Patent application number | Description | Published |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20150343530 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING CASTINGS - A control system for a casting process includes a sensor positioned to monitor a property of a cast product during the casting process and provide a corresponding sensing signal. The control system also includes a processing circuit configured to generate a real-time model of the cast product based on the corresponding sensing signal and determine a control variable using the real-time model of the cast product. The control variable relates to a real-time modification of the cast product. | 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 |
20150351254 | METASTABLE GAS HEATING - A heating apparatus includes a gas supply for providing a base gas, a generator configured to excite the base gas to produce a metastable gas mixture that includes a metastable gas, and a housing. The housing includes a wall shaped to contain the metastable gas mixture and selectively enclose a reactive element of a target component. Interaction between the metastable gas and at least one of a coupling material and the reactive element transfers energy to selectively heat the at least one of the coupling material and the target component. | 12-03-2015 |
20150371260 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING PURCHASE OPTIONS TO CONSUMERS - A purchasing system includes a memory device configured to store image data regarding a user, and a processing circuit coupled to the memory device and configured to generate body data of the user based on the image data. The body data includes a virtual model of the user, with the virtual model providing a depiction of the user. The processing circuit is further configured to generate a customized purchase option for the user based on the body data, and transmit the purchase option to an input/output device. | 12-24-2015 |
20160029716 | CUSTOMIZED FACE MASK - A face mask includes a covering member configured to cover facial features of a face of a user, the covering member including an air-permeable filter member; and a facial image provided on an outward facing surface of the covering member, the facial image being generated based on an image of the user and representing covered facial features of the user. The face mask further includes a fastening member configured to secure the covering member over the face of the user. | 02-04-2016 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130214875 | GRAPHENE SHEET AND NANOMECHANICAL RESONATOR - A graphene sheet is provided. The graphene sheet includes a carbon lattice and a spatial distribution of defects in the carbon lattice. The spatial distribution of defects is configured to tailor the buckling properties of the graphene sheet. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218704 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING CAMERA SYSTEMS - System and methods for identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems of interest and for enabling dynamic bidding for access to the one or more out-of-network camera systems are disclosed. In certain embodiments, identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems may include receiving a search query from a user, comparing search parameters included in the search query with information stored in a database and, based on the comparison, identify one or more camera systems satisfying the search query. In embodiments enabling bidding for access to one or more out-of-network camera systems, a bid management system may receive a plurality of bids for accessing one or more camera systems, determine at least one winning bid and corresponding winning bidder from the plurality of bids, and provide access to the one or more camera systems to the winning bidder. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218705 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING CAMERA SYSTEMS - System and methods for identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems of interest and for enabling dynamic bidding for access to the one or more out-of-network camera systems are disclosed. In certain embodiments, identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems may include receiving a search query from a user, comparing search parameters included in the search query with information stored in a database and, based on the comparison, identify one or more camera systems satisfying the search query. In embodiments enabling bidding for access to one or more out-of-network camera systems, a bid management system may receive a plurality of bids for accessing one or more camera systems, determine at least one winning bid and corresponding winning bidder from the plurality of bids, and provide access to the one or more camera systems to the winning bidder. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218706 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING CAMERA SYSTEMS - System and methods for identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems of interest and for enabling dynamic bidding for access to the one or more out-of-network camera systems are disclosed. In certain embodiments, identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems may include receiving a search query from a user, comparing search parameters included in the search query with information stored in a database and, based on the comparison, identify one or more camera systems satisfying the search query. In embodiments enabling bidding for access to one or more out-of-network camera systems, a bid management system may receive a plurality of bids for accessing one or more camera systems, determine at least one winning bid and corresponding winning bidder from the plurality of bids, and provide access to the one or more camera systems to the winning bidder. | 08-22-2013 |
20130313943 | GRAPHENE SHEET AND NANOMECHANICAL RESONATOR - A graphene sheet is provided. The graphene sheet includes a carbon lattice and a spatial distribution of defects in the carbon lattice. The spatial distribution of defects is configured to tailor the buckling properties of the graphene sheet. | 11-28-2013 |
20140078164 | 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. | 03-20-2014 |
