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

A system comprising: an interrogator device, comprising: a first transmit antenna configured to transmit radio-frequency (RF) signals circularly polarized in a first rotational direction; and a first receive antenna configured to receive RF signals circularly polarized in a second rotational direction different from the first rotational direction; and a target device, comprising: a second receive antenna configured to receive RF signals circularly polarized in the first rotational direction and a second transmit antenna configured to transmit, to the interrogator device, RF signals circularly polarized in the second rotational direction.

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide orientation and/or position data from an orientation and/or position sensor (OPS) while it is rotating. A system includes a logic device configured to communicate with an OPS that is rotationally coupled to a mobile structure. The logic device is configured to receive orientation and/or position data from the OPS while the OPS is rotating relative to the mobile structure and determine rotationally corrected orientation and/or position data referenced to the mobile structure, a rotationally actuated sensor assembly mounted to the mobile structure, and/or an absolute coordinate frame.

A first method includes receiving a first reflected radar signal from a target in a first field of view and receiving a second reflected radar signal from a target in a second field of view offset from the first field of view by a predetermined distance; transforming the first and second reflected radar signals to obtain first and second sets of frequency coefficients, from which a frequency-dependent phase difference is obtained; and calculating a time-delay from the slope of the frequency dependence. A second method includes obtaining summed difference values between the first and second radar responses, where each of the summed difference values corresponds to different time shifts between the first and second radar response, and deriving from the summed difference values a time-delay associated with the target's motion from the first field of view to the second field of view. A third method combines the time-delays or associated speeds obtained from independent estimators.

A system for efficient transportation and display of plants or flowers has been designed that contains two or more trays and a container. The first tray and alternative tray house the plants or flowers. The second tray, in which the first tray and alternative tray nest, allows for easy movement of the first tray, the alternative tray and the supply of water or nutrients. The container is designed to serve two functions, shipping and displaying.

Vegetative systems are described. In one embodiment, a vegetative system has substantially distinct or separate zones or layers in which each zone or layer performs primarily one of the functions of water retention, a growth medium for vegetation, and weed suppression. An upper may comprise coarse aggregate and serve the primary function of weed suppression; a middle layer may comprise a mixture of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and fine organic material and serve primarily as a growth medium for vegetation; and a lower layer may comprise high-density hygroscopic material and serve the primary function of water retention.

A seed sampling system is provided having an automated seed loading assembly including a seed bin and being operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds within the seed bin. The system also includes an automated seed sampling assembly operable to remove tissue samples from the singulated seeds, and an automated seed transport assembly operable to transfer the singulated seeds from the seed loading assembly to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly includes multiple retention members. Each of the retention members is movable relative to the seed loading assembly and to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly is operable to position one of the multiple retention members adjacent to the seed loading assembly for engaging one of the singulated seeds, while positioning another of the retention members adjacent to the seed sampling assembly for presenting another of the singulated seeds to the seed sampling assembly.

A system for diffusing one or more volatile compounds includes a base and a pod tray, carried by the base. At least one pod is carried by the pod tray. The pod has a housing holding a volatile compound mass, the housing and mass being moveable relative to one another. An actuator is carried by the base, the actuator being operable to engage the pod and move the housing and the volatile compound mass relative to one another. The pod and the actuator are positionable relative to one another such that one or both of the pod and the actuator can be positioned proximate to one another to enable the actuator to engage the pod and move the housing and the volatile compound mass relative to one another.

A method of forming a material for reversible hydrogen storage within a storage tank includes charging a mixture of a metal amide and a metal hydride to the storage tank, and chemically reacting the mixture at a reaction condition within the storage tank to form a thermally conducting composite material situated in the storage tank and for reversibly storing hydrogen. The composite material includes a three-dimensional and interconnected framework including a conductive metal. A method for reversibly storing hydrogen includes providing a storage tank and in situ chemically forming a composite material by charging a mixture of a metal amide and a metal hydride to the storage tank and chemically reacting the mixture at a reaction condition to form a thermally conducting composite material including a metal hydride and a substantially unreactive elemental metal framework. Hydrogen is absorbed into the composite material and is desorbed from the composite material.

