Abstract: The invention is a reconfigurable workspace. The workspace is compact in order to keep components of the workspace within an arm's reach while standing in a fixed location. The workspace is made up of two rectangular housings, preferably of the same compact size and shape. The first housing has at least a sink and a counter space, though it could have other appliances. The second housing has a circulating storage system, preferably an automated storage and retrieval system that delivers items to a convenient access point. The two housings are repositionable in relation to each other along a fixed path. An apparatus such as a hinge or a set of tracks repositions the housings in relation to each other along the fixed path.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for a frame with a slidable segment are disclosed. The slidable segment is slidably mounted within the frame. A first motor is coupled to the slidable segment. The first motor has a first gear affixed to and driven by the first motor. A first gear track may be mounted to a first horizontal member of the frame, wherein teeth of the first gear align with tooth spaces of the first gear track. Rotating the first gear in a first rotational direction causes the first gear to pull the slidable segment in a first linear direction as the first gear walks along the first gear track. Rotating the first gear in a second rotational direction causes the first gear to pull the slidable segment in a second linear direction as the first gear walks along the first gear track.

Abstract: The invention is a method and device for normalizing communication. The method includes receiving on a first device a first message via a first protocol from a second device; transmitting a second message to a third device via a second protocol, wherein the second message is transmitted using a first spreading factor; initiating a delay timer upon transmitting the second message, wherein a duration of the delay timer is based on a second spreading factor, wherein the second spreading factor is greater than or equal to the first spreading factor; receiving a third message from the third device via the second protocol, wherein the third message is transmitted using the first spreading factor, and wherein the third message is in response to the second message; and upon the expiration of the delay timer, sending a fourth message to the second device via the first protocol. The device includes the hardware and instructions to perform the method.

Abstract: A window covering in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly comprising a controller incorporated into the gearbox, a motor incorporated into the gearbox, and an external sensor is provided to provide external inputs to the controller in the gearbox assembly. The external sensor may include a security sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, an audio sensor, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, or a humidity sensor. The controller is further configured to relay sensor information to a remote HVAC system or security system.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an aeroponic growing container and a fog transportation system that moves nutrient-rich fog into the aeroponic growing container. The container may comprise one or more electrically grounded plants or one or more electrically grounded plant support structures that suspend one or more plants. The fog transportation system comprises an electrode that transfers an electrical charge to the nutrient-rich fog, such that the nutrient-rich fog is electrically attracted to the one or more plants. The method comprises providing an aeroponic growing container comprising one or more plant support structures that suspend one or more plants, electrically grounding the plant support structures, and transporting nutrient-rich fog into the container by means of a fog transportation system. The fog transportation system comprises an electrode that transfers an electrical charge to the fog, such that the fog is electrically attracted to the plants.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system to assist in parking a vehicle. The system includes an overhead sensor, a controller adapted to receive instructions from a remote device to set an optimum parking position, and wherein 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.

Abstract: A motorized window with one or more motors and a frame with a slidable segment is disclosed. A drive system with pulleys engages with a belt or chain mounted to the frame or slidable segment. Rotating a first pulley in a first rotational direction causes the first pulley to pull the slidable segment in a first linear direction. Rotating the first pulley in a second rotational direction causes the first pulley to pull the slidable segment in a second linear direction. Preferably, a controller controls the operation of the motors. Sensors inform the controller, and user input via a mobile device enables both direct user control and programming of the controller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roofing underlayment providing mechanical and electrical connection for solar shingles that includes a water-impervious membrane adapted to be attached to a roof. The underlayment also includes a mechanical attachment member configured to mechanically attach a solar shingle to the roof, as well as an electrical conductor having an electrical first portion of which is embedded within the membrane, having an electrical second portion which is configured to electrically connect to a solar shingle, and having an electrical third portion which is configured to electrically connect to an electrical circuit. An air gap is provided that allows for air flow below the solar shingles. The air gap comprises a space between a bottom surface of the solar shingles and a bottom surface of the membrane.

Abstract: Method for concentrating components through a distillation column are disclosed. A process stream is provided containing hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and water. The process stream is passed into the distillation column at a bottom portion of the distillation column. The process stream is fractionally distilled in the distillation column, forming an overhead vapor stream, a middle fluid stream, and a bottoms liquid stream. The middle fluid stream is removed from a middle location of the distillation column. The bottoms liquid stream is removed from the distillation column. The overhead vapor stream is removed from the distillation column. The middle fluid stream consists of a first portion of the carbon dioxide and a first portion of the hydrocarbons. The bottoms liquid stream consists of a second portion of the hydrocarbons as a first phase and substantially all the water as a second phase.