20140118407 | Enhanced Retroreflective Display Device - Method and apparatus features are implemented in a visual display system to provide coordinated interaction between an independent light source and a proximate retroreflective display. The light rays output characteristics of the independent light source are adjusted (e.g., by a controller) based on predetermined and/or detected viewing parameters of the retroreflective display. The retroreflected rays are targeted back toward an eye of a user associated with the independent light source to provide improved brightness and contrast for screen viewing by the user. Some retroreflective display screen embodiments may also include a self-illuminating mode as well as other non-retroreflective illumination modes of operation. | 05-01-2014 |
20140119020 | Smart Illuminator For Retroreflective Display Device - Method and apparatus features are implemented in a visual display system to provide coordinated interaction between an independent light source and a proximate retroreflective display. The light rays output characteristics of the independent light source are adjusted (e.g., by a controller) based on predetermined and/or detected viewing parameters of the retroreflective display. The retroreflected rays are targeted back toward an eye of a user associated with the independent light source to provide improved brightness and contrast for screen viewing by the user. Some retroreflective display screen embodiments may also include a self-illuminating mode as well as other non-retroreflective illumination modes of operation. | 05-01-2014 |
20140119021 | Hybrid Retroreflective Display Device - Method and apparatus features are implemented in a visual display system to provide coordinated interaction between an independent light source and a proximate retroreflective display. The light rays output characteristics of the independent light source are adjusted (e.g., by a controller) based on predetermined and/or detected viewing parameters of the retroreflective display. The retroreflected rays are targeted back toward an eye of a user associated with the independent light source to provide improved brightness and contrast for screen viewing by the user. Some retroreflective display screen embodiments may also include a self-illuminating mode as well as other non-retroreflective illumination modes of operation. | 05-01-2014 |
20140131222 | COMMINUTION WATER CONTAMINANT REMOVAL SYSTEM - An electrochemical reactor for removing mining constituents from a fluid is disclosed. The electrochemical reactor includes a housing defining a flow path and a pump configured to continuously move fluid through the flow path at a flow rate. The electrochemical reactor also includes a power supply coupled to the housing, an anode and a cathode coupled to the power supply, and a controller configured to selectively engage the power supply power supply. The power supply applies an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode when engaged. | 05-15-2014 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20140349629 | 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. | 11-27-2014 |
20140349631 | 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. | 11-27-2014 |
20140349632 | 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. | 11-27-2014 |
20140350751 | MANAGED ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRACTION BATTERY SYSTEM - Described embodiments include an electric vehicle battery system and a method. The electric vehicle battery system includes a rechargeable traction battery pack configured to supply electric power to a propulsion system of a vehicle. The system includes a data-gathering module configured to monitor or test an aspect of the traction battery pack and in response to generate a traction battery pack status report. The system includes a gatekeeper module configured to permit or deny the rechargeable traction battery pack (i) supplying electric power to the propulsion system or (ii) receiving a recharge, the permit or deny in response to a management instruction issued by a remote battery manager system. The system includes a communication system configured to communicate with the remote battery manager. In an embodiment, the system includes an on-board charging system configured to recharge the rechargeable traction battery pack. | 11-27-2014 |
20140351107 | MANAGEMENT OF A REMOTE ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRACTION BATTERY SYSTEM - Described embodiments include a battery manager system and a method. The battery manager system includes an asset database that includes records related to at least two rechargeable traction battery pack systems and a management criteria respectively assigned to each rechargeable traction battery pack system. The system includes a compliance module configured to evaluate a fraction battery pack status report pertaining to an identified rechargeable traction battery pack system of the at least two rechargeable traction battery pack systems (hereafter “the identified rechargeable fraction battery pack system”), the evaluation with respect to the management criteria assigned to the identified rechargeable fraction battery pack system. The system includes a manager module configured to generate a management instruction responsive to the evaluation of the battery status report. The system includes a communication system configured to communicate with the identified rechargeable traction battery pack system. | 11-27-2014 |
20140361922 | 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. | 12-11-2014 |
20140361938 | 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. 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. | 12-11-2014 |
20140361939 | 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. | 12-11-2014 |
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 |
20150016483 | 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. | 01-15-2015 |
20150019354 | AUTOMATED COOKING SYSTEM THAT ACCEPTS REMOTE ORDERS - An automated cooking system that accepts remote orders includes an automated cooking device, a communications device, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a remote order for a customer via the communications device, wherein the order includes a requested delivery time, schedule a preparation completion time of the order based on the delivery time, and instruct the automated cooking device to prepare the order based on the scheduled completion time of the order. | 01-15-2015 |
