Abstract: A filter system is disclosed. In an embodiment, a filter system includes a separation layer having a plurality of apertures that allow passage of a filtrate portion of a feed material from a first side of the separation layer to a second side of the separation layer, hydrophilic material integrated with the separation layer to promote the passage of the filtrate portion of the feed material through the plurality of apertures, and hydrophobic material integrated with the separation layer to inhibit blockage of the plurality of apertures by a retentate portion of the feed material.

Abstract: An agricultural sensing system includes multiple sensor and/or actuator modules configured to communicate with a relay unit. The sensor and/or actuator modules are powered using solar energy and contain no batteries. The modules feature sleep modes in which some circuits are placed in a low energy mode to conserve energy and remove the need for batteries. Communications to or from the relay unit are optionally timed to avoid interference between transmissions from different sensor and/or actuator modules. The relay units are configured to relay sensor data and send commands to the sensor and/or actuator modules.

Abstract: An agricultural sensing system includes multiple sensor and/or actuator modules configured to communicate with a relay unit. The sensor and/or actuator modules are powered using solar energy and contain no batteries. The modules feature sleep modes in which some circuits are placed in a low energy mode to conserve energy and remove the need for batteries. Communications to or from the relay unit are optionally timed to avoid interference between transmissions from different sensor and/or actuator modules. The relay units are configured to relay sensor data and send commands to the sensor and/or actuator modules.

Abstract: A supplemental flash system that may be included in a waterproof, protective case for a camera. The supplemental flash system is designed to illuminate the scene just prior to capturing the image with the camera. The supplemental flash system may be triggered by user actuation of a control on the case, by user actuation of a control on an external trigger, or through an app on a smart phone. Optionally, the case may include a mechanical interface on the bottom surface thereof for connection to a variety of types of mounts. Optionally, the flash system may provide for the ability to change the illumination spectrum. Optionally, the flash system may be controllable to place it into one of a plurality of different types of signaling modes.

Abstract: A system and method of sensing the amount of moisture in soil are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a soil moisture sensing system comprises a circuit unit and a sensor link electrically connected to the circuit unit. The sensor link includes a plurality of segments, each segment including an LC circuit in which a capacitor is connected with an inductor. The circuit unit is configured to provide an oscillating signal to a first LC circuit of the sensor link, sense a first coupled signal in a second LC circuit of the sensor link, and determine a soil moisture level on the basis of the first coupled signal.

Abstract: A supplemental flash system that may be included in a waterproof, protective case for a camera. The supplemental flash system is designed to illuminate the scene just prior to capturing the image with the camera. The supplemental flash system may be triggered by user actuation of a control on the case, by user actuation of a control on an external trigger, or through an app on a smart phone. Optionally, the case may include a mechanical interface on the bottom surface thereof for connection to a variety of types of mounts. Optionally, the flash system may provide for the ability to change the illumination spectrum. Optionally, the flash system may be controllable to place it into one of a plurality of different types of signaling modes.

Abstract: A device for mixing light is disclosed. A mixer body has an aperture that preferably extends entirely therethrough. Light from multiple sources may be introduced on one side of the aperture and removed from the mixer on an opposite side thereof. Multiple reflections of the light between a surface of the body of the mixer that defines the aperture and surfaces of the body that define an exterior of the body promote the mixing of the light. One or more surfaces of the body may be roughened to further promote mixing of the light, for instance all exterior surface of the mixer body except the light entry which is preferably smooth. Another option that may be used alone or in combination with the noted roughening features is the inclusion of a plurality of reflective particles (e.g., metallic) embedded within the mixer body, bubbles embedded within the mixer body, or both. The device is particularly suited for applications where space constraints are an issue.

Abstract: A module which may be connected to an I/O port of a notebook computer to provide an enhancement to the number of connectivity options available to a user of the computer. The module houses a set of connectors, some or all of which may be specialized ones not normally found on the computer. The connectors are electrically connected to an I/O port of the computer by a flexible cable that allows the module to be easily positioned or re-positioned by the user. The flexibility of the connection allows the user to easily satisfy the line of sight requirement when using the infrared port for data transmission.