The invention concerns barrier films comprising: (i) a substrate comprising at least first and second coatings on the substrate; (ii) the first coating comprising an inorganic oxide, metal oxide or metallic coating; and (iii) the second coating capable of adhering to the substrates, wherein the second coating is polymeric; wherein the degradation of oxygen transmission rate is reduced when compared to a barrier film without the second coating when the barrier film is subjected to Gelbo-type flexing as described in ASTM F392.

Game systems and methods of use thereof. Such a game system includes a pair of game boards each having a platform that defines an inclined surface, a pair of stakes each configured to protrude from one of the surfaces of the game boards, and at least two sets of game pieces, each game piece having two weighted tossable objects tethered to one another by a connecting member, each set of game pieces being readily identifiable from the other. A game may be played by tossing the game pieces towards the surfaces of the platforms and calculating a score based on the interaction between the game pieces and the stakes of the game boards and their surfaces, wherein the game ends when a predetermined total score is reached.

A system of systems to monitor data for carbon flux, for example, at scales capable of managing regional net carbon flux and pricing carbon financial instruments is disclosed. The system of systems can monitor carbon flux in forests, soils, agricultural areas, body of waters, flue gases, and the like. The system includes a means to identify and quantify sources of carbon based on simultaneous measurement of isotopologues of carbon dioxide, for example, industrial, agricultural or natural sources, offering integration of same in time and space. Carbon standards are employed at multiple scales to ensure harmonization of data and carbon financial instruments.

This invention relates to novel methods for affecting, controlling and/or directing various crystal formation, structure formation or phase formation/phase change reaction pathways or systems by exposing one or more components in a holoreaction system to at least one spectral energy pattern. In a first aspect of the invention, at least one spectral energy pattern can be applied to a crystallization reaction system. In a second aspect of the invention, at least one spectral energy conditioning pattern can be applied to a conditioning reaction system. The spectral energy conditioning pattern can, for example, be applied at a separate location from the reaction vessel (e.g., in a conditioning reaction vessel) or can be applied in (or to) the reaction vessel, but prior to other (or all) crystallization reaction system participants being introduced into the reaction vessel.

Small, little-known companies are selling CBD as a cure-all. While the Trump Administration has deregulated right and left — for instance, allowing polluters to go hog wild — the Food and Drug Administration isn't effing around when it comes to cracking down on companies selling supposed cures for the COVID-19 virus. Several of those targeted companies make CBD.…

A MEMS piezoelectric device includes a monolithic semiconductor body having first and second main surfaces extending parallel to a horizontal plane formed by first and second horizontal axes. A housing cavity is arranged within the monolithic semiconductor body. A membrane is suspended above the housing cavity at the first main surface. A piezoelectric material layer is arranged above a first surface of the membrane with a proof mass coupled to a second surface, opposite to the first surface, along the vertical axis. An electrode arrangement is provided in contact with the piezoelectric material layer. The proof mass causes deformation of the piezoelectric material layer in response to environmental mechanical vibrations. The proof mass is coupled to the membrane by a connection element arranged, in a central position, between the membrane and the proof mass in the direction of the vertical axis.

Methods and systems for using the Earth's magnetic field to power a machine having a motor, the system including a computer, a plurality of wires, a plurality of energy storing devices, all in controlled electrical communication with each other, wherein the plurality of wires can collect electrical energy from the Earth's magnetic field while the machine is put in motion by a power source powering the motor, wherein the collected electrical energy is stored in the plurality of energy storing devices or used to power the motor.

A monolithic integration of phase change material (PCM) switches with a MEMS resonator is provided to implement switching and reconfiguration functionalities. MEMS resonator includes a piezoelectric material to control terminal connections to the electrodes. The PCM is operable between an ON state and an OFF state by application of heat, which causes the phase change material to change from an amorphous state to a crystalline state or from a crystalline state to an amorphous state, the amorphous state and the crystalline state each associated with one of the ON state and the OFF state. A method of fabricating the MEMS resonator with phase change material is provided. A reconfigurable filter system using the MEMS resonators is also provided.