20150024287 | CATHODE TEMPERATURE REGULATION FOR METAL-AIR BATTERIES - A metal-air battery is disclosed, including a temperature regulator that adjusts the operating temperature of a cathode included in the metal-air battery using power generated by the metal-air battery when the metal-air battery is in a discharge state. | 01-22-2015 |
20150051019 | ACTIVE GOLF TEE - The present disclosure provides systems and methods associated with a golf tee configured to impart a spin to a golf ball prior to impact between the golf ball and the golf club face. The golf tee includes a retention mechanism configured to releasably secure a golf ball to a contact surface of the golf tee while a rotation mechanism rotates the golf tee or a spin mechanism spins the golf ball, thereby imparting spin to the golf ball. The golf tee may further include a processing unit configured to control the retention mechanism and rotation mechanism or spin mechanism. The processing unit may communicate with various external or local sensors, for example, a swing sensor, an environmental sensor, or the like, to control the golf tee to spin the golf ball to achieve a particular post impact trajectory. | 02-19-2015 |
20150051020 | ACTIVE GOLF TEE - Disclosed are systems and methods associated with a golf tee configured to reduce or eliminate spin imparted on a golf ball due to friction between a contact surface of the golf tee and the golf ball. In one embodiment, the golf tee includes a retracting mechanism to retract the support member of the golf tee prior to impact between the golf club face and the golf ball, at least one swing sensor to measure motion parameters of an approaching golf club, and a processing unit to control the retracting mechanism based on the measured motion parameters. In another embodiment, the golf tee includes a contactless support mechanism to support the golf ball, a position sensor to detect a position of the golf ball, and a processing unit to control the support mechanism, based on data from the position sensor, to manipulate the position of the golf ball. | 02-19-2015 |
20150051021 | ACTIVE GOLF TEE - Disclosed is a golf tee configured to control spin imparted on a golf ball due to friction between a contact surface of the golf tee and the golf ball. In one embodiment, the golf tee includes a plurality of support members to support a golf ball, wherein contact between the golf ball and the plurality of support members is asymmetrically distributed between a first contact area and a second contact area. In another embodiment, the golf tee includes a two-part shaft slideably coupled together and an adjustable resistance mechanism to provide a resistive force between the two parts of the golf tee, wherein the resistive force opposes the sliding together of the two parts. The resistance mechanism may be manually or automatically to control spin imparted to the golf ball due to friction between a contact surface of the golf tee and the golf ball. | 02-19-2015 |
20150066349 | 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. | 03-05-2015 |
20150070166 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GUNSHOT DETECTION WITHIN A BUILDING - A system for detecting a discharge of a firearm includes a detection component and an appropriation component. The detection component is configured to detect a discharge of a firearm within a building using one or more sensors communicatively coupled with a central server. The appropriation component configures one or more telephones within the building to gather and transmit audio data to the central server, in response to detecting the discharge of the firearm. | 03-12-2015 |
20150071038 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GUNSHOT DETECTION WITHIN A BUILDING - A system for detecting a discharge of a firearm includes a detection component and a location component. The detection component is configured to detect a discharge of a firearm within a building using microphones associated with two or more telephones. The two or more telephones are communicatively coupled with a central server. The location component determines, based on audio data gathered by the microphones, a location at which the firearm was discharged within the building. | 03-12-2015 |
20150089754 | 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. | 04-02-2015 |
20150102154 | MOTOR VEHICLE WITH CAPTIVE AIRCRAFT - A motor vehicle system includes a motor vehicle including an aircraft landing portion, and an actively propelled unmanned aircraft configured to be supported on the aircraft landing portion. The vehicle and aircraft are configured such that the vehicle can provide at least one of fuel and electrical energy to the aircraft while the aircraft is supported on the aircraft landing portion. | 04-16-2015 |
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 |
20150109149 | PEDESTRIAN WARNING SYSTEM - A pedestrian warning system monitors an attention level of a pedestrian and alerts the pedestrian of traffic areas or detected vehicles. | 04-23-2015 |
20150114407 | USAGE CONTROL OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE - An electronic cigarette includes a housing, an atomizer disposed in the housing, and a control circuit disposed in the housing and configured to control operation of the atomizer based on time data regarding a current time. | 04-30-2015 |
20150116520 | MOBILE DEVICE FOR REQUESTING THE CAPTURE OF AN IMAGE - A mobile device for requesting a capture of an image includes a beacon and a processing circuit. The beacon is configured to communicate with an unmanned camera. The processing circuit is configured to generate a request for the unmanned camera to capture an image of a user of the mobile device, where the request includes a condition that must be met by the image of the user, and send the request, via the beacon, to the unmanned camera. | 04-30-2015 |
20150148949 | 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. | 05-28-2015 |
