Abstract: The TRAVELING WAVE PROPELLER, PUMP AND GENERATOR APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include force or forces applied to an arc-like flexible sheet-like material to create a deformed crenated strip fin with strained-deformations. The strained-deformations take on a sinusoid-like form that express the internal energy state of the flexible sheet-like material after it has been configured into a crenated strip fin. After being incorporated into a mechanism with couplings that prevent the crenated strip fin from returning to its un-strained state, the strained-deformations persist. Actuators may be used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to the fins causing the travel of sinusoid-like deformations along the fins. In a fluid medium, the traveling waves of sinusoidal deformations may exert force on the fluid causing the fluid to move and/or creating thrust. Arched blades affixed to the fins facilitate propulsion on hard surfaces such as ice.

Abstract: A watering system including a receptacle including a fluid flow generator and a fluid flow generator controller which releasably couples to a fluid reservoir containing a fluid which can be transferred by operation of the fluid flow generator from the fluid reservoir to a plurality of fluid flow meters which can be disposed in spaced apart relation to correspondingly deliver the fluid to a plurality of spaced apart locations. In particular embodiments, a plurality of potted plants can be disposed in spaced apart relation and one more of the plurality of fluid flow meters can be correspondingly located to deliver the fluid to each of the plurality of potted plants.

Abstract: Filter assemblies are described which may be rolled for use and unrolled for cleaning. Rolling an assembly may form a spiral path for fluid to flow. Fluid also may flow through mesh panels of the assembly unless such panels are obstructed, as by debris.

Abstract: In some implementations, data from security monitoring devices of a facility is collected and analyzed within the facility and the results of the analysis transmitted to another computer that is outside of the facility via a non-VPN communication path.

Abstract: A system and method for calculating, across one or more objects or portfolios, a probability distribution of values of a first parameter for one or more values of a second parameter (e.g., time). Probability distributions are assigned to each object at two or more different values of the second parameter. Each probability distribution defines a first parameter value distribution for that object at that particular value of the second parameter. Probability distributions of the first parameter across two or more objects or across a portfolio are calculated over changing values of the second parameter as a function of the probability distributions assigned to each object involved.

Abstract: A quick release restraint system comprising a restraint body that mates a harness fitting with a moveable lockpin. The lockpin is held in a closed position by a return member and can be moved to an open position when a sleeve and/or a ripcord is moved away from the lockpin. The sleeve surrounds the restraint body and mates with an internal lockpin body that may also be attached to the ripcord. The ripcord and/or sleeve engage the lockpin body in a single direction to generate a pulling force that counteracts a biasing force of the return member.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a device that includes a power transformer with a first output voltage terminal providing a first voltage and a second output voltage terminal providing a second voltage, a voltage regulator coupled to one or more of the first output voltage terminal and the second output voltage terminal, and a power storage element that stores power supplied by the second output voltage, and the first output voltage terminal supplies power to a remote entity until a load power requirement of the remote entity exceeds a threshold power level at which time the power storage element is used to provide power from the second output voltage terminal to the remote entity.

Abstract: An adaptive mechanical joint control and stabilization process and device having particular usefulness in mechanical joints employing U-bolts. The method and device monitors at least two predetermined metrics during a fastener tightening clampload cycle and compares the work expended in achieving a target limit value. Through examining the work expended through the monitored metrics, additional clampload cycles will automatically be run until the monitored work expended for all of the fasteners falls within predetermined values increasing the stabilization of the joint and further advantages of increased residual clampload. The process and device is useful in separating clampload cycles which form or yield the fastener from a final clampload cycle which properly elongates the fastener for a secure clampload and stabilized joint.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for adjustable clamp devices and quick release clamp devices are disclosed. The adjustable clamp device includes a catch member, a base member, a latch member and a fine adjustment mechanism and is designed to clamp to a targeted object in a secure fashion. The quick release clamp device includes a catch member, a base member, a latch member, and a quick release mechanism and is designed to clamp to a targeted object in a secure fashion and to be quickly removable from the targeted object. At least one method for using the adjustable clamp device includes, wrapping the adjustable clamp device around a targeted object, placing a tool around the adjustable clamp device, squeezing the tool and thereby squeezing the adjustable clamp device around the targeted object, and causing the latch member to operably connect to the catch member in a lock position.

Abstract: Approaches for efficient, dynamic and continuous handover processes, which encompass selection of an optimal path (consisting of a satellite, a satellite beam and carrier frequency set) over which a mobile user terminal (UT) communicates with the radio access network in a mobile satellite communications system, are provided. A set of path factors are determined regarding each of a plurality of communications paths for the UT. A path selection metric (PSM) for each communications path is determined, wherein the PSM for each communications path is determined via a weighted calculation based on the respective set of path factors for the communications path. A decision is made as to whether to perform a handover of the UT from a first of the communications paths to a second of the communications paths, wherein the determination is based on an evaluation performed based at least in part on the PSM.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of signal measurement circuits is included in a terminal. Each measurement circuit receives a signal from a transmitter in a satellite and measures characteristics of the signal. A computer is programmed to receive data from the signal measurement circuits. The data indicates characteristics of the signal, including a strength of the signal. The computer determines an initial estimated satellite pointing direction, and generates subsequent estimated satellite pointing directions. For the initial and subsequent estimated pointing directions, the strength of the signal received by each measurement circuit is compared with an expected strength of the signal based on the respective estimated pointing direction. Each subsequent estimate is based at least in part on the comparison of the immediately preceding estimate. Based on the comparisons, the computer estimates a current satellite pointing direction.

