Abstract: A handheld assistive container opening device comprises two elongated arms extending from a body at an acute angle, having gripping contours on the interior arm surfaces for gripping a rotatable container cap. The arms may be rotatable though respective limited arcs about respective axes parallel to the container axis, to improve the capability to grip the cap. The device may include a movable top plate positioner, positionable over the interior of the acute angle to align a container cap with the arms, or away from the acute angle to accommodate irregularly shaped caps. The body may further include a concave finger engagement recess for application of torque from the side of a finger without gripping the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the body has the shape of an “X” with arms extending from a pair of adjacent ends at approximately 60 degrees.

Abstract: A method of charging a mechanical object using a charge storage device. The method includes determining that an initial battery has lost voltage, removing the initial battery, and installing a replacement battery. Installing the replacement battery places the replacement battery in electrical communication with an adjacent capacitor. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a capacitor in a locomotion machine, and energizing a starter in electrical communication using the capacitor. The method also includes starting an engine of the locomotion machine using a charge from the starter, and then re-charging the capacitor as the locomotion machine moves. The method further comprises determining that the capacitor has lost voltage due to insufficient recharge activity, and re-charging the capacitor with a portable power pack.

Abstract: A decoder is configured to receive a bit stream including a current frame and a picture header associated with the entire current frame, determine, as a function of the picture header, that one global motion mode is enabled for the entire current frame, the enabled global motion mode being selected from a group including translational motion, 4-parameter affine motion, and 6-parameter affine motion, detect, based on the enabled global motion mode, a plurality of parameters applicable to the entire frame, and decode the current frame using the detected parameters.

Abstract: Guide bearing stop for use in a template-guided system for routers, and more particularly to a device, system, and method, for facilitating efficient, easily repeatable, highly accurate router mortise cuts on workpieces using a pantograph-type router system. The guide bearing stop may be used with a readily adjustable template holder for holding a guide bearing stop to direct the mortise cut in a very exact manner, which is also readily adjustable and easily positioned and centered on the template holder. The guide bearing stop when used in conjunction with the router system allows for the rapid centering and rapid reproduction of varying sizes of exactly-sized and exactly-shaped mortise cuts across a variety of different workpieces.

Abstract: A popcorn ceiling scraper includes a scraping head with multiple blades, at least one of which is oriented horizontally in the same plane as the scraping head with other blades extending vertically from the scraping head. The ceiling scraper has a funnel arranged below the scraping head, and the funnel and the scraping head are formed to reach to an edge or juncture between a ceiling and a wall.

Abstract: A system is configured to provide Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training using one or more of augmented reality (AR) devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, or other devices. The system may generate one or more AR elements (such as one or more of an enemy combatant, an aerial device, an ordnance, a ground vehicle, or a structure). The system may produce AR data that can be provided to one or more AR headsets and may produce VR scene data corresponding to the AR data that can be provided to one or more VR headsets. Additionally, the system may detect a cap or cover on a device, determine data related to the device from the cap, and present visual data superimposed over the cap based on the determined data.

Abstract: A modular photovoltaic (PV) array system includes a PV array installed onto a fleet vehicle such as a trailer, bus etc., a host control system into which a plurality of fleet vehicles can connect to collectively generate electricity, and a subscriber system which collectively tracks energy generation and allocates respective contributions to the system.

Abstract: A system for growing a plurality of plants, including a support apparatus having a plurality of upright frames and a plurality of substantially parallel wires extending longitudinally between the upright frames above a base surface. The wires are placed in tension to support laterally therebetween a multiplicity of individual, separable bags containing plants. Cultivation of the plants is facilitated by the apparatus with the supported bags positioned in a minimally spaced arrangement relative to each other at an ergonomic height above the base surface.

Abstract: A system, as well as associated methods, for increasing the efficiency of a gas turbine including an inlet assembly and a compressor may include a housing configured to channel airstream towards the inlet assembly, an air treatment module positioned at a proximal end the housing, and at least one air conditioning module mounted downstream of the air treatment module for adjusting the temperature of the airstream entering the compressor. The air treatment module may include a plurality of inlet air filters and at least one blower configured to pressurize the air entering the air treatment module.

Abstract: A system used to dislodge and, if necessary, sever a tubular string that is stuck within a cased wellbore. The system utilizes a jar, a plurality of plugs, and a tubular severance device. Components of the system are carried to their respective desired downhole positions by downward fluid flow within the wellbore. The jar is configured to jar the string in an effort to dislodge the string from its stuck point. The plugs are configured to fill open perforations formed in the casing in order to direct the fluid toward the stuck point and away from the perforations. If the string cannot be freed by the jar, the tubular severance device is deployed within the string above the stuck point. Detonation of the device severs the string above the stuck point.