A hat system relating to reducing and/or eliminating physical interferences between hat bills and eyewear rims by the introduction of strategic hat bill cutouts along the periphery of the bill as a means for providing additional physical clearance for user-chosen eyewear. Additionally, users of the preferred hat system may also take advantage of bill cutouts as a means to secure eyewear on the face during sports, or other moments of high activity. Further, the hat system incorporates a camouflage covering to camouflage such strategic hat bill cutouts. Even further, the hat system provides unique design elements provided by geometrically-shaped bill cutouts in combination with, or without, coverings.

According to some aspects, a cymbal system is provided, comprising a cymbal, and a vibrational transducer magnetically coupled to the cymbal, the magnetic coupling provided by at least one magnetic component on an upper side of the cymbal and at least one magnetic component on a lower side of the cymbal. According to some aspects, a method for transducing vibrations of a cymbal is provided, comprising magnetically coupling a vibrational transducer to a cymbal, the magnetic coupling provided by at least one magnetic component on an upper side of the cymbal and at least one magnetic component on a lower side of the cymbal.

The specification discloses a novel drumstick configuration with an enhanced grip and performance characteristics. Included in the drumstick are a plurality of preferably continuous circumferential longitudinally spaced-apart grooves disposed in an outer surface of an elongate body portion. The grooves each contain a grip-enhancing material which has an upper surface disposed slightly above the outer surface of the body portion to enhance the grip and general performance characteristics of the drumstick.

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, and method that allow non-musicians to compose and perform a musical composition. Although some existing electronic devices can provide a virtual environment to compose and play musical sound digitally, manipulating such a virtual environment can be difficult and may require specific software expertise, as well as knowledge of music theory. The present disclosure provides a platform that facilitates the creation of a musical composition without such software expertise or knowledge of music theory. The platform models a musical composition as a simultaneous playback of one or more musical contents. The platform allows players to control or modify one or more of the plurality of musical contents to generate or synthesize a musical composition.

A system and method providing a facade for portable toilets and other structures includes a plurality of panels that mimic or emulate a more aesthetically pleasings structure. The facade may provide the appearance of a house or other structure to disguise the less appealing form of a portable toilet. One, two, three or more panels connect about a portable toilet structure and may partially or completely connect to the portable toilet structure itself. The facade is optionally comprised of lightweight and easily transportable material.

Thermally-isolating wall anchors and reinforcement devices and anchoring systems employing the same are disclosed for use in masonry cavity walls. A thermally-isolating coating is applied to the wall anchor, which is interconnected with a wire formative veneer tie. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated wall anchors provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

A pole splint, generally for use with a broken wooden utility pole, which can provide for a strong repair at a pole breakpoint and which uses relatively little manpower and equipment to install, even under difficult conditions. The splint generally comprises two panels which are designed to be interconnected with elongated connectors. The connectors will generally interact with one of the panels through the use of a nut and washer, and may connect with the other panel through a nut and washer or via a chain formed of chain links.

A method comprises receiving an input coupling adjacent to a drive input, the drive input being driven by an actuating element, the input coupling being coupled to a joint output, the joint output being connected to a movable object. The method further comprises rotating the actuating element until a resistance torque is experienced by the actuating element and determining, based upon the resistance torque, whether the drive input has engaged the input coupling.

A method of forming oral orthotic systems includes providing an upper dental member adapted to be placed in connection with upper dentition of the patient, providing a lower dental member adapted to be placed in connection with lower dentition of the patient and providing a plurality of posterior mounting structures. Each of the posterior mounting structure is configured to be attached to one of the upper dental member or the lower dental member at a posterior, buccal position thereon. Force may be applied to the mandible of the patient via at least one of a plurality of different types mechanisms via attachment of a component of a selected type mechanism to at least one of the posterior mounting structures.

