Abstract: A method includes receiving a first set of images from an image capture device of a vehicle. The method also includes performing a first analysis of movement of biomechanical points of occupants of the vehicle in the first set of images. The method further includes receiving an indication that a traffic incident has occurred. The method also includes receiving a second set of images from the image capture device corresponding to when the traffic incident occurred. The method further includes performing a second analysis of movement of the biomechanical points of the occupants in the second set of images. The method also includes determining a likelihood of injury or a severity of injury to the occupants based on the first analysis of movement and the second analysis of movement.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure include at least one building component detection sensor device configured to be deployed within (or proximate to) a building comprised of a plurality of building components. The at least one building component detection sensor device is configured to detect data relating to at least one building component of the plurality of building components. In addition, a building component property determination system includes a processor configured to execute instructions stored in memory to determine one or more properties of the at least one building component based at least in part on the data detected by the at least one building component detection sensor device.

Abstract: A device that detects fluid flow may include a housing member that couples to a conduit and an apparatus that outputs the fluid. The device may also include a flow mechanism that detects the fluid flow through the conduit and the apparatus and a transmitter that transmits a signal indicative of the fluid flow to a computing device.

Abstract: A system may include a processor. The processor may be configured to receive a first indication indicative of presence of a person arriving at a location associated with a scheduled service. The process may also be configured to determine whether the first indication corresponds to an expected arrival time of the scheduled service. Additionally, the processor may receive activity data in response to determining that the indication corresponds to the expected arrival time. Further, the processor may receive a second indication indicative that the person has completed the scheduled service. Further still, the processor may determine whether the scheduled service is completed based at least in part on the activity data. Even further, the processor may transmit a service confirmation to a computing device associated with a property owner of the location in response to determining that the scheduled service is completed.

Abstract: A disaster preparation system may include a system controller. The system controller may include a device processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions executable by the device processor to perform the following steps: receiving location data from a personal electronic device of a user; receiving forecast data regarding a predicted disaster; making a determination of a preparatory action to be executed on behalf of the user, based on the location data and the forecast data; and executing the preparatory action at a predetermined time relative to the predicted time of occurrence of the predicted disaster.

Abstract: A pre-disaster education system may include a system controller. The controller may include a device processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions executable by the device processor to perform the following steps: receiving location data from a personal electronic device of a user; receiving forecast data regarding a predicted disaster; making a determination of an educational message to be sent to the personal electronic device of the user, based on the location data and the forecast data; and sending the educational message to the personal electronic device of the user at a predetermined time relative to the predicted time of occurrence of the predicted disaster.

Abstract: A system configured to detect failure of a hose includes a sensor assembly having a body with a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to one another at respective first ends, and the body is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The sensor assembly also includes a first electrical contact positioned at a respective second end of the first arm and a second electrical contact position at a respective second end of the second arm. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are configured to contact one another to form a complete electrical circuit when the body is in the closed position and are configured to be separated from one another to form an open electrical circuit when the body is in the open position to facilitate detection of the failure of the hose.

Abstract: An electric outlet fire detection and prevention system may comprise a temperature sensor and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) sensor. A processor within the system may monitor the measurements of the temperature and EMI sensors to determine that a fire has developed in an electric outlet box. The processor may then actuate a triggering mechanism in a cartridge containing fire extinguishing material such that the fire extinguishing material is dispersed in the outlet box. The fire extinguishing material may extinguish a developing fire and prevent the fire from spreading further. The processor may also be coupled with a server, which is configured to analyze measurements of the temperature and the EMI sensors and generate a building profile. When the server determines that any measurements deviate from the building profile, the server may instruct the processor to actuate the triggering mechanism and/or notify an electronic device associated with the building.

Abstract: A go-bag is disclosed. The bag is designed to contain valuables and important documents, and protect these contents during an emergency evacuation situation. The bag can waterproof and float in water. The bag can also be made of a flame resistant material. The bag can include a self-orienting feature where the bag can float in water and automatically rotate to achieve the proper orientation so that the integrated solar panel is facing upwards towards the sun.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first set of images from an image capture device of a vehicle. The method also includes performing a first analysis of movement of biomechanical points of occupants of the vehicle in the first set of images. The method further includes receiving an indication that a traffic incident has occurred. The method also includes receiving a second set of images from the image capture device corresponding to when the traffic incident occurred. The method further includes performing a second analysis of movement of the biomechanical points of the occupants in the second set of images. The method also includes determining a likelihood of injury or a severity of injury to the occupants based on the first analysis of movement and the second analysis of movement.

Abstract: A device that detects fluid flow may include a housing member that couples to a conduit and an apparatus that outputs the fluid. The device may also include a flow mechanism that detects the fluid flow through the conduit and the apparatus and a transmitter that transmits a signal indicative of the fluid flow to a computing device.

