Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomous distress tracking (ADT) of aerial vehicles are provided. An autonomous distress tracking (ADT) system for an aerial vehicle is provided that includes one or more ADT devices. Each device includes at least one transmitter configured to transmit messages over one or more predetermined frequency bands. And ADT control system is configured to control a transmission rate of the one or more ADT devices based on flight plan data associated with an on-going flight of the aerial vehicle and performance data associated with the aerial vehicle during the on-going flight. The ADT control system can compare the flight plan data with the performance data to determine one or more deviations associated with the flight plan data and control a transmission rate of the one or more ADT devices based on the deviations.

Abstract: Aluminum can be used as a fuel source when reacted with water if its native surrounding oxide coating is penetrated with a gallium-based eutectic. When discrete aluminum objects are treated in a heated bath of eutectic, the eutectic penetrates the oxide coating. After the aluminum objects are treated, the aluminum objects can be reacted in a reactor to produce hydrogen which can, for example, react with oxygen in a fuel cell to produce electricity, for use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Methods and systems of using a presentation application tool include inputting a control code associated with an administrative control via the presentation application tool and a graphical user interface (GUI) of an administrative device, controlling a presentation device via the administrative device based on the control code, and setting an active user through the administrative control via the GUI of the administrative device, wherein the active user is in control of a present mode and an active user device. The method may further include associating the active user device with the present mode and the presentation device, the present mode configured to control the presentation device, and controlling a presentation screen of the presentation device in the present mode through the active user device.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and system for securing a shoring deck to a column. The method includes providing a first beam bracing against a column, wherein the first beam is disposed at a first longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to a long axis of the column. The method includes coupling the first beam to first and second deck beams of a plurality of deck beams of a shoring deck. The method also includes providing a second beam bracing against the column and coupling the second beam to third and fourth deck beams of the plurality of deck beams. The method further includes positioning the first and second beams with respect to the column such that respective first and second longitudinal axes through the respective first and second beams are aligned at an acute angle with respect to each other.

Abstract: A urodynamic investigation apparatus for receipt of urine from a bladder is provided. The apparatus is characterized by a tubular element, first and second fittings, and a sleeve element, for select passage of urine there through, within the tubular element. The tubular element is characterized by opposing first and second end portions, and a port. The fittings are adapted to be received by the opposing end portions of the tubular element so as to delimit an apparatus chamber. The sleeve element, suspended between the fittings within the chamber, has collapsed and open configurations. The collapsed configuration is indicative of a no urine flow condition, and the open configuration indicative of a urine flow condition, with the sleeve element urine flow condition being a function of pressure applied to the chamber via the port of the tubular element.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented to transport and store personal cargo in a secure seasonal portable closet or similar large portable locker configured to roll through a standard domestic doorway. Such lockers may be configured with several posts, wheels supporting one or more frames, and a sleeve assembly or other security covering supported by the posts.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a focal plane array including an array of pixels. An isothermal diaphragm covers a first portion of the pixels along a periphery of the array and exposing an imaging portion of the pixels. A controller is operatively connected to the focal plane array to read sensor data from the focal plane array, wherein the sensor data includes image data from the imaging portion of the pixels and non-uniformity data from the first portion of the pixels. The controller is operatively connected to the focal plane array to enhance the image data based on the non-uniformity data.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is provided. The exercise apparatus includes a substantially round, hollow element having an exterior surface and an interior cavity, with the round, hollow element having a U-shaped cross-section, the U-shape including two distal ends. The exercise apparatus also includes at least two rims, each rim positioned about a portion of the round, hollow element at each distal end of the U-shape. A spacer member is located between each distal end of the U-shape and between the rims and at least two fasteners extend between both of the at least two rims, the fasteners providing a clamping force to the at least two rims so that the spacer member and both distal ends of the round, hollow element are fixed relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a box fastener. The box fastener can have sides with both a top piece and a bottom piece that are separated by a gap. The bottom piece is deformable along its length. The bottom piece has a hole that is either offset or enlarged compared to a corresponding hole in the top piece to accommodate the arcuate path of a curved piercing element of arm. A seal can be provided between the top and bottom piece. The piercing element optionally can puncture the seal and the seal can be fastened around the arm that is in the locked position. Unlocking of the arm will break the seal thereby revealing evidence of an unlocking event. The fastener has a bottom with grips having angled distal surfaces. The grips provide increasing levels of grip as the thickness of the box increases, and vice versa.

Abstract: A system includes a terminal. The terminal includes a terrestrial communication interface, a satellite communication interface and a computer. The terrestrial and satellite communication interfaces are configured to communicate traffic data. The computer is communicatively linked to the terrestrial and satellite communication interfaces. The computer executes instructions comprising, to determine that the traffic data, communicated via the terrestrial communication interface, exceeds a threshold, and based on the determination, to route at least a portion of traffic data via the satellite communication interface in accordance with a predetermined traffic data load-balancing scheme.