In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method of guiding transitions between therapy modes in connection with the treatment and/or diagnosis of a patient for a respiratory disorder is/are provided. Respiratory disorder treatment according to a first therapy mode is provided. Input indicating a second therapy mode to be transitioned to following provision of the first therapy mode is received, with the second therapy mode being different from the first therapy mode. At least one default treatment parameter suitable for the second therapy mode is assigned or calculated. Each default treatment parameter of the second therapy mode is presented, with each default treatment parameter being adjustable by an operator during the presenting. Transitioning from the first therapy mode to the second therapy mode is performed by providing respiratory disorder treatment in accordance with the second therapy mode and each default treatment parameter and any adjustments made thereto prior to the transitioning. Advantageously, the chances of a patient being disturbed by transitioning from mode-to-mode are reduced.

An example method for detecting respiratory disturbances experienced by a subject can include receiving an airflow signal and at least one of an acoustic or vibration signal, where the airflow, acoustic, and/or vibration signals are associated with the subjects breathing. At least one feature can be extracted from the airflow signal and at least one feature can be extracted from at least one of the acoustic or vibration signal. Based on the extracted features, at least one respiratory disturbance can be detected. The respiratory disturbance can be flow limited breath or inspiratory flow limitation (“IFL”).

Systems and methods for effecting posture of a subject who is to be positioned on a support surface having an inclinable portion such that the subject's thorax is inclinable relative to the subject's legs, are provided. An example system includes a detachedly coupleable thoracic harness having at least an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface being contoured to fit over shoulders of the subject. The outer surface having a fastening surface that releasable attaches to a corresponding fastening surface disposed on the inclinable portion of the support surface.

This disclosure describes systems and methods for controlling pressure and/or flow during exhalation. The disclosure describes novel exhalation modes for ventilating a patient.

A respiratory mask or other sealing interface can be used in combination with a nasal cannula or other unsealing interface in providing respiratory therapies for the treatment of COPD or OSA. The mask can act as a pressure vessel over the top of a nasal cannula, with the intention of increasing expiratory pressure whilst allowing the nasal cannula to provide a user with breathing gases of a high humidity and temperature. The ability to selectively apply increased expiratory pressure may be effective in reducing a user's breathing rate and thus beneficial in the treatment of respiratory distress.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described that indicate an amount at which various gas flow rates should be manually adjusted in order to achieve targeted total flow rates and concentration levels.

A device comprising: a receive antenna configured to receive a first radio-frequency (RF) signal having a first center frequency; a first transmit antenna configured to transmit a second RF signal having a second center frequency that is a harmonic of the first center frequency; a second transmit antenna configured to transmit a third RF signal having a third center frequency that is a harmonic of the first center frequency and is different from the second center frequency; first circuitry, coupled to the receive antenna and to the first transmit antenna, configured to generate the second RF signal using the first RF signal and provide it to the first transmit antenna for transmission; and second circuitry, coupled to the receive antenna and to the second transmit antenna, configured to generate the third RF signal using the first RF signal and provide it to the second transmit antenna for transmission.

Various integrated high quality electronic components and systems, and methods of their manufacture, are presented. In one example, a device includes a glass substrate or interposer including one or more metalized through-glass vias (TGVs). The one or more metalized TGVs can be used to form a substrate integrated waveguide, a complementary split ring resonator, a disc loaded monopole antenna or other device. An array of metalized TGVs can define side walls of the integrated waveguide. A disc coupled to a tip of a metalized TGV can provide capacitive disc loading of the monopole antenna.

Various systems and methods for radiating RF transmissions outside of a portable electronic device with a conductive case. In an embodiment, this solution includes a conductive enclosure, a circuit board within the conductive enclosure, at least one non-conductive gap between the circuit board and the conductive enclosure, and a radio frequency (RF) connection between the circuit board and the conductive enclosure. The combination of enclosure and gaps can excite certain radiation modes at high frequency bands, such as a cavity-backed lambda-long slot radiation mode.