20150148955 | STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR APPARATUSES AND METHODS - Systems and methods for cleaning a structure via a robot are described. The system includes a first robot and a second robot. The first robot includes a body, a tool arm, a sensor coupled, a drive system configured to allow vertical and inverted positioning of the first robot, a transceiver, and a controller. The second robot similarly includes a body, a drive system configured to allow positioning of the second robot, a transceiver, and a controller. The system includes a base station in communication with the first robot via the first robot transceiver and/or in communication with the second robot via the second robot transceiver. The first robot is configured to autonomously perform a maintenance task on the structure. The second robot is configured to autonomously provide a support service to the first robot during the maintenance task. The first robot is configured to communicate with the second robot. | 05-28-2015 |
20150149021 | ROBOTIC VEHICLE CONTROL - A vehicle includes a detection system, configured to acquire data regarding operation of the vehicle, and a robotic driving device, configured to provide robotic control of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a control system configured to determine whether the robotic driving device is activated, such that the vehicle is in robotic driving mode; receive a request by a prospective operator of the vehicle to deactivate the robotic driving device to initiate a manual driving mode; determine whether the prospective operator is impaired based on the data; and selectively grant or refuse the request based on the determination. | 05-28-2015 |
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 |
20150173302 | REFLECTIVE ARTICLES AND METHODS FOR INCREASING PHOTOSYNTHESIS - Provided is a reflective article including a first reflecting material and a second retro reflecting material; where sunlight that is photosynthetically active is at least partially reflected by the article and sunlight that is not photosynthetically active is at least partially retro reflected by the article. Also provided is a method for growing a plant, where the method includes placing the reflective article under, around, or in the proximity of the plant. | 06-25-2015 |
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 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140269208 | 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 |
20140269213 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DIRECTED AUDIO SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically providing audio output information to one or more portions of a portable electronic device to be outputted from said portable electronic device via one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals; and electronically outputting, said one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals to be demodulated into one or more acoustic audio signals containing one or more portions of said audio output information at one or more locations spaced from said portable electronic device based at least in part according to said one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals and based at least in part according to one or more portable electronic device ultrasonic emitter arrangements. 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 |
20140269214 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DIRECTED AUDIO TARGETED MULTI-USER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically modulating two or more acoustic ultrasonic signals according to output information to be transmitted as two or more acoustic ultrasonic signals from two or more portable electronic device emitters of a portable electronic device; and electronically projecting said two or more acoustic ultrasonic signals from said portable electronic device emitters to produce a first set of one or more acoustic audio signals from a first set of said two or more acoustic ultrasonic signals at a first location and to produce a second set of one or more second acoustic audio signals from of a second set of said two or more acoustic ultrasonic signals at 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 |
20140270198 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DIRECTED AUDIO EMITTER ARRANGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically determining positioning status of one or more portions of one or more humans relative to one or more locations of demodulation of one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals into one or more acoustic audio signals said one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals originating from a portable electronic device; and electronically alerting said one or more humans from said portable electronic device regarding said positioning status of one or more portions of one or more humans relative to one or more locations of demodulation of one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals into one or more acoustic audio signals when said positioning status includes a first characterization. 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 |
20150203112 | VEHICLE COLLISION MANAGEMENT RESPONSIVE TO ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES IN AN AVOIDANCE PATH - Described embodiments include a system and a method. A system includes an evaluation circuit configured to determine a characteristic of an adverse circumstance present in a possible collision avoidance path of a vehicle. The system includes a rating circuit configured to assign a risk value to the possible collision avoidance path responsive to the determined characteristic of the adverse circumstance. The system includes an uncertainty assessment circuit configured to assign an uncertainty to the risk value. The system includes a threshold circuit configured to determine if the risk value of the possible collision avoidance path and the uncertainty in a combination meet a threshold criteria. The system includes a communication circuit configured to output the possible collision avoidance path as a selected collision avoidance path if the threshold criteria is met. | 07-23-2015 |
