Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for autonomously operating a retractable lighting arrangement. One method involves obtaining a current speed of the vehicle when the lighting arrangement is in an extended state, and when the current speed is greater than a threshold when the lighting arrangement is in the extended state, verifying one or more illumination elements associated with the lighting arrangement are in a deactivated state and thereafter automatically signaling an actuation arrangement associated with the lighting arrangement to transition the lighting arrangement from the extended state to a retracted state.

Abstract: A method for controlling an orientation of a searchlight on a vehicle is provided. The method comprises: obtaining a target range to a point of interest (POI) at a target; determining a searchlight position and attitude; calculating a three dimensional position at the POI using searchlight azimuth and tilt actuator angles, the target range, and the searchlight position and attitude, while a searchlight light head continues to point at the 3D target position despite changes in movement or orientation of the vehicle; calculating a desired searchlight orientation including azimuth angle and tilt angle to point the light head at the target through inverting a kinematic relationship between the vehicle and the searchlight; calculating compensatory actuator angles for a plurality of searchlight actuators to achieve the desired searchlight orientation based on error measurements calculated from a current orientation; and commanding the plurality of searchlight actuators to the compensatory actuator angles.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for autonomously operating a retractable lighting arrangement. One method involves obtaining a current speed of the vehicle when the lighting arrangement is in an extended state, and when the current speed is greater than a threshold when the lighting arrangement is in the extended state, verifying one or more illumination elements associated with the lighting arrangement are in a deactivated state and thereafter automatically signaling an actuation arrangement associated with the lighting arrangement to transition the lighting arrangement from the extended state to a retracted state.

Abstract: Provided systems and methods for an aircraft lighting system (ALS) include a centralized blue generator that supplies blue light to a plurality (N) of passive light-heads distributed at various locations on the aircraft. A load profile for use of the N passive light-heads during all flight phases and operational phases is developed and uploaded into the system. Each of the passive light-heads is operationally coupled to the blue light generator via a respective light transmission element that is gated with a respective one of N light switches. A light generating control unit (LGCU) is coupled to the blue light generator, and controls the generation and actuation of blue light, in addition to controlling light switch positions, as a function of navigation data and the load profile. Each of the N passive light-heads comprises a respective light conversion element to convert the blue light into red, green, or white light.

Abstract: Provided systems and methods for an aircraft lighting system (ALS) include a centralized blue generator that supplies blue light to a plurality (N) of passive light-heads distributed at various locations on the aircraft. A load profile for use of the N passive light-heads during all flight phases and operational phases is developed and uploaded into the system. Each of the passive light-heads is operationally coupled to the blue light generator via a respective light transmission element that is gated with a respective one of N light switches. A light generating control unit (LGCU) is coupled to the blue light generator, and controls the generation and actuation of blue light, in addition to controlling light switch positions, as a function of navigation data and the load profile. Each of the N passive light-heads comprises a respective light conversion element to convert the blue light into red, green, or white light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and kits for performing microbiome analysis in the field of microbiology. More specifically, disclosed herein are methods and kits for remote sample collection and sample preservation so that analysis may be performed on the sample in a laboratory.

Abstract: A vehicle safety wheel is disclosed having a central disk and a rim concentrically disposed around the central disk. The central disk is compatible for mounting to a vintage hub with conventional wheel mounting hardware. The rim has an inboard flange and an outboard flange for mounting a tire to the rim, and an inner flange disposed inwardly of the outboard flange, concentric with the outboard flange for defining an annular-shaped space there-between. A fascia is adapted for mounting in the annular-shaped space, circumferentially extending between the outboard flange and the inner flange, with the fascia forming a visually continuous surface with a sidewall of the tire. The fascia may be embedded with a light source which is controlled in brightness and flashing by one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a brake sensor, and a turn sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for allowing replacement of updated light heads with different design parameters to become independent of the remote power supply. An exemplary light system includes a light head remote from a power supply component. The light head includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light emitting devices, a memory that stores configuration information and a communication component. The power supply component includes a power converter, a memory, and a controller. The power converter outputs an electrical signal for driving the one or more LEDs. The memory stores light head configuration information. The controller receives configuration information from the communication component via the data bus, generates and sends instructions, based on at least one of the configuration information stored in the power supply component memory or the configuration information received from the light head, to the power converter.

