Abstract: Systems and methods for incinerating waste solids are disclosed. A fluidized bed of solid particles is provided at an elevated temperature in a reactor. The waste stream, comprising the waste solids and water, is passed onto the fluidized bed of solid particles. The fluidized bed of solid particles has a sufficiently elevated temperature to vaporize substantially all of the water into an offgas stream. The waste solids are mixed among the bed of solid particles. Sufficient heat and oxygen are provided to incinerate the waste solids.

Abstract: A system for reversibly dividing a space is disclosed. A first panel consists of a first vertical member and a first horizontal member attached perpendicular to a bottom end of the first vertical member and extends away from the first vertical member towards a second panel. The second panel consists of a second vertical member and a second horizontal member attached perpendicular to a top end of the second vertical member and extends away from the second vertical member towards the first panel. The first and second panel can be stored in an overhead position. The space is reversibly divided when the first panel and the second panel are lowered. The first panel is lowered such that the first panel forms a top portion of a wall. The second panel is lowered until the second horizontal member rests on the first horizontal member, forming a bottom portion of the wall.

Abstract: A system for bridging wireless communications is disclosed. The system for bridging wireless communications includes a first mobile device that is outside a coverage area of a first radio access technology (RAT), a second mobile device that is within the coverage area of the first RAT, a third device that is within the coverage area of the first RAT, a first bridging device paired with and communicating with the first mobile communication device using a second RAT, and a second bridging device paired with and communicating with the first bridging device using a third RAT and paired with and communicating with the second mobile communication device using a fourth RAT, whereby the first mobile device communicates with the third device, even when the first mobile device cannot communicate directly with the third communication device.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is an apparatus for a mobile communication network, which includes a mobile telecommunications device, with a graphical user interface and a memory. The apparatus also includes a mobile radio device, communicatively coupled to the mobile telecommunications device, thereby creating a pair of communicatively coupled mobile devices. The mobile radio device includes a plurality of lights functioning as a secondary user interface and, in conjunction with the graphical user interface provides a unified user interface. The mobile radio device also includes a memory, a GPS chip and an accelerometer, a magnetometer, and a gyroscope. The plurality of lights communicate an operational mode and status to a user. The operational mode is at least one of: a battery level indicator mode, a signal strength indicator mode, a compass indicator mode, a tracking mode, a path saving mode, a waypoint mode, and a disaster mode.

Abstract: A vehicle is described herein that includes a body structure such as a windshield and/or a windshield frame, a compartment such as a passenger compartment, one or more body panels around the compartment, and an at least partially floating cover, such as a roof, disposed over the compartment. The floating cover includes one or more body structure mounts and an overhang extending from the body structure over the compartment to an aft portion of the compartment. Other similar embodiments include features such as support structures, support structure mounts that mount the floating cover to the support structures, and various aerodynamic features incorporated into the floating cover. For example, some embodiments include roll bars and roll bar mounts, aerodynamic arcs, and aerodynamically continuous surfaces.

Abstract: A toilet with multiple urinalysis instruments is disclosed. Two or more of the optical instruments are able to take simultaneous measurements. Optical instruments may share a common light source. One or more light source may use amplitude modulation. A cleaning jet may be used to clean and dry a surface tension urine slot. An inductive heater may be used to preheat and control urine temperature while testing the urine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wireless devices operable at intermediate wireless at ranges of thousands of meters, utilizing packets that include a preamble and a data payload. Devices may be such things as keypads, door latches, occupancy monitors, sprinkler controllers and other devices needing a communications link. A digital spread-spectrum frequency hopping rotation is used, wherein packet transmissions rotate through frequency sequences. Used is a spectrum-impact-smoothed channel sequence, each channel specifying a unique preamble frequency relative to the other sequences and channels. The set is traversed as a broadcasted stream is transmitted, thereby distributing the focused radio-frequency emission impact of packets having long preambles over time. Packet acknowledgments are deferred until a group of packets in a stream has been exchanged.

Abstract: The invention is a monitoring system for determining a vehicle safety setting based on weight. The system includes a monitoring station, a weight determination system, a data input device configured to receive input data, and a processing device. The processing devices includes a processor and non-volatile memory. The processor is configured to receive load ratings for a tow vehicle and tow equipment, receive weight data from the weight determination system, and receive the input data from the data input device. The processor is also configured to determine at least one safety setting based on the load ratings, the weight data, and the input data, send the safety setting data to the monitoring system, and communicate the safety setting to a user.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for varying rotational speeds is disclosed. A battery pack has a plurality of batteries and a switch. The battery pack has an overall voltage. The switch varies the overall voltage in discrete steps by combining the plurality of batteries in series, in parallel, or in a combination thereof. A motor drives a shaft at a rotational speed. The motor is powered by the battery pack. The rotational speed varies proportionally with the overall voltage.