Abstract: Sand separation systems and methods according to which one or more energy sensors are adapted to detect a response to energy imparted to a sand separator of a known type. One or more computers are adapted to communicate with the one or more energy sensors. The one or more computers and/or the one or more energy sensors are pre-tuned. The one or more computers are configured to determine the unknown sand level in the sand separator of the known type based on: the response detected by the one or more energy sensors, and the pre-tuning of the one or more energy sensors and/or the one or more computers.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods to streamline the mechanism by which data users access differently regulated data through the use of one or more integrated identifiers. The integrated identifiers lessen or eliminate the need to separately maintain one set of identifiers for regulated data and another set for non-regulated data. The methods and systems may be applicable in various credit and healthcare contexts where regulations over data use are prevalent. In one or more embodiments, a data user receives a unique integrated identifier for each of the data user's current or prospective customers, and the integrated identifiers can be used to persistently identify and track the customers over time and across applications that access regulated and/or non-regulated data. In the healthcare context, a healthcare provider may utilize a patient ID as the integrated identifier. To protect privacy, the integrated identifier may not include social security numbers or birthdates.

Abstract: A system, as well as associated methods, for increasing the efficiency of a gas turbine including an inlet assembly and a compressor may include a housing configured to channel airstream towards the inlet assembly, an air treatment module positioned at a proximal end the housing, and at least one air conditioning module mounted downstream of the air treatment module for adjusting the temperature of the airstream entering the compressor. The air treatment module may include a plurality of inlet air filters and at least one blower configured to pressurize the air entering the air treatment module.

Abstract: A crash cushion includes a number of spaced-apart supports or bulkheads; energy-absorbing modules positioned between the supports; overlapping side panels that interconnect the supports; front and rear fixed anchors; and reinforcing cables extending between the anchors. The crash cushion also includes indexing structure that permits each hinge to be selectively mounted in several different positions with respect to its support; angle set structure that allows the hinges to pivot relative to the supports up to a defined pivot range.

Abstract: A pump system may include a pump, a driveshaft, driving equipment, and a vibration dampening assembly configured to reduce pump-imposed high frequency/low amplitude and low frequency/high amplitude torsional vibrations. The pump may have an input shaft connected to the driveshaft. The driving equipment may include an output shaft having an output flange connected to the driveshaft. The driving equipment may be configured to rotate the driveshaft to rotate the input shaft of the pump therewith. The vibration dampening assembly may include one or more flywheels operably connected to the input shaft and configured to rotate therewith.

Abstract: A crash cushion includes a number of spaced-apart supports or bulkheads; energy absorbing modules positioned between the supports; overlapping side panels that interconnect the supports and envelop the energy absorbing modules; front and rear fixed anchors; and reinforcing cables extending between the anchors. The cables extend through cable guides formed in the supports so as to stabilize the supports and facilitate controlled collapse of the supports during vehicle impacts.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a plug activated mechanical isolation device that controls fluid flow inside a tubular in a wellbore. The device includes a sleeve for coupling to the tubular, and the sleeve includes an internal bore and port for fluid flow therethrough. A channel element is positioned in the internal bore and includes an internal channel and an orifice for fluid flow between the internal channel and internal bore. The channel element is attached to the sleeve via a breakable attachment portion, and the orifice is aligned with at least one port of the sleeve. The channel element is slidable within the sleeve, upon breakage of the breakable attachment portion with a force, to move the orifice out of alignment with the port of the sleeve so that a portion of the channel element covers the port of the sleeve to block fluid flow through the port.

Abstract: A status monitor circuit for detecting the status of a DC power supply for charging a battery is provided. The status monitor circuit includes a DC bus and a failure indicator circuit. The DC bus is coupled between the DC power supply and the battery. The failure indicator circuit is configured to detect a DC voltage generated by the DC power supply on the DC bus. The failure indicator circuit includes a failure indicator and a relay configured to activate the failure indicator when the DC voltage is below a failure threshold voltage.

Abstract: An activated carbon sorbent composition comprising activated carbon and a passivation agent, wherein the activated carbon sorbent composition exhibits reduced self-heating or auto-ignition properties as compared to the activated carbon. The activated carbon sorbent composition may be utilized to sequester contaminants such as mercury from a flue gas stream. The passivation agent includes a sulfur species, and may be a sulfur oxide compound, a sulfide compound, or an organic sulfur compound. Methods for the manufacture of the activated carbon sorbent composition and for the sequestration of contaminants in a flue gas stream using the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a filtration system with a separation system including a primary process vessel with a main body enclosing an internal volume, and a removable end cap coupled to one of the ends of the main body. The primary process vessel includes fluid apertures enabling a fluid stream to enter or exit the inner volume. The separation system includes a filter support positioned in the inner volume, and a filter assembly coupled to the filter support. In some embodiments, the filtration system further includes a support frame, and the separation system is mounted on the support frame. In some embodiments, the separation system is fluidly coupled to another separation system. In some embodiments, the filter assembly includes a coalescing filter. In some further embodiments, the filter assembly includes a filter configured and arranged to filter hydrocarbons.