Abstract: A vehicle winch mechanism includes a drum, a motor and transmission, at least one drum and motor side support, at least one battery, and a motive trickle charge mechanism. The drum pays out and takes in a line. The motor and transmission drive the drum. The side supports couple the drum, the motor, or both to the vehicle. The battery provides power to the motor. The motive trickle charge mechanism charges the battery. In one embodiment, the motive trickle charge mechanism includes a permanent magnet, an enclosure housing the magnet, and two or more sets of conductive coils wrapped around the enclosure and electrically coupled to the battery. The enclosure houses the magnet such that the magnet freely moves and changes orientation within the enclosure. The coils of an individual set of coils are aligned along parallel planes, and the coils of separate sets are aligned along intersecting planes.

Abstract: A fairlead for use with a winch is disclosed. The fairlead is made up of a first and second roller, a motor, a sensor, and a controller. The rollers are adapted to aid in spooling or unspooling a line. The motor drives at least the first roller. The sensor determines whether a winch drum is spooling or unspooling a line. The controller is connected to the motor and communicates with the sensor. The sensor determines whether the winch drum is spooling or unspooling the line. The controller is configured to direct the motor so that the rollers assist in unspooling or spooling the line in coordination with the winch drum. In some embodiments, the fairlead is integrated into the winch.

Abstract: An overhead battery charger is disclosed. The overhead battery charger includes a source of electric power, for example an electrical outlet, as well as a power cord connected to the source of electric power. At least one battery connection device, such as alligator clamps, is attached to the power cord, and a controller adapted to adjust voltage, current, or both, is available at the battery connection device. In addition, a remote device, such as a smart phone, tablet, or computer, runs an app and sends signals to direct the adjustments made by the controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods for token secured routing are disclosed. An outbound routing table is maintained. A first token state is determined. A token value is determined based on the determined token state. First and second portions of the token value are identified. The first message is encrypted using the second portion of the first token value. A first packet is generated that includes the first portion as a token and includes the encrypted first message. The first packet is sent to the second node based on the second outbound routing entry in the outbound routing table.

Abstract: Systems and methods for token secured routing and discovery in token secured routing are disclosed. An inbound routing table is maintained. A communication link is established with a second node via a first port. A discovery packet is sent to the second node via the first port. A token is generated for communication with the second node. A first inbound routing entry is added to the inbound routing table, wherein the first inbound routing entry maps the first token state to the second node.

Abstract: A photovoltaic modular system is disclosed. One or more photovoltaic (PV) modules are connected together with embedded parallel wiring that facilitates the sharing of power from a plurality of PV modules to power one or more electrical devices. Control electronics within each individual PV module allows the isolation of PV modules that are shaded or otherwise not productive. No external connecting wiring, or devices are required to make the system functional. All wiring, connectors and electronics are integral and embedded within each individual PV module. The PV modules have adhesive on the back to allow them to be installed without additional mounting hardware. All PV module system components are completely encapsulated together in one modular component.

Abstract: An elevator is disclosed. The elevator comprises a first upright U-channel guide rail parallel to and opposing a second upright U-channel guide rail. The elevator also comprises a slider with a first side and an opposing second side, wherein a first wheel is attached to the first side and a second wheel is attached to the second side. Some embodiments may comprise additional wheels. The first wheel rolls up and down within the first guide rail, and the second wheel rolls up and down within the second guide rail. A platform extends from the slider. The elevator also comprises a hoist mechanism and a closed loop lifting cable attached to the slider. The hoist mechanism is configured to move the lifting cable and thereby, in cooperation with pulleys, to lift and lower the platform. Preferred embodiments also include a centrifugal brake system and walls and a ceiling on the platform.

Abstract: A broadband helical microstrip antenna having a small foot print is disclosed. A PCB (printed circuit board) has a first planar side opposite a second planar side with dielectric material therebetween. The first planar side comprising a plurality of spaced apart non-linear antenna segments, each non-linear antenna segment having one or more electrical vias to the second planar side of the printed circuit board. The second planar side comprising a plurality of spaced apart parallel linear antenna segments. The plurality of non-linear antenna segments and the plurality of linear antenna segments form the broadband helical microstrip antenna symmetrical about a center line formed by a centered linear antenna segment of the plurality of spaced apart parallel linear antenna segments of the second planar side.

Abstract: The antimicrobial toilet includes one or more pairs of electrodes positioned below a water line when the hydraulic circuit is at equilibrium. The pairs of electrodes may be connected to a power source by electrical wires. In some embodiments, the electrodes are positioned on the inner wall of the toilet bowl and in some embodiments, the electrodes are positioned within the siphon tube. In some embodiments, the electrodes are metal strips and in others they are circular. When actuated, an electrical current passes through the toilet water between the electrode pairs resulting in disinfected water. Some embodiments include a pump and water conduit which transfers disinfected water to areas above the water line and emits the water to wash areas of the toilet.