20150203113 | VEHICLE COLLISION MANAGEMENT RESPONSIVE TO TRACTION CONDITIONS IN AN AVOIDANCE PATH - Described embodiments include a system and a method. A system includes a surface evaluation circuit configured to determine a surface fraction characteristic of at least a portion of a driving surface of a possible collision avoidance path of a vehicle. The system includes a rating circuit configured to assign a risk value to the possible collision avoidance path responsive to the determined surface traction characteristic. The system includes a selector circuit having a rule-set configured to select a collision avoidance path from at least two possible collision avoidance paths in response to an evaluation of the respective assigned risk value for each of the at least two possible collision avoidance paths. | 07-23-2015 |
20150213992 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE MULTI-LAYER GRAPHENE GRID - A vacuum electronic device includes a multi-layer graphene grid that includes at least two layers of graphene, where the transmission of electrons through the multi-layer graphene grid can be tuned by varying the parameters of the vacuum electronic device such as the number of graphene layers, relative positions of the electrodes, voltage biases applied to the electrodes, and other device parameters. | 07-30-2015 |
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 |
20150332623 | UNOBTRUSIVE VISUAL MESSAGES - A method for providing messages includes receiving a first image set and a second image set. The method also includes displaying images from the first and second image sets interspersed in an image sequence. In the image sequence, a time interval between each image from the first image set and at least one image from the second image set is less than a critical flicker interval (CFI) for a human eye. | 11-19-2015 |
20150332678 | UNOBTRUSIVE AUDIO MESSAGES - A method for providing audio messages includes receiving a first image set and a second image set. The first image set includes visually encoded audio data for rendering audio on an electronic computing device. The method also includes displaying images from the first and second image sets interspersed in an image sequence. In the image sequence, a time interval between each image from the first image set and at least one image from the second image set is less than a critical flicker interval (CFI) for a human eye. | 11-19-2015 |
20160058543 | ADJUNCTS FOR GASTROINTESTINAL DEVICES - An adjunct for a gastrointestinal device and a system including said adjunct are described herein and include a substrate configured to attach to a gastrointestinal device, the substrate including a first surface and a second surface, and a plurality of at least one type of commensal microbe associated with at least a portion of at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate. | 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 |
20160058592 | 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 a layered wall, the flexible tubular structure including a plurality of at least one type of commensal microbe encased in the layered wall, the layered wall configured to allow an interaction between the plurality of the at least one type of commensal microbe and an ingested product within the flexible tubular structure, 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 |
20160058803 | ADJUNCTS FOR GASTROINTESTINAL DEVICES - An adjunct for a gastrointestinal device and a system including said adjunct are described herein and include a substrate configured to attach to a gastrointestinal device, the substrate including a first surface and a second surface, and at least one microbe-promoting agent associated with at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate, the at least one microbe-promoting agent configured to promote at least one of attraction, colonization, and growth of at least one type of commensal microbe. | 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 |
20160063268 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR GATHERING DISPLAY DEVICE USAGE DATA - A display device includes one or more sensors to sense activity in a physical region near the display, as well as a permission component, account component, and a data gathering component. The permission component is configured to determine a permission level corresponding to the display device. The account component is configured to determine an account status that is based on the permission level. The data gathering component is configured to gather usage data for the display device based on the permission level. The usage data includes data from the one or more sensors regarding activity in the physical region near the display device. The transmission component is configured to transmit the usage data to a remote server. | 03-03-2016 |
20160063318 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR TRACKING ATTENTION OF VIEWERS OF A DISPLAY DEVICE - An apparatus or system includes a permission management component, a usage component, an attention component, and a report component. The permission management component is configured to determine a permission level corresponding to a display device. The permission level may indicate an amount of data or type of data that can be gathered. The usage component is configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors observing a viewing area of a display device. The display device may include the one or more sensors, and the sensor data may be received in accordance with the permission level. The attention component is configured to determine, based on the sensor data, an attention level of one or more individuals to the display device. A report component is configured to report the attention level to a content provider. | 03-03-2016 |
20160117929 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT WITHIN A MANAGED AIRSPACE OR FLYWAY - A system and method for management of airspace for unmanned aircraft is disclosed. The system and method comprises administration of the airspace including designation of flyways and zones with reference to features in the region. The system and method comprises administration of aircraft including registration of aircraft and mission. A monitoring system tracks conditions and aircraft traffic in the airspace. Aircraft may be configured to transact with the management system including to obtain rights/priority by license and to operate in the airspace under direction of the system. The system and aircraft may be configured for dynamic transactions (e.g. licensing/routing). The system will set rates for licenses and use/access to the airspace and aircraft will be billed/pay for use/access of the airspace at rates using data from data sources. | 04-28-2016 |
