Abstract: A temperature system for a window shade includes temperature sensors coupled to a side seal for the window shade. The side seal is selectively movable into and out of position relative to the window shade. The temperature sensors convey temperature information to a controller for operating the window shade and the side seal. The controller operates the window shade and the side seals based at least in part upon the temperature information.

Abstract: A seal for a multiple-shade window covering array. The seal includes two or more coextensive shades for a window in a window frame. At least one of the shades is a cellular shade. Each shade operates independently without interference from other shades, and each shade has different light properties such that selectively raising and lowering one or more of the shades changes a light property for the window covering array. The seal also includes side seals anchored to the sides of the window frame.

Abstract: The invention is an an anchor for attaching an automated window mechanism to a sliding panel of a window. The sliding panel has a border with an outer face generally perpendicular to the window. The anchor includes a base configured to be secured to the outer face. The base and mechanism mount has a first tongue-and-groove component protruding from the base away from the outer face. The anchor also includes a mechanism mount configured to be secured to the automated window mechanism, the mechanism mount having a second tongue-and-groove component protruding therefrom. The first tongue-and-groove component and the second tongue-and-groove components are shaped and aligned to permit the mechanism mount to slide relative to the base in a direction generally perpendicular to the window, and to thereafter hold the mechanism in proper alignment relative to the sliding panel of the window.

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: The method of confirming consumption of a tagged pharmaceutical or nutritional product includes the step of providing a subject with a pharmaceutical or nutritional product which has been tagged with a safe, for example, a plant-based, compound. These compounds may include asparagusic acid or a derivative thereof which is found in asparagus, garlic or an extract of garlic, or 1,8-cineole. Alternatively, the taggant may be dimethylsulfoxide. A subject may be provided with and instructed to consume the tagged product according to a defined protocol. A sample of bodily waste or other biological sample may be collected from the subject and analyzed for the presence of the tag or a metabolite thereof. This method may be used to confirm compliance with the protocol in clinical drug trials or nutritional studies.

Abstract: A system for controlling one or more motorized windows. The motorized windows each have a processor, a network device and wireless transmitters enabling connection via a network. The network is controlled by one or more mobile devices which receive user input. The mobile devices wirelessly connect to a local area network (LAN) via a hub. One or more hubs are connected via the LAN. The motorized windows are networked via a personal area network (PAN). The hubs convert the LAN protocol to the PAN protocol. Sensors send sensor data along with real time weather data to the processor. The processor uses this sensor data to update charts and schedules in memory, then sends commands to the controller based on these updated charts and schedules according to user defined and factory set parameters. The system includes both local and cloud-based control.

Abstract: Devices and methods for internet of things (IOT) discovery/auto discovery are described. A discovery packet is received from a device. The discovery packet includes a first stream identifier and a request to establish a second stream. A stream acceptance packet is sent to the device. The stream acceptance packet includes the first stream identifier and an input for generating a second stream identifier. A first association is added to the registration based on the request to establish the second stream. The first association is between the second stream identifier and a determined destination. A first data packet is received from the device, where the first data packet includes/utilizes the second stream identifier. The first data packet is sent to the destination based on the first association in the registration.

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 weight distribution hitch 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 weight distribution hitch may also include an aperture disposed in the moment bar through which the tension mechanism passes.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for heating or cooling a room of a building. The apparatus includes a radiant panel supported on a wall, which radiates energy to or from a room. The radiant panel has a conduit for passage of a fluid. The invention also includes a heat exchange device which heats or cools the fluid, which is installed inside the wall between two studs. A first line and second line connect the inlet and outlet to the heat exchange device. A pump that pumps the fluid that is heated or cooled by the heat exchange, whereby the room is heated or cooled depending on whether the fluid is heated or cooled by the heat exchange device.

Abstract: A boat comprising a hull, a steering wheel, an engine power system comprising a first foot pedal that is operated by a user's foot to control the boat's speed through water, and a braking system comprising a second foot pedal that is depressed by the user's foot to slow or stop the boat.

Abstract: A towable boat comprising a hull, a front wheel movable between an extended position and a retracted boating position, two rear wheels, each of which is movable between an extended towing position and a retracted boating position, and a trailer tongue movable between an extended towing position and a retracted boating position.