Abstract: A vacuum and blower device is disclosed. The vacuum and blower device comprises a fan driven by a first motor, and a housing with a vent, a vacuum input aperture, and a blower output aperture. The vacuum input aperture and the blower output aperture are on one end of the device. The vacuum and blower device further includes an airflow director, the airflow director being held within the housing and adapted to be rotated between a first and second position. A blower output channel communicates with the airflow director and the blower output aperture. In the first position, the fan draws air through the vacuum input aperture and out the vent and airflow to the blower output channel is blocked. In the second position, the fan blows air through the blower output channel and out the blower output aperture.

Abstract: A device and method for retaining a line on a drum is disclosed. The drum has a slot which extends from a point along the periphery and into the drum in a first direction and at an acute angle relative to a tangent at the point. A clamp is provided with a slot portion and a line retaining portion. The slot portion is engaged with the slot such that relative movement between the clamp and the drum causes the slot portion to move in the first direction. As tension is applied to the line, a first force is created on the slot member in the first direction, resulting in a second force being applied by the line retaining portion in the first direction, clamping the portion of the line against the drum.

Abstract: A secure remote actuation system is described herein that operates based on voice commands provided by a user and/or owner of the system. The system may include: a remote input receptor having a user interface for receiving one or more user inputs from a user, the user interface having a voice input processor, and the user inputs including vocalization; and a cloud-based network storing one or acceptable inputs and including a network device for obtaining said one or more user inputs from the remote input receptor. The network device may obtain said one or more user inputs from the remote input receptor while the user is using the user interface. The cloud-based network may compare said one or more user inputs to said one or more acceptable inputs. The voice input processor may include a microphone, a speaker, or both, and may perform various types of voice recognition.

Abstract: A secure remote actuation system is described herein. The system may comprise a remote input receptor and a network. The remote input receptor may comprise a user interface for receiving user inputs from a user. The network may comprise a combination of computer systems interconnected by telecommunications equipment or cables allowing information to be exchanged. The network may also comprise a network device for obtaining the user inputs from the remote input receptor. The network device may comprise an internal memory unit. One or more acceptable inputs may be stored on the network. In the present invention, the network device obtains the user inputs from the remote input receptor while the user is using the user interface and then the network compares the user inputs to the acceptable inputs.

Abstract: A load-leveling hanging apparatus and a system for suspended lifting of objects are disclosed. The load-leveling hanging apparatus includes a carriage suspended from a line; a hanging beam adapted for attachment of multiple objects at points along the beam; a mechanism for moving the hanging beam relative to the carriage to thereby achieve a level condition; and a level indicator. The mechanism is a rotatable screw. The system includes the load-leveling hanging apparatus and a lifting device. The lifting device includes a drum for winding and unwinding a line; a motor coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto; a guide to direct the line onto the drum; and a controller. The lifting device raises and lowers the suspended hanging apparatus.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for constructing an assembly are disclosed. A construction element with a machine-readable code thereon is provided. A robotic assembler is provided. The robotic assembler includes a code reader, a device for manipulating the construction element, and a controller that receives input from the code reader and provides instructions to the device. The machine-readable code is read on the construction element with the code reader. Instructions are provided to the device derived from the machine-readable code. The construction element is manipulated by the device based on the instructions.

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: A method and system are disclosed for delivering a package which includes an enclosure with a door. The door includes an access code input device, which has a tilt plate for entering a code. The method and system also include a mechanism for opening and closing the door and a controller, which is in communication with the access code input device, is proximate the door and includes an access code reader for controlling the mechanism. The method also includes the step of providing a package with a delivery label attached to the package having an access code comprising dimensions for the package to be delivered. The access code further includes instructions to partially move the door only for an amount of time needed to partially open the door from a closed position or partially close the door from an open position according to the dimensions of the package to only allow passage of the package.

Abstract: The invention is an electrical and mechanical roof underlayment which provides electrical and mechanical connection of solar shingles to a roof. The underlayment simplifies the installation of solar shingles allowing the shingles to be installed and connected together in the same step. The underlayment includes a membrane which has embedded electrical conductors and electrical connectors that provides an electrical connecting system extending to an electrical circuit. The membrane further has embedded mechanical members with mechanical connectors that secure the shingles to the membrane. The membrane is structurally attached to a roof surface. The structural attachment may be an adhesive attachment. Solar shingles are connected to the membrane by an integral clasping mechanism that mechanically and electrically connects the shingles to the membrane. No external wiring, connectors or devices are required to make the electrical connection between the shingles and the membrane.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for treating blackwater are disclosed. A storage tank and a tumbling kiln charged with a solid media are provided. Blackwater is passed into the storage tank. The blackwater contains a liquid component and a solid component. The solid media and the tumbling kiln are heated. The blackwater is passed from the storage tank to the tumbling kiln. A portion of the liquid component is vaporized as vapor. A portion of the solid component is combusted to produce combustion gases. Fresh air is circulated into the tumbling kiln. The vapor and the combustion gases are removed from the tumbling kiln.