20160117931 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF AIRSPACE FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT - A system and method for management of airspace for unmanned aircraft is disclosed. The system and method comprises administration of the airspace including designation of flyways and zones with reference to features in the region. The system and method comprises administration of aircraft including registration of aircraft and mission. A monitoring system tracks conditions and aircraft traffic in the airspace. Aircraft may be configured to transact with the management system including to obtain rights/priority by license and to operate in the airspace under direction of the system. The system and aircraft may be configured for dynamic transactions (e.g. licensing/routing). The system will set rates for licenses and use/access to the airspace and aircraft will be billed/pay for use/access of the airspace at rates using data from data sources. | 04-28-2016 |
20160117933 | UNMANNED AIRCRAFT CONFIGURED FOR OPERATION IN A MANAGED AIRSPACE - A system and method for management of airspace for unmanned aircraft is disclosed. The system and method comprises administration of the airspace including designation of flyways and zones with reference to features in the region. The system and method comprises administration of aircraft including registration of aircraft and mission. A monitoring system tracks conditions and aircraft traffic in the airspace. Aircraft may be configured to transact with the management system including to obtain rights/priority by license and to operate in the airspace under direction of the system. The system and aircraft may be configured for dynamic transactions (e.g. licensing/routing). The system will set rates for licenses and use/access to the airspace and aircraft will be billed/pay for use/access of the airspace at rates using data from data sources. | 04-28-2016 |
20160126217 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR INTER-SUBSTRATE COUPLING - Inter-substrate coupling and alignment using liquid droplets can include electrical and plasmon modalities. For example, a set of droplets can be placed on a bottom substrate. A top substrate can be placed upon the droplets, which uses the droplets to align the substrates. Using the droplets in a capacitive or plasmon coupling modality, information or power can be transferred between the substrates using the droplets. | 05-05-2016 |
20160128192 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR INTER-SUBSTRATE COUPLING - Inter-substrate coupling and alignment using liquid droplets can include electrical and plasmon modalities. For example, a set of droplets can be placed on a bottom substrate. A top substrate can be placed upon the droplets, which uses the droplets to align the substrates. Using the droplets in a capacitive or plasmon coupling modality, information or power can be transferred between the substrates using the droplets. | 05-05-2016 |
20160128193 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR INTER-SUBSTRATE COUPLING - Inter-substrate coupling and alignment using liquid droplets can include electrical and plasmon modalities. For example, a set of droplets can be placed on a bottom substrate. A top substrate can be placed upon the droplets, which uses the droplets to align the substrates. Using the droplets in a capacitive or plasmon coupling modality, information or power can be transferred between the substrates using the droplets. | 05-05-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120069417 | Photonic modulation of a photonic band gap - An apparatus comprises a first photonic crystal structure having a first photonic band gap distribution and configured to support a first electromagnetic signal, wherein the first photonic band gap distribution may vary according to a second electromagnetic signal. | 03-22-2012 |
20130257144 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING AUXILIARY ELECTRICAL POWER TO AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE - The present invention may include a towable trailer being mechanically couplable to a vehicle, the towable trailer including an auxiliary battery housing unit, a wheel being rotatably connected to the towable trailer, an auxiliary battery disposed within the auxiliary battery housing unit of the towable trailer, the vehicle including a storage battery, the auxiliary battery of the towable trailer being electrically couplable with the storage battery of the vehicle via a bidirectional pathway, and a control system configured to control a transfer of electrical energy between the auxiliary battery of the towable trailer and the storage battery of the vehicle along the bidirectional pathway. | 10-03-2013 |
20130257145 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING AUXILIARY ELECTRICAL POWER TO AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE - The present invention may include a towable trailer being mechanically couplable to a vehicle, the towable trailer including an auxiliary battery housing unit, a wheel being rotatably connected to the towable trailer, an auxiliary battery disposed within the auxiliary battery housing unit of the towable trailer, the vehicle including a storage battery, the auxiliary battery of the towable trailer being electrically couplable with the storage battery of the vehicle via a bidirectional pathway, and a control system configured to control a transfer of electrical energy between the auxiliary battery of the towable trailer and the storage battery of the vehicle along the bidirectional pathway. | 10-03-2013 |
20130265630 | PHOTONIC MODULATION OF A PHOTONIC BAND GAP - An apparatus comprises a first photonic crystal structure having a first photonic band gap distribution and configured to support a first electromagnetic signal, wherein the first photonic band gap distribution may vary according to a second electromagnetic signal. | 10-10-2013 |
