defines how and when food additives are to be released. | 05-15-2014 |