Abstract: An example method of operation may include designating sub-regions which collectively provide a defined reception space, receiving audio signals at a controller from the microphone arrays in the defined reception space, configuring the controller with known locations of each of the microphone arrays, assigning each of the sub-regions to at least one of the microphone arrays based on the known locations, and creating beamform tracking configurations for each of the microphone arrays based on their assigned sub-regions.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for training and using machine learning clustering models to determine conditions a satellite communication system. In some implementations, feature vectors for a time period are obtained. Each feature vector includes feature values that represent properties of a satellite communication system at a respective time during the time period. Each feature vector is provided as input to a machine learning model that assigns the feature vector to a based on the properties of the satellite communication system represented by the feature vector. Each cluster corresponds to a respective potential operating condition of the satellite communication system.

Abstract: A multi-level, multi-dimensional, and multi-directional handlebar for an exercise device is provided, the handlebar including optional rebounding and multi-positional punching pads. The handlebar can include first, second, and/or third handlebar portions extending from a transverse extension piece, each portion having left and right sections. Each section of each portion can include proximal, internal, and/or distal segments. The first, second, and/or third handlebar portions are rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the transverse extension piece, providing for multiple, user selected fixed angular positions of the handlebar portions relative to the transverse extension piece. Each of the proximal, internal, and/or distal segments can be longitudinally and rotatably adjusted relative to one another, then fixedly secured, providing the overall handlebar with multi-level, multi-dimensional, and multi-directional capability.

Abstract: A satellite modem, a GPS device, and a method are provided. The satellite modem requests current location information from a GPS device and waits no more than a preconfigured amount of time to receive the current location information. When the satellite modem receives the current location information, the satellite modem determines whether the current location information indicates a location in which the satellite modem is authorized to operate. When the satellite modem determines that the current location information indicates a location in which the satellite modem is not authorized to operate, the satellite modem performs at least one action from a group of actions including preventing the satellite modem from operating normally, permitting the satellite modem to operate with a reduced functionality, and transmitting a message to a network management center indicating that the satellite modem is not located at an authorized location.

Abstract: A method of using a system to apply liquid over a selected area includes providing a source of liquid, a first tube for transporting liquid from the source through the system, a connector, a check valve and a spray device. The connector includes a projection extending into the first tube. The projection has an inlet in fluid communication with the first tube. The connector further includes an outlet and a passageway in fluid communication with the inlet of the projection and the outlet of the connector. The check valve has an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the connector and an outlet. The check valve is operable to permit the passage of liquid from the inlet to the outlet upon pressurization of the liquid above a threshold pressurization level.

Abstract: A filter assembly for relieving hydrostatic pressure includes a housing with a flange and a shell. The flange includes an opening extending through the flange and the shell includes a base and a terminating end. The base of the shell is connected to the flange at the opening and extends away from the flange toward the terminating end. The filter assembly also includes a coupling mechanism with a drain pipe orifice to accept a drain pipe therein. The coupling mechanism is movably connected to the terminating end of the shell such that the coupling mechanism can move relative to the shell to change a position of the drain pipe orifice relative to the terminating end of the shell. The filter assembly also includes a filter cartridge removably positioned inside the shell and a face plate removably connected to the flange to secure the filter cartridge inside the shell.

Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.

Abstract: A computer comprises a processor programmed to identify a plurality of sets of channels. Each set of channels includes first, second and third channels. The first and second channels in each set include uplinks respectively in first and second neighbor beams and have a first bandwidth overlap. The first and third channels in each set share a target and a third downlink included in the third channel has a second bandwidth overlap with a first downlink included in the first channel. the second bandwidth overlap includes a bandwidth corresponding to at least a portion the first bandwidth overlap, such that a signal spectrum in the first bandwidth overlap is included in the second bandwidth overlap. The computer is further programmed to optimize a bandwidth reduction across the plurality of sets of channels.

Abstract: A method includes capturing a digital content segment, generating a first identifier, and associating the first identifier with a digital image in the memory of an electronic device. The method also includes generating a second identifier and associating the second identifier with a digital content segment in the memory. The method further includes transferring at least one of the digital image and the digital content segment to a server computer via a network, wherein the first identifier is transferred in association with the digital image and the second identifier is transferred in association with the digital content segment. The method also includes generating an electronic file providing a sequential clip listing associated with rendering a digital media message. The electronic file includes the first and second identifiers, a first indicator identifying a first frame of the digital media message, and a second indicator identifying a second frame of the digital media message.