Abstract: A multi-use package receptacle for deliveries to and pickups from a home or business, the receptacle comprising a first compartment for receiving a package delivered from a delivery service and a second compartment for receiving an item to be picked up by a pickup service. An access control unit configured to lock and unlock the first and second compartments, wherein the access control unit grants access to both the first and second compartments to a user associated with the home or business, and the access control unit grants access to the first compartment to a verified delivery service and grants access to the second compartment to a verified pickup service.

Abstract: A vehicle for delivering packages, comprising a tractor comprising a motor, a pair of front wheels, a rear wheel, and a rail between the pair of front wheels and the rear wheel, and a removable container comprising a space for storing packages where a bottom of the container is configured to fit over and mount to the rail.

Abstract: A system for delivering packages from a warehouse to end destinations, the system comprising a fleet of self-propelled long-range transports and a fleet of containers, each configured to be loaded at the warehouse with packages destined for end destinations. Each long-range transport is configured to be loaded with at least four of the loaded containers and transport the at least four of the loaded containers from the warehouse to one or more intermediate destinations. Upon arrival of one of the loaded long-range transports at one of the one or more intermediate destinations, at least one of the loaded containers is separated from the loaded long-range transport, whereupon the separated container delivers packages to end destinations proximate to the one of the one or more intermediate destinations. After delivery of at least some of the packages loaded thereon at the warehouse, the container is once again loaded on the long-range transport and returned to the warehouse to be loaded with more packages.

Abstract: A system for delivering packages comprising a plurality of containers, each container having a plurality of package storage compartments and each compartment comprising an individually controlled access door on an external wall of the container. One or more packages are placed in at least some of the plurality of modules at a distribution center wherein the container is configured to be transported between the distribution center and a pickup location. Upon arrival at the pickup location, the container is parked and wherein recipients of the packages in the compartments of the container are notified of the arrival of the packages at the pickup location. Each recipient is provided access to the compartment containing the package intended for that recipient.

Abstract: A system for delivering packages from a warehouse to end destinations, the system comprising a fleet of containers, each configured to be loaded at the warehouse with packages destined for drop off points at end destinations. A fleet of delivery vehicles are configured to transport the containers from the warehouse to an end destination. At least one delivery robot is carried with each container and the delivery robot is configured to carry at least one package from the container at the end destination to the drop off point.

Abstract: A container for delivering packages comprising a plurality of package storage modules, each module comprising an individually controlled access door on an external wall of the transport, wherein one or more packages are placed in at least some of the plurality of modules at a distribution point, wherein the container is configured to be transported to multiple delivery destinations, and wherein, upon arrival at each delivery destination, the appropriate access door receives a signal to allow access to the package intended for that delivery destination.

Abstract: A fleet for delivering packages comprising a first number of containers, each container comprising at least one compartment for receiving packages at a main distribution center. The container comprises a first attachment member on an outer surface and a second attachment member on an outer surface. The fleet comprises a second number of long-range transports, each long-range transport is configured to carry multiple containers from the main distribution center to an intermediate distribution center, each long-range transport comprising multiple first attachment receivers, whereby the multiple containers are attached to the long-range transports during transport from the main distribution center to the intermediate distribution center.

Abstract: Methods and system for treating blackwater are disclosed. A pyrolysis chamber and a condensing heat exchanger are provided. A blackwater slurry, consisting of blackwater solids, water, and volatiles, is passed into the pyrolysis chamber. The blackwater slurry is heated to produce steam, to separate at least a portion of the volatiles, and pyrolyze the blackwater solids, the separated volatiles passing out of the pyrolysis chamber. The steam and separated volatiles are cooled in a condensing heat exchanger, condensing at least a portion of the steam and at least a portion of the separated volatiles as a contaminated water stream. A water-clarifying chemical is added into the contaminated water stream that reacts with the volatiles, resulting in a treated water stream.

Abstract: A trailer is disclosed which includes a first door with a first hinge configured to allow the first door to operate between an open position and a closed position, and a second door on the opposing side of the trailer with a second hinge configured to allow the second door to operate between an open position and a closed position. The trailer also includes a roof and a trailer tongue with a coupling configured to attach to a hitch of a vehicle. Two or more wheels are provided that are extendable from an up position to a down position. In this way, when the wheels are in the down position, the trailer is lifted off the ground.