Abstract: An automated window mechanism with sensor informed calibration is disclosed. An electrically powered actuator moves a window between a closed position and an open position. A current sensor senses the current between a power source and the actuator when the actuator is moving the window. Informed by the current sensor, a processor determines a first endpoint when the window is in the closed position and a second endpoint when the window is in the open position for the window. A controller uses the endpoints to control the actuator to stop in either the first or the second endpoint as desired by a user. Sensors inform the controller, and user input via a mobile device enables both direct user control and programming of the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for pivotally fixing a non-driven wheel assembly to a vehicle frame is disclosed. The apparatus provides a trough through which non-driven wheel assembly components can be passed and protected. In one embodiment, the trough is circular in shape and is fully enclosed by the apparatus. In other embodiments, the trough has various shapes and comprises retaining members to secure and protect non-driven wheel assembly components. A suspension system interface is provided that allows the apparatus to suspend the non-driven wheel assembly. Openings used to pivotally and rigidly fix a mounting plate, suspension system, pivotal axes, and fender assemblies are also disclosed and claimed herein.

Abstract: The invention is a roofing underlayment for solar shingles that includes a water-impervious membrane adapted to be attached to a roof. The underlayment also includes a mechanical attachment member having a mechanical first portion embedded within the membrane and having a mechanical second portion extending above the membrane, wherein the mechanical second portion of the mechanical attachment member is configured to mechanically attach a solar shingle to the roof. The underlayment also includes 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 area is also provided that allows for air flow below the solar shingles. The air gap area comprises an area between a bottom surface of the solar shingles and a top surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A fairlead for use with a winch is disclosed. The fairlead includes: a self-reversing screw; a motor for driving the self-reversing screw; and a guide comprising a guide nut and a first guide side and a second guide side. The guide is driven by the self-reversing screw. As a line is coiled onto a winch drum the guide directs the line onto the winch drum. The first guide side and second guide side are detachable from the guide nut and from each other.

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: A fairlead for use with a winch is disclosed. The fairlead includes: a device for detecting a speed at which a line is being spooled or unspooled from the winch, a first and second roller adapted to aid in spooling or unspooling a line, a fairlead motor for driving at least the first roller, and a controller connected to the fairlead motor. The controller is in communication with the device for detecting the speed. The controller is configured to direct the fairlead motor to drive at least the first roller at a speed that maintains tension on the line as it is unspooling or spooling. Alternatively, the device measures current drawn by the fairlead motor and the controller directs the fairlead motor to drive the rollers at a speed that maintains a target current draw.

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. Devices include an intermediate-range transceiver and a separate deployment wireless interface accessible from a mobile device such as a cellular telephone or portable tablet. Devices can be registered in a database and deployed for use by means of an application running on the mobile device. A scannable label bearing a code can be affixed to a wireless device providing a means of tracking, identifying and verifying a device through the deployment process. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Abstract: The system includes an apparatus which automatically measures an inventory of a consumable good and tracks the inventory as it is used. The system may include a signaling device which creates a signal when a defined minimum amount of the consumable good has been reached. The apparatus may also send the user an electronic message that the defined minimum has been reached. The system may then automatically submit an order to a supplier for a replacement supply of the consumable good. This system may be used to track supply and reorder animal food, food staples, production supplies, manufacturing parts, or virtually any consumable good. Accordingly, a user may avoid the inconvenience and loss of time and money due to failure to timely replace a consumable good.

Abstract: Low data rate wireless electronic devices utilizing a hub- or star-based network topology, operational at ranges of thousands of meters. Remote end-devices may be such things as keypads, door latches, occupancy monitors, sprinkler controllers and other devices controlled or monitored in a campus or a collection of buildings. End-devices operate at intermediate ranges in RF congested areas and failure-intolerant situations through the use of discrete programmable channels. Each end-device carries a unique identifier and uses a common default initialization channel to accept an operational channel assignment from the hub, without a configuring or programming step at the end-device by an installing person. After assignment the end-device can utilize a low-power listening mode that avoids processor-awakening events due to orthogonality of the operational channels.