A tracking antenna system for discrete radio frequency spectrums includes a reflector, a pedestal supporting the reflector, a radome assembly enclosing both, a first feed for gathering radio waves within a first of discrete RF spectrums that is removably disposed in front of the reflector at the focal point, a first RF module operably connected to the first feed for converting the first gathered radio waves to first electronic signals, a feed mount for removably supporting the first feed and configured to removably support a second feed for gathering radio waves within a second of discrete RF spectrums, and a module mount for removably supporting the first RF module and configured to removably support a second RF module for converting the second radio waves to second electronic signals. A method of using the tracking antenna system adaptable for discrete radio frequency spectrums is also disclosed.

An antenna array includes a plurality of patch antennas including a plurality of layers. Each of the plurality of layers are separated by a distance and each support a portion of the plurality of patch antennas. A plurality of connectors are each associated with one of the plurality of layers and supply a signal for transmission by the associated layer. A feed network on each of the plurality of layers provides a connection between a connector associated with the layer and the portion of the patch antennas located on the layer. Each layer transmits a signal having a different orthogonal function applied thereto that multiplexes each of the signals having a different orthogonal function applied thereto onto a single transmission beam. A parabolic reflector reflects the single transmission beam from the plurality of layers of the antenna array.

Microfluidic devices having an electrowetting configuration and an optimized droplet actuation surface are provided. The devices include a conductive substrate having a dielectric layer, a hydrophobic layer covalently bonded to the dielectric layer, and a first electrode electrically coupled to the dielectric layer and configured to be connected to a voltage source. The microfluidic devices also include a second electrode, optionally included in a cover, configured to be connected to the voltage source. The hydrophobic layer features self-associating molecules covalently bonded to a surface of the dielectric layer in a manner that produces a densely-packed monolayer that resists intercalation and or penetration by polar molecules or species. Also provided are microfluidic devices having an electrowetting configuration that further include a section or module having a dielectrophoresis configuration; systems that include any of the microfluidic devices in combination with an aqueous droplet and a fluidic medium immiscible with the medium of the aqueous droplet; related kits; and methods of manipulating droplets, optionally containing micro-objects such as biological cells, within the microfluidic devices.

A magnetically enhanced low temperature high density plasma chemical vapor deposition (LT-HDP-CVD) source has a hollow cathode target and an anode, which form a gap. A cathode target magnet assembly forms magnetic field lines substantially perpendicular to the cathode surface. A gap magnet assembly forms a magnetic field in the gap that is coupled with the cathode target magnetic field. The magnetic field lines cross the pole piece electrode positioned in the gap. The pole piece is isolated from ground and can be connected to a voltage power supply. The pole piece can have negative, positive, floating, or RF electrical potentials. By controlling the duration, value, and sign of the electric potential on the pole piece, plasma ionization can be controlled. Feed gas flows through the gap between the hollow cathode and anode. The cathode can be connected to a pulse power or RF power supply, or cathode can be connected to both power supplies. The cathode target and substrate can be inductively grounded.

A magnetically enhanced HDP-CVD plasma source includes a hollow cathode target and an anode. The anode and cathode form a gap. A cathode target magnet assembly forms magnetic field lines that are substantially perpendicular to a cathode target surface. The gap magnet assembly forms a cusp magnetic field in the gap that is coupled with the cathode target magnetic field. The magnetic field lines cross a pole piece electrode positioned in the gap. This pole piece is isolated from ground and can be connected with a voltage power supply. The pole piece can have a negative, positive, or floating electric potential. The plasma source can be configured to generate volume discharge. The gap size prohibits generation of plasma discharge in the gap. By controlling the duration, value and a sign of the electric potential on the pole piece, the plasma ionization can be controlled. The magnetically enhanced HDP-CVD source can also be used for chemically enhanced ionized physical vapor deposition (CE-IPVD). Gas flows through the gap between hollow cathode and anode. The cathode target is inductively grounded, and the substrate is periodically inductively grounded.

In one aspect, a biological sequencing device comprising a cartridge configured to be removed from the instrument is disclosed. In various embodiments the cartridge can include one or more capillaries suitable for capillary electrophoresis, a reservoir and a pump. In various embodiments the reservoir can contain a separation matrix. In various embodiments the pump can load a capillary with separation matrix. In another aspect the biological sequencing device can include one or more capillaries and an integrated valve assembly. In various embodiments the integrated valve assembly can provide a polymer to the one or more capillaries.