Abstract: A flow monitoring system, which is configured to detect a leak in a water distribution system having appliances, includes a flow sensor. The flow sensor is configured to detect flow data of a flow of water within a conduit configured to fluidly couple to the appliances. The flow monitoring system also includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive the flow data from the flow sensor, determine whether a reference flow pattern (of a plurality of reference flow patterns) is present in the flow data (where the plurality of reference flow patterns correspond with expected water flow patterns to one or more appliance of the appliances), and initiate a shut-down mode configured to stop the flow of water in response to a determination that the reference flow pattern is not present in the flow data.

Abstract: A system configured to detect failure of a hose includes a sensor assembly having a body with a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to one another at respective first ends, and the body is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The sensor assembly also includes a first electrical contact positioned at a respective second end of the first arm and a second electrical contact position at a respective second end of the second arm. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are configured to contact one another to form a complete electrical circuit when the body is in the closed position and are configured to be separated from one another to form an open electrical circuit when the body is in the open position to facilitate detection of the failure of the hose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for detecting an imminent failure or an existing failure in a water supply hose to an appliance and reporting the changed condition of the hose to a designated person at a designated address.

Abstract: An igniter system for measuring gas velocity and/or gas composition within the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The igniter has an insulator body and conductive shell around the top portion of the insulator body, configured so that the igniter can be installed in place of a conventional spark plug. The igniter has two pairs of electrodes, each pair of electrodes providing a spark gap and operable to generate a spark within the combustion chamber. An activation and measurement unit is operable to generate a sustained arc in each spark gap, and to measure the voltage, current and capacitance in a measurement circuit associated with each spark gap. From various electrical measurements, the velocity and composition of the gas in the combustion chamber can be determined.

Abstract: An igniter system for measuring gas velocity and/or gas composition within the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The igniter has an insulator body and conductive shell around the top portion of the insulator body, configured so that the igniter can be installed in place of a conventional spark plug. The igniter has two pairs of electrodes, each pair of electrodes providing a spark gap and operable to generate a spark within the combustion chamber. An activation and measurement unit is operable to generate a sustained arc in each spark gap, and to measure the voltage, current and capacitance in a measurement circuit associated with each spark gap. From various electrical measurements, the velocity and composition of the gas in the combustion chamber can be determined.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operating speed of an engine accessory driven by a belt connected to an engine crankshaft. A planetary gear set is interposed between the belt and the accessory, the planetary gear set having a planet gear carrier, at least one planet gear, a sun gear, and a ring gear. The sun gear is connected to an input mechanism of the accessory. The planet gear carrier is connected to the belt, via a pulley. The ring gear is connected to a generator. An excitation current is applied to the generator, which loads and slows the ring gear. This excitation current can be varied to provide a desired operating speed of the accessory.

Abstract: Methods and a related system of preventing a pre-ignition event in a spark ignition engine. Unusual crankcase pressure fluctuations often occur prior to a Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) event. A high speed high resolution pressure transducer (60) attached to the crankcase (30) of an engine (10) takes a plurality of engine crankcase pressure measurements and relays these measurements to an engine control module (70). The pressure measurements are analyzed to determine if unusual pressure fluctuations within the crankcase are occurring. If so, one or more engine control parameters are adjusted in order to mitigate a LSPI event. Various engine control parameters may be adjusted including fuel injection, engine load and combustion timing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing an Si/C composite, which includes providing an active material containing silicon, providing lignin, bringing the active material into contact with a C precursor containing lignin and carbonizing the active material by converting lignin into inorganic carbon at a temperature of at least 400° C. in an inert gas atmosphere. The invention further provides an Si/C composite, the use thereof as anode material in lithium ion batteries, an anode material for lithium ion batteries which contains such an Si/C composite, a process for producing an anode for a lithium ion battery, in which such an anode material is used, and also a lithium ion battery which includes an anode having an anode material according to the invention.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of detecting and inhibiting an abnormal combustion event in an internal combustion engine, comprising operating the internal combustion engine to produce exhaust gas from the cylinder at a break mean effective pressure greater than or equal to 10 bars at a speed less than or equal to 2,000 revolutions per minute; monitoring the exhaust gas from the cylinder with an oxygen sensor while the internal combustion engine undergoes a pre-ignition combustion event; obtaining an output from the oxygen sensor, the output from the oxygen sensor providing an indicator of the pre-ignition combustion event; and adjusting at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine in response to the output of the oxygen sensor, wherein the at least one operating parameter is adjusted to inhibit an occurrence of a subsequent pre-ignition combustion event.