Abstract: A secure light emitting diodes (LEDs) power system controls power to a plurality of LEDs residing in a secure LED fixture coupled to a secure LED fixture mounting. An exemplary embodiment provides power to the plurality of LEDs and senses the power provided to the LEDs. In response to sensing the power, an authorization signal is communicated from a security sensor residing in the secure LED fixture. Power to the plurality of LEDs is maintained only in response to the communicated authorization signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for allowing replacement of updated light heads with different design parameters to become independent of the remote power supply. An exemplary light system includes a light head remote from a power supply component. The light head includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light emitting devices, a memory that stores configuration information and a communication component. The power supply component includes a power converter, a memory, and a controller. The power converter outputs an electrical signal for driving the one or more LEDs. The memory stores light head configuration information. The controller receives configuration information from the communication component via the data bus, generates and sends instructions, based on at least one of the configuration information stored in the power supply component memory or the configuration information received from the light head, to the power converter.

Abstract: A thermally compensated End-of-Life (EoL) timer and method. An example method determines if a light emitting diode (LED) is in an ON state. If the LED is determined to be in the ON state, sensing junction temperature or a temperature proximate to the LED that can be correlated back to the LED junction temperature, a fixed frequency clock signal is gated based on the sensed temperature and an accumulative counter value is recorded based on the gated clock signal. An end-of-life signal is generated if the accumulative counter value is at least one of equal to or greater than a predefined threshold value. In one embodiment, the LED is shut off when the end-of-life signal has been generated. In another embodiment, an indication that the LED is at its end of life is provided when the end-of-life signal has been generated.

Abstract: A secure light emitting diodes (LEDs) power system controls power to a plurality of LEDs residing in a secure LED fixture coupled to a secure LED fixture mounting. An exemplary embodiment provides power to the plurality of LEDs and senses the power provided to the LEDs. In response to sensing the power, an authorization signal is communicated from a security sensor residing in the secure LED fixture. Power to the plurality of LEDs is maintained only in response to the communicated authorization signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for smoothing out visual effects of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). An example circuit includes one or more LEDs, a hysteretic controller circuit, and a linearization circuit. The hysteretic controller circuit supplies current to the LEDs when a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal is in a first state and the linearization circuit drives the current supplied by the hysteretic controller circuit to an off state when the PWM signal transitions to a second state.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a system for determining lower body strength of a subject. In one embodiment, the system includes an electronic device having a plurality of sensors distributed in a predetermined array and a frame coupled to the electronic device and configured to support the device to allow the subject to activate one sensor of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: Embodiments of a performance tracking system and method are disclosed. One method embodiment, among others, includes receiving standardized physical performance test data over a network from a test site, the standardized physical performance test data corresponding to physical performance for a plurality of individuals, and processing the standardized physical performance test data to provide standardized data of physical performance among the plurality of individuals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of polyphosphate accumulating organisms that are capable of biologically removing phosphorus from wastewater. Specifically, the invention provides oligonucleotide probes or primers for detecting a polyphosphate accumulating organism in a sample. These oligonucleotides have a sequence of at least 12 nucleotides that is unique to 16S rDNA of polyphosphate accumulating organisms. The invention further provides methods for detecting polyphospbate accumulating organisms.

Abstract: A pipe connector comprising a contour fitting washer, a contour fitting nut, and a bolt is used to connect tubular members of a structure having a modular tubular framework. The pipe connector connects interfitting tubular members wherein one tubular member has an outer diameter approximating the inner diameter of a second tubular member. Each tubular member has a pair of diametrically opposed holes. When the pipe connector is completely assembled, the head of the bolt resides within a centrally disposed recess formed in the washer, and the nut is flush with the exterior of the tubular member. The pipe connector of the present invention is durable, strong, convenient to assemble, neat, and safety oriented.