The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to an apparatus for conducting a capillary electrophoresis assay. The apparatus can comprise a capillary array comprising an anode end and a cathode end, the capillary array provided in a housing further comprising a reservoir configured to house a separation medium and an anode buffer. The system can also comprise an injection mechanism configured to deliver sample to the cathode end of the capillary array, and a temperature control zone, wherein the temperature control zone is configured to control the temperature of the interior of the housing.

An automated peritoneal dialysis system provides various features including prescription-driven dialysis fluid preparation, an integrated disposable fluid circuit, and sensor capabilities that allow accurate filing and draining control with high safety margins. Features include a peritoneal fluid circuit with a pressure sensor at either end and methods and devices for using the pressure signals. Other features and embodiments are disclosed.

The invention includes novel devices and methods for inhibiting or preventing colonization of fluid flow networks by bacteria that have upstream surface motility. In certain aspects, the devices and methods of the invention prevent or minimize undesirable bacterial colonization of medical devices and/or treat or prevent bacterial infections.

Vascular access system embodiments can be configured to remove gas and a piercing member from a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, vascular access systems can remove gas and at least a portion of a piercing member concurrently or simultaneously. In some embodiments, vascular access systems can remove gas before removing at least a portion of a piercing member. In several embodiments, a vascular access system can include a first barrel configured to remove gas and a second barrel configured to retract a piercing member.

A medical device comprising a subcutaneous access port having an access port body and at least one needle having a removable needle tip and a needle shaft defining a needle lumen; the at least one needle housed within the access port body, the at least one needle extendable and retractable relative to the access port body; and a needle shift mechanism operable such that the at least one needle is extendable from and retractable into the access port body at a plurality of positions of the access port body.

Precision AC and DC voltage, current, phase, power and energy measurements and calibrations with current ranges from 1 uA to 20 kA and voltage ranges from 1V to 1000 kV are now performed with accuracies of better than one part per million. Continued demand for improved accuracy has led the inventors to address remnant magetization within the current comparators that form the basis of the measuring process within many of the measurement instruments providing the precision AC and DC measurements and calibrations. Accordingly, the inventors present current comparator and measurement system architectures together with control protocols to provide for correction of this remnant magnetization.

Embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods including a switching converter having an output stage including a power switch or first switching device to convert an input switching signal to an output switching signal and a sensor stage including a second switching device and a third switching device. In embodiments, the sensor stage may be coupled to receive the output switching signal from the first switching device and to substantially replicate a condition of the first switching device to generate a continuous signal rather than a switched signal. In embodiments, the continuous signal may allow detection of a current level. In some embodiments, the current level may indicate an overcurrent event. A digital post-processing circuit may be coupled to the switching device to count a number of overcurrent events according to various embodiments. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed.

A system (100, 200) is presented. The system includes a fluid lifting device (102, 202) located inside a well (106, 206), and comprising an electrical motor (108, 208), a three phase cable (114, 214) for coupling the fluid lifting device to a power source (112, 212), at least one high sensitivity differential current transformer (104, 203, 204) for generating imbalance signals (128, 227) representative of an imbalance current in at least one of the electrical motor and the three phase cable, wherein the at least one high sensitivity differential current transformer is disposed such that the at least one high sensitivity differential current transformer surrounds at least a portion of the three phase cable, and a processing subsystem (136, 236) for monitoring the health of at least one of the fluid lifting device and the three phase cable based on the imbalance signals.

A system can include at least one circuit breaker. The system can also include a prognostic and health monitoring (PHM) system. The PHM system can include at least one measuring device that measures at least one parameter associated with the at least one circuit breaker. The PHM system can also include a controller that receives measurements made by the at least one measuring device and analyzes the measurements to evaluate a performance of the at least one circuit breaker. The measurements can be made while the at least one circuit breaker is in service.