20130296755 | CERVICAL SPINE STABILIZING SYSTEM - A passive cervical spine stabilizing system includes a head engagement member, a torso supported member, and at least one stabilization connector having a first portion configured to be secured to the head engagement member and having a second portion configured to be secured to the torso supported member, wherein the at least one stabilization connector includes a surface in contact with a shear-thickening non-Newtonian fluid. | 11-07-2013 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20140269196 | Portable Electronic Device Directed Audio Emitter Arrangement System and Method - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically determining positioning status of one or more portions of one or more humans relative to one or more locations of demodulation of one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals into one or more acoustic audio signals said one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals originating from a portable electronic device; and electronically alerting said one or more humans from said portable electronic device regarding said positioning status of one or more portions of one or more humans relative to one or more locations of demodulation of one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals into one or more acoustic audio signals when said positioning status includes a first characterization. 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 |
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 |
20140270305 | Portable Electronic Device Directed Audio System and Method - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically providing audio output information to one or more portions of a portable electronic device to be outputted from said portable electronic device via one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals; and electronically outputting, said one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals to be demodulated into one or more acoustic audio signals containing one or more portions of said audio output information at one or more locations spaced from said portable electronic device based at least in part according to said one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals and based at least in part according to one or more portable electronic device ultrasonic emitter arrangements. 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 |
20140272498 | BATTERY DAMAGE INDICATOR - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for indicating battery damage. A battery may comprise an odorant and/or visible indicator material configured to be released in response to battery damage. The battery may be configured to release the odorant and/or visible indicator in response to damage to the battery housing, a cell or cells in the battery, a seal of the battery, or any other specific component of the battery. The odorant and/or visible indicator may be stored in free space in the battery housing, a battery cell, or other battery component. The battery may be configured to emit an audible and/or visible indication of battery damage in addition to releasing the odorant and/or visible indicator. | 09-18-2014 |
20140272499 | BATTERY DAMAGE INDICATOR - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for indicating battery damage. A battery may comprise an odorant and/or visible indicator material configured to be released in response to battery damage. The battery may be configured to release the odorant and/or visible indicator in response to damage to the battery housing, a cell or cells in the battery, a seal of the battery, or any other specific component of the battery. The odorant and/or visible indicator may be stored in free space in the battery housing, a battery cell, or other battery component. The battery may be configured to emit an audible and/or visible indication of battery damage in addition to releasing the odorant and/or visible indicator. | 09-18-2014 |
20140369514 | Portable Electronic Device Directed Audio Targeted Multiple User System and Method - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically modulating two or more acoustic ultrasonic signals according to output information to be transmitted as two or more acoustic ultrasonic signals from two or more portable electronic device emitters of a portable electronic device; and electronically projecting said two or more acoustic ultrasonic signals from said portable electronic device emitters to produce a first set of one or more acoustic audio signals from a first set of said two or more acoustic ultrasonic signals at a first location and to produce a second set of one or more second acoustic audio signals from of a second set of said two or more acoustic ultrasonic signals at 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. | 12-18-2014 |
20140376785 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCEMENT OF FACIAL EXPRESSIONS - A system for enhancing a facial expression includes a processing circuit is configured to receive video of a user, generate facial data corresponding to a face of the user, analyze the facial data to identify a facial expression, enhance the facial data based on the facial expression, and output modified video including the enhanced facial data. | 12-25-2014 |
20140379384 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING DRIVING TO DETERMINE AN INSURANCE PROPERTY - A method for determining a property of an insurance policy includes receiving driving data for a vehicle based on sensor data from one or more sensors external to the vehicle. The driving data includes identification data for one or more of the vehicle and a driver of the vehicle. The method includes determining risk data associated with one or more of the vehicle and the driver based on the driving data. The method further includes automatically determining a property of an insurance policy associated with one or more of the vehicle and the driver based on the risk data. | 12-25-2014 |