Abstract: A method of obtaining health data of a toilet user using one or more sensors is disclosed. One or more sensors are used by a toilet user while the toilet user is using the toilet to take health measurement readings of the user. Dynamic heart stress readings may be obtained and monitored over weeks, months and years. Rolling averages of heart function and heart health may be determined and deviations from the rolling averages may trigger notifications. Other health related measurements and functions such as temperature, respirations, heart rate, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and stethoscope sounds are also recorded and stored for trending and data analysis.

Abstract: A parking assist apparatus is disclosed. A parking assist apparatus includes an overhead sensor mounted to a garage ceiling and a controller adapted to receive instructions from a remote device to set an optimum parking position. The controller is adapted to display one or more guidelines on a display screen in the vehicle to indicate the position of the vehicle in relation to the optimum parking position and to switch the system between a sleep mode and an awake mode. The invention also includes a motion sensor attached to a garage door. When the motion sensor senses the garage door being opened, the motion sensor sends a signal to the controller, whereupon the controller switches the system to the awake mode.

Abstract: A process for removing a foulant from a gas stream. The gas stream is cooled in a series of heat exchangers, causing a portion of the foulant to desublimate and become entrained in a cryogenic liquid. This foulant slurry stream is pressurized, cooled, and separated into a pressurized foulant solid stream and the cryogenic liquid stream. The pressurized foulant solid stream is melted to produce a liquid foulant stream. Heat exchange processes, both internal and external, are provided that close the heat balance of the process. In this manner, the foulant is removed from the gas stream.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing an average particle size of blackwater solids is disclosed. A vessel is configured to receive a blackwater stream through a one-way inlet. The one-way inlet is configured to allow the blackwater stream into the vessel and prevent backflow. The blackwater stream contains blackwater solids and water. A device in a bottom portion of the vessel is configured to receive the blackwater and comminute the blackwater solids. A recirculating pump is configured to recirculate the blackwater stream under pressure through the device until the average particle size of the blackwater solids is reduced below a size threshold, resulting in a sized blackwater stream.

Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed. A weight distribution hitch includes an attachment member with a forward end which attaches to a vehicle and a rearward end which pivotally connects to a trailer. The invention also includes a moment bar which attaches to the attachment member on one and tension mechanism on the other. The tension mechanism is mounted on a frame of the trailer and provides an upward force on the moment bar which imposes a moment on the attachment member. Center lines of the attachment member, moment bar, and the vehicle are all in a vertical plane. The invention may also include an aperture disposed in the moment bar through which the tension mechanism passes.

Abstract: There is disclosed an extendable sofa comprising a frame having a seat support portion, a back-support portion, and a cushion storage compartment, wherein the frame is adapted to extend and collapse length-wise between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration. A primary seat cushion adapted to rest upon the seat support portion of the frame when in the frame is in the collapsed configuration. An auxiliary seat cushion adapted to be stored in the cushion storage compartment when the frame is in the collapsed configuration and adapted to rest upon the seat support portion when the frame is in the extended configuration. At least one primary back cushion adapted to rest against the back-support portion of the frame when the frame is in the collapsed configuration.

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 detachable line guide is disclosed. A screw with a helical groove between threads is provided. A guide is positioned a fixed distance perpendicular to the screw and can travel laterally freely. A follower mount is detachably affixed to the guide. The follower mount has a follower that is biased into the groove. Rotation of the screw causes the follower to track the groove and move the follower mount laterally. The guide is configured for a line to pass therethrough. When the line exerts a lateral force above a predetermined threshold against the guide, the guide and the follower mount detach.

Abstract: Embodiments of a parking brake and anti-theft apparatus for a vented disc brake system are described herein. Such embodiments may include a brake assembly, an actuator and a rocker or a locking arm. The brake assembly by include a first and second rotor plates separated by spacers and slots. The rocker and locking arm may include pawls extending from an edge, and may be positioned adjacent to a circumference of the rotor plates, aligned between the rotor plates. The actuator may move the rocker and/or locking arm between locked an unlocked positions such that, in the locked configuration, the pawls are inserted into the slots, and in the unlocked configuration, the pawls are disposed outside the slots.

Abstract: A system for reversibly dividing a space is disclosed. Independent panels, with track followers attached to both narrow sides, move along parallel tracks. The panels start in an overhead storage space. The tracks are shaped such that as the panels move from the storage space into the space to be divided, one panel stops higher and the next panel slides down and then under the first panel. These panels preferably form a single-plane divider in the space.

Abstract: An analytical toilet comprising a bowl for receiving excreta from a user; a flush mechanism for cleaning the bowl after use; at least one analytical test device wherein a sample of excreta is analyzed; a manifold comprising conduits and valves for distributing one or more fluids to and from the at least one receptacle; and a digital control device controlling the valves to distribute the sample to the analytical test device for analysis; and distribute fluid to remove the sample from the analytical test device after analysis and to clean the analytical test device is disclosed.