Abstract: A modular building unit is disclosed. The modular building unit includes at least nine elongated frame members, each forming one edge of a prism, which prism has at least three side faces and two end faces, with each end of each frame member being rigidly attached to an end of two other frame members. At least three parallel frame members include a channel running therethrough, which channel is open at both ends and adapted to receive a tensioning cable therethrough, whereby like modular building units can be held together at adjoining end faces by tensioning cables. Modular building systems for combining modular building units using tensioned cables are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a system for optimizing a trailer path. The system includes an image sensor configured to capture images of a trailer attached to a tow vehicle, accelerometers that sense acceleration of at least one of the tow vehicle and the trailer, a data input device configured to receive input data, and a processing device. The processing device includes a processor and non-volatile memory. The processor is configured to receive image data from the image sensor, receive accelerometer data from the one or more accelerometers and receive the input data from the data input device. Additionally, the processor is configured to determine a trailer path based on the image data, accelerometer data, and the input data. The processor is also configured to communicate the trailer path to a user or vehicle control system, thereby prompting adjustments to the tow vehicle path and or acceleration when the trailer path is not optimum.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering a hitch onto a truck bed and raising the hitch off of a truck bed is disclosed. The apparatus includes: an upper carriage, a lower carriage, and a kingpin. The upper carriage is suspended from multiple lines, which lines are configured to lower and raise the upper carriage. The lower carriage is attachable to the upper carriage at various positions relative to the upper carriage to allow the load on the lines to be balanced in one direction. The kingpin is attached to the lower carriage, and kingpin is configured to be captured by the hitch. Allowing the hitch to be lowered onto the truck bed and raised off of the truck bed as the upper carriage and the lower carriage are lowered and raised by the lines. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes lifting devices attached to the lines for raising and lowering the hitch.

Abstract: There is disclosed a power drop assembly which includes a housing and a reel positioned and rotatable within it. Preferably, the device determines, not only whether power is available, but how much power is available. Preferably, the power drop assembly also contains a processor and non-transitory storage medium, so that user settings and profiles as well as settings and profiles for the power drop assembly can be stored and run. Additionally, the power drop assembly preferably contains a wireless transceiver which connects to a home Wi-Fi network and then to a cloud account, user profiles and settings, and settings and profiles for the power drop assembly can be saved on the cloud account. In this way multiple users can use the power drop assembly without contradicting instructions or resetting the power drop assembly every time it is used.

Abstract: An adjustable length winch apparatus is disclosed. The adjustable length winch apparatus comprises a first motor, a first drum, a second drum, and a shaft. The first motor is configured to rotate the first drum and the shaft on an axis. The second drum is adapted to be rotated by the shaft on the axis. The shaft and the second drum are configured to adjust the distance between the first and second drum.

Abstract: A method for linking an event to video documenting the event is disclosed. Such a method includes detecting an event, wherein the event is one of (1) completion of a delivery; and (2) access to an enclosure. The method determines a first timing associated with the event and identifies video documenting the event by correlating the first timing with a second timing associated with the video. The method automatically provides, to a user, information to enable the user to view the video. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A winch assembly including a mount attachable to a vehicle, and a guide attached to the mount; including a winch having a drum for winding and unwinding a line, and a motor for driving the drum about a winding axis, wherein the drum has a helical groove for receiving the line as it is wound. A frame connects to the first and second end of the drum and is adapted to move relative to the guide so as to synchronize movement of the drum along the winding axis so that the line is aligned with the helical groove during winding and unwinding. A rod is attached to the frame and generally parallel to the winding axis, and passes through a hole in the guide, allowing the movement of the drum along the winding axis but preventing the frame from rotating about the winding axis is disclosed.

Abstract: An in-toilet urine sampling and measurement system is disclosed. One or more toilet sensors trigger volatilization, measurement, and analysis of volatile compounds in a urine sample. Volatile urine compounds may be concentrated, measured, and analyzed by a measurement system attached to a toilet bowl. A volatilizer system may use heat generated from one or more measurement devices to assist in volatilization of the urine sample.

Abstract: A system for lifting and lowering a load between a position in a room to a position in a storage space above the room is disclosed. The system includes: a first and second beam each attached to an underside or side of two ceiling joists. The first and second beams are installed from below without requiring access above the joists. The system also includes a first vertical frame member connected to and supported by the first beam, a second vertical frame member connected to and supported by the second beam, and a horizontal frame member connected to a top portion of each of vertical frame members. The system also includes a platform for supporting the load and a lifting device for raising and lowering the load.

Abstract: The invention is a kit for attaching to a truck cap to enable the cap to be lifted off of and lowered onto a truck by lines from above. The kit includes: a first rail and a second rail, each configured to attach to the truck cap; a first pair of sliding masts for releasably attaching to the first rail and a second pair of sliding masts for releasably attaching to the second rail. Each of the sliding mast includes: a sled which is captured by the rail, and is slidable along the rail, and is adapted to be secured at various points along the rail; and a brace with one end attached to the sled and the other end adapted to receive one of the lines. In another aspect, the kit includes multiple lifting devices.

Abstract: An overhead storage system is disclosed. The storage system includes an overhead frame that supports a ceiling for a room, at least one storage box, and a roof or floor for a second room above the first. Attached to the frame is at least one raise/lower mechanism which raises and lowers a storage box. The storage box(es) fit within the frame when raised and are accessible when lowered. Each storage box has a bottom wall that includes a ceiling surface for the room and a structure with at least one storage surface. The raise lower mechanism(s) is a winch driven pulley system that winds up and lets out at least one line.