20140379385 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING DRIVING TO DETERMINE AN INSURANCE PROPERTY - A method for determining a property of an insurance policy includes receiving sensor data from a portable electronic device regarding a driving event involving a first vehicle. The sensor data is provided by the portable electronic device in response to a user initiating a command to report the driving event. The portable electronic device is external to the first vehicle. The method includes identifying, based on the sensor data, one or more of the first vehicle and a driver of the first vehicle. The method includes determining risk data associated with one or more of the first vehicle and the driver based on the driving event. The method further includes automatically updating an insurance property of an insurance policy associated with one or more of the first vehicle and the driver based on the risk data. | 12-25-2014 |
20150024286 | ACTIVE CATHODE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR METAL-AIR BATTERIES - A metal-air battery is disclosed, including a cathode temperature controller that identifies a power-boosted operating temperature at which a projected power boost exceeds a projected battery lifetime penalty and a temperature regulator that adjusts the cathode temperature to the power-boosted operating temperature using power generated by the metal-air battery when the metal-air battery is in a discharge state. | 01-22-2015 |
20150034198 | PIPELINE LEAK SEALING SYSTEM AND METHOD - 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. | 02-05-2015 |
20150050159 | DUAL ELEMENT TURBINE BLADE - A turbine blade includes 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 includes a non-uniform cross-section and is a high-strength fiber material. The turbine blade further includes a shell disposed around the core element, and the volume between the core element and the shell forms a void. | 02-19-2015 |
20150071450 | 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. | 03-12-2015 |
20150108319 | AGRICULTURAL ACCESS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An agricultural access system is described. The system may utilize a plurality of supports, including posts, cables, beams, and so forth to displace an access component. Control systems, sensors, delivery mechanisms, and other functions may be integrated with the system or access components. Some embodiments may include multiple cells with access components configured to interact with adjacent access components. Methods of accessing an agricultural area are also disclosed. | 04-23-2015 |
20150108320 | AGRICULTURAL ACCESS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An agricultural access system is described. The system may utilize a plurality of supports, including posts, cables, beams, and so forth to displace an access component. Control systems, sensors, delivery mechanisms, and other functions may be integrated with the system or access components. Some embodiments may include multiple cells with access components configured to interact with adjacent access components. Methods of accessing an agricultural area are also disclosed. | 04-23-2015 |
20150158495 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REPORTING CHARACTERISTICS OF OPERATOR PERFORMANCE - A vehicle may include a monitoring unit configured to determine a characteristic of performance of an operator of the vehicle. The characteristic of operator performance may include a characteristic of historical performance by the operator, a current impairment of the operator, and/or the like. For example, the characteristic may be determined by monitoring inputs to vehicle controls, by monitoring the operator, and/or by monitoring a physiological characteristic of the operator. The characteristic of operator performance may be transmitted to one or more nearby vehicles to improve the ability of manual operators and/or automatic-driving software of the nearby vehicles to predict maneuvers and/or behaviors by the operator. Record of the transmission of the characteristic of operator performance and/or of any acknowledgements of receipt of the characteristic of operator performance by the nearby vehicles may be logged to a persistent storage device. | 06-11-2015 |
20150161893 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REPORTING REAL-TIME HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS - A vehicle may include a monitoring unit configured to determine a time-varying handling characteristic of the vehicle. The time-varying handling characteristic may include a characteristic of vehicle performance in executing maneuvers, a status of a vehicle component (e.g., tires, brakes, drivetrain, etc.), and/or the like. The time-varying handling characteristic may be transmitted to one or more nearby vehicles to improve the ability of manual operators and/or automatic-driving software of the nearby vehicles to predict the performance of the vehicle in executing maneuvers, to be aware of a failure (or likely failure) of a vehicle component, and/or the like. Record of the transmission of the time-varying handling characteristic and/or of any acknowledgements of receipt of the time-varying handling characteristic by the nearby vehicles may be logged to a persistent storage device. | 06-11-2015 |
20150161894 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REPORTING CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTOMATIC-DRIVING SOFTWARE - A vehicle may include a monitoring unit configured to determine a characteristic of an automatic-driving software program operating on the vehicle. The characteristic may include an identification of the automatic-driving software program, adjustable parameters, internal variables/dynamic decisions of the automatic-driving software program, performance of one or more sensors, whether an automatic collision avoidance maneuver has been triggered, and/or the like. The characteristic may be transmitted to one or more nearby vehicles to improve the ability of manual operators and/or automatic-driving software of the nearby vehicles to predict the maneuvers by the vehicle and/or behavior of the vehicle. Record of the transmission of the characteristic and/or of any acknowledgements of receipt of the characteristic by the nearby vehicles may be logged to a persistent storage device. | 06-11-2015 |