Abstract: An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) air traffic control method utilizing wireless networks and concurrently supporting delivery application authorization and management communicating with a plurality of UAVs via a plurality of cell towers associated with the wireless networks, wherein the plurality of UAVs each include hardware and antennas adapted to communicate to the plurality of cell towers; maintaining data associated with flight of each of the plurality of UAVs based on the communicating; processing the maintained data to perform a plurality of functions associated with air traffic control of the plurality of UAVs; and processing the maintained data to perform a plurality of functions for the delivery application authorization and management for each of the plurality of UAVs.

Abstract: A manually-operated trailer wash apparatus for washing an interior of a trailer includes a frame with a handle configured to be manually pushed by a human operator and front and rear wheels. Rotatable couplings are disposed between each of the wheels and the frame to rotate the wheels in response to the manual pushing of the handle. A conduit is coupled to the frame and extends transversely across a direction of travel of the apparatus. The conduit has a plurality of nozzles to pressure wash a surface on which the apparatus travels. The conduit receives pressurized fluid from a hose and pump system.

Abstract: Highway vehicle platoon management is provided. Driver quality parameters are used together with vehicle physical characteristic and performance information to select an ordering of the vehicles within the platoon. The vehicles within the platoon mutually self-order to select the ordering of the vehicles within the platoon for enhanced safety and efficiency. The driver quality parameters together with the vehicle physical characteristic and performance information is also used to reward best drivers with preferred locations within the platoon. The vehicles within the platoon mutually self-order to reward best drivers with preferred locations within the platoon. An existing vehicle platoon is selectively split into two or more smaller platoons for improving overall safety and efficiency. Two or more smaller vehicle platoons are selectively aggregated into a larger single platoon for improving overall safety and efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately and efficiently testing a HEPA filter in a sterile environment, such as a clean room, by creating a closed-loop system. The system includes a multi-port interface including at least a challenge port and a verification port, each port being in communication with an area upstream from the HEPA filter. Through the challenge port, test substances are introduced to a supply air duct that is in communication with a HEPA filter. Through the verification port, a concentration of the test substances can be measured for comparison with a concentration that passed through the HEPA filter, i.e. downstream from the HEPA filter. As such, test substances can be dispersed throughout the air conditioning system before interacting with the HEPA filter, and accurately measured. The closed loop between the ports provides an accurate measurement of the concentration of test substances to test the HEPA filter.

Abstract: Lighting assemblies principally for swimming pools and spas may produce ultraviolet (UV) radiation (i.e. black light). They also may supply visible light if desired. The assemblies may be submerged within pools or spas or located externally thereof, and the light sources may be controlled either collectively or individually.

Abstract: Disclosed methods of terrestrial station monitoring of downlink signal quality include receiving a sequence of samples of reference symbol slots of a downlink burst, and estimating a time offset between a local clock and a timing of a symbol pattern carried by the reference symbol slots, using a local copy of the reference symbol pattern. A corresponding time correction is applied to the sequence of samples to form time corrected samples of symbols carried by the reference symbol slots. A frequency offset between the time corrected samples of the symbols carried by the reference symbol slots and a local clock is estimated. A corresponding frequency compensation is applied to the time corrected samples, forming time/frequency compensated samples of the symbols carried by the reference symbol slots. A signal to noise plus interference ratio (SNIR) estimation data, and corresponding estimate of signal path, is generated, based on moments of the time/frequency compensated samples.

Abstract: A lime slaker system for converting quicklime to a lime slurry includes: a lime feeder; a base slaker that includes a slaking chamber and a dilution chamber; a grit remover; and a modular water panel with a piping assembly in fluid communication with at least the base slaker and grit remover. The modular water panel is configured to independently control water distributed to the slaking compartment, the dilution chamber, and the grit remover.

Abstract: Approaches for wireless telecommunications systems (e.g., satellite systems), that employ beams that move in a pattern to increase the coverage area of the beams, are provided. A wireless telecommunications apparatus comprises an antenna configured to generate communications beams for providing data communications services over a respective coverage area on the surface of the Earth. The apparatus further comprises a processor configured to control each of at least one of the communications beams to move its coverage area in a respective pattern over a respective period of time. Further, a method comprises generating, via a wireless telecommunications apparatus, communications beams, wherein each beam provides data communications services over a respective coverage area on the surface of the Earth, and controlling each of at least one of the communications beams to move its coverage area in a respective pattern of movement over a respective period of time.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a controller for controlling at least one solenoid comprise a first electrical connector for electrically communicating with a vehicle communications bus; a second electrical connector for transmitting messages to a plurality of solenoids; and a processor having control logic. The control logic is capable of associating each of a plurality of solenoids with a vehicle function when the plurality of solenoids are in electrical communication with the controller; receiving a control message at the first electrical connector in a first format to enable a first vehicle function; and electrically communicating a control message in a second format at the second electrical connector in response to receiving the control message in the first format to control one of the plurality of solenoids associated with the first vehicle function.