Abstract: A heat and shock resistant integrated circuit (IC) of the present invention includes a base material, a metal layer disposed on the base material, a silicon die disposed on the metal layer, additive material disposed on the base material, gas filled filler material disposed between the additive material and the silicon die, and first traces electrically connecting the silicon die to the additive material. Packing of the integrated circuit provides exceptional thermal stress relief and impact protection of circuitry within the packaging.

Abstract: An overhead mounting system is disclosed. The mounting system includes an overhead channel with a plurality of openings in the base for attaching to a surface, such as a ceiling or trusses, along with a plurality of openings in the channel walls for securing components. The system is configured to accommodate attachment for multiple and diverse components, which have different dimensions, masses, pulling forces, or power requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing data using a short-range wireless interconnection protocol for electronic devices includes a processor communicatively connected, using a communication bus, to a number of originator antennas, each of the number of originator antennas communicating with an originating device, a plurality of device antennas, communicatively connected to the communication bus, each of the plurality of device antennas communicating with a number of client devices, and a non-transitory storage medium. The non-transitory storage medium includes a receive module, a session identify module, and a send module. The receive module receives a data packet using one of the number of originator antennas. The session identify module identifies at least one communication session with at least one remote device associated with one of the plurality of device antennas. The send module sends the data packet to the at least one remote device associated with one of the plurality of device antennas.

Abstract: A fluid dispersal node is disclosed that includes one or more fluid outlets, an electromechanical valve, one or more hardware processors, hardware memory, a hardware wireless communication module, an antenna, and a fluid-tight, substantially radio frequency (RF) transparent enclosure. The valve is disposed in the node, and controls fluid flow to the outlets. The processors, in turn, control the valve. The wireless module receives instructions for operating the valve and forwards those instructions to one or more of the processors and the memory. The processors, memory, wireless module and antenna are disposed within the RF-transparent housing. In some embodiments, the antenna is disposed on a riser associated with the node outside the enclosure. In other embodiments, the antenna is disposed in a fluid line connected to the node.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus for changing the in-air pitch and/or roll of a land craft are described herein. The apparatus may include a steering input mechanism, a support structure, and an articulator. The apparatus may include one or more of a pitch-forward input mechanism, a pitch-back input mechanism, a roll-right input mechanism, and a roll-left input mechanism. The vehicle may include a set of wheels on which the vehicle travels over ground. The steering input mechanism may receive steering inputs from a driver of the vehicle. The steering input mechanism may receive pitch and roll control inputs from the driver. The support structure may connect the steering input mechanism to the vehicle, at least one of the wheels, or the vehicle and the at least one of the wheels. The articulator may rotatably connect the steering input mechanism to the support structure.

Abstract: The invention is a rack and chain lifting device. The purpose is to convert rotational motion to linear motion in a way that is superior to a rack and pinion device because, first, it allows for more points of contact with the rack through the use of a silent chain in place of a pinion, and, second, because it can be used in corners since the motor can be distanced from the rack by means of the silent chain. The invention comprises a silent chain with link plates that are shaped such that the teeth of the link plates are offset when the chain is straightened, allowing the profile of the silent chain to correspond with the profiles of both gears and racks. The invention also comprises a rack that can be placed in corners. Some embodiments include a system of gears, a motor, and a mounting platform.

Abstract: The invention is a track system for a retractable wall. The track system includes rigid outer guide tracks and flexible inner track inserts that are connected to the guide tracks by means of flanges located on both. The flexible inserts include a channel that engages with a side edge of a retractable wall, holding the wall in place. The flexible nature of the track inserts allows the inserts to bend, which in turn allows the retractable wall to flex when force is exerted on the retractable wall without breaking the tracks or tearing the wall. When excessive force is applied, the channel of the flexible insert, the walls of which are thicker than the rest of the flexible insert, bend open, so that the side edge of the retractable wall disengages from the channel by means of an opening in the channel.

Abstract: The invention is a method for intelligent current limiting enabling chaining of electrical appliances. Different embodiments apply to alternating current (AC) appliances, direct current (DC) appliances, and a combination of each. In each embodiment, current limits control the number of appliances that can be connected in the chain. If current limits are exceeded, current-limiting devices cut power to one or more of the appliances. Each appliance in the system has conductors with the capacity to carry a current load at least as large as the overall current limit. Preferably, the appliances in the system are garage appliances that are mounted to an overhead track system in a garage, where electrical outlets are scarce.

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.