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: The present invention includes a light communication method and system wherein messages are transmitted via color code flashes. The light communication includes mechanisms for oversampling the color code flashes to enhance the accuracy of the method and system.

Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas and an aroma component in a precursor liquid, such as water, to make a beverage. A gas source and aroma component can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. The gas source can be a charged zeolite material having adsorbed gas, and the aroma component can include encapsulated particles of aroma materials.

Abstract: A method of determining a silhouette of a remote object is disclosed herein. The method can include directing an array of telescopes at a star to sense an intensity of EM radiation over time and transmit signals corresponding to the intensity. The signals can be received at a computing device. Each signal can be indicative of a portion of an intensity diffraction pattern generated by an occlusion of the star by an occluding object. The signals can be combined to form a two-dimensional, intensity diffraction pattern. Each point on the intensity diffraction pattern associated with a time, a position of each telescope in the array, and an intensity of the sensed EM radiation. A silhouette of the occluding object can be determined based on the intensity diffraction pattern. A system for performing the method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems related to sleeping, playing and provision of non-toxic environments, components related to those systems, and methods involving the systems or components. It is more particularly directed to systems, components and methods that aid early infant cognitive development, improve ventilation inside a crib, promote fresh and/or odor free air, promote thermoregulation and homeostasis, protect the person using the systems, components and methods from biological toxins, and create healthy sleeping environments for infants, toddlers, children and adults. One sleep system according to the present invention includes a cover, a core, and a bottom. The cover includes at least two raised areas. The raised areas have one or more heights ranging from 0.125 inch to 5.0 inches and diameters ranging of 0.25 to 10.0 inches.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for enabling the use of a special, generic, or standard substrate for similar system SIP assemblies are disclosed. The required customization, which is defined by a system's interconnecting scheme, is done during package assembly by creating appropriate connections using wire bonds on pads that are placed on the substrate and intentionally left open for purpose of customization. The wire bond links can be changed as required for a given system design.

Abstract: Apparatus (58) is provided for coupling a cannula (59) to a face of a subject (24), the apparatus (58) comprising an adhesive pad (60) configured to adhere to a surface of the subject's face, and one or more cannula grips (62) rotatably coupled to the adhesive pad (60) and configured to couple the cannula (59) to the subject's face by gripping the cannula (59). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: In the setting of chronic infection with a pathogen, the immune system must adapt to the ongoing presence of inflammatory responses driven by the pathogen in order to control the replication of the infecting agent at an acceptable level while limiting immune-mediated damage (immunopathology) (1). A complex interaction is required to accomplish this using a balance of immune related cytokines to stimulate and control the immune response. A particular formulation of reduced glutathione of high concentration in a liposome is proposed. In cooperation with the immune system, the liposomally formulated reduced glutathione according to the invention surprisingly achieves the balance between over-reduction of IL-10 and its necessary bodily function and signaling.

Abstract: Sparkless igniters for pilot services comprising hot surface igniter elements, and methods for operating these igniters without the use of flame rods or thermocouples. The electrical resistance of the hot surface igniter element is measured and used to control the operation of the igniters using a suitable burner management system. The measured electrical resistance may also be manipulated to yield a control parameter for use in the burner management system. The igniters are designed to prevent quenching of the hot surface elements by the fuel-air mixture. The igniters optionally permit easy swap out of hot surface igniter elements.

Abstract: A system is described for controlling an actuating unit that restricts physical access such as a motorized garage door actuator unit. The system comprises a mobile wireless communication device, an electro-mechanical access control security device, and a receiving unit controlling the electro-mechanical access control security device, the receiving unit paired with the mobile wireless communication device for receiving user input for activating the electro-mechanical access control security device via a peer-to-peer communication directly with the mobile wireless communication device, and a pre-authorization of communication of the receiving unit with the mobile wireless communication device, the mobile wireless communication device receiving the pre-authorization from a central security server.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an electrode assembly disposed in a cell housing. A first U-shaped current collector is disposed between the cell housing and the electrode assembly, and is electrically connected to a positive electrode portion of the electrode assembly. A second U-shaped current collector is disposed between the cell housing and the electrode assembly, and is electrically connected to a negative electrode portion of the electrode assembly. The first and second current collectors cooperate to surround all sides of the electrode assembly and to retain the electrode assembly in the desired configuration without requiring a separate restraint.

Abstract: An automatic playing card shuffler incorporating means for detecting marked cards. One or more light spectrum emitters or variable light spectrum illuminators transmit light at frequencies/wavelengths which is reflected off card backs through one or more spectrum filters causing invisible markings to become visible. A camera may capture images of the now visible markings. A camera and software collaborate to capture images and analyze the same for markings on the card backs such as smudges, nicks and scuffs and edge demarcations. The automatic playing card shufflers are configured to not only detect marked cards but to detect patterns relative to the card markings. The automatic card shufflers are communicatively linked with a casino management system and/or security system such that casino personnel may be alerted in real time to the discovery of marked cards.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to power management apparatuses and systems utilizing synchronous common coupling. A power management apparatus may include a synchronous common coupling, a plurality of ports, and a plurality of electrically isolated stacks connected through the synchronous common coupling. Each electrically isolated stack may include at least one stage, each stage including a source/load bridge, a flux bridge, and a direct current (DC) bus. The source/load bridge may be connected to a source or load through one of the plurality of ports, the flux bridge may be connected to an electrically isolated winding in the synchronous common coupling, and the flux bridge may be connected to the source/load bridge through the DC bus.

Abstract: A system for reducing dioxygen (O2) present in vapors from oil storage tanks. The system may include an inlet that receives vapors from the tanks; a heating device coupled with the inlet that heats vapors to a first temperature to form heated vapor; and a vessel coupled receiving heated vapor and containing at least one catalyst to reduce dioxygen from the heated vapor. The catalyst may include palladium, and the vessel may include zinc oxide to remove sulfur from the heated vapor. A compressor may be used to compress the vapors. A controller may be provided to monitor O2 concentration in heated vapor, and the controller directs flow of heated vapor to a gas pipeline if the O2 concentration is below a predetermined level; or if the O2 concentration is unacceptably high, the controller directs flow of vapor to be re-circulated within the system to further reduce O2 concentration therein.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles for providing lighting or illumination systems having drive circuits that employ a magnetic amplifier (“mag-amp”) and one or more feedback circuits to form a power converter that powers solid-state light sources (e.g., LEDs). The magnetic amplifier includes one or more magnetic cores which provides a controllable reluctance for magnetic flux. The magnetic amplifier includes one or more power windings which receive energy from an alternating current (AC) supply (e.g., AC mains) and delivers rectified AC current as direct current (DC) to one or more solid-state light sources. The magnetic amplifier includes one or more control windings coupled to a DC control source. The drive circuit may have two or more rectifiers (e.g., solid-state rectifiers) to provide a direct current to drive the solid-state light sources and also to isolate the one or more control windings from interference from the magnetic flux of the one or more power windings.

Abstract: A remote controlled retractable leg iron device provides a restraint device which can be used by police or any other authority to maintain control of persons while in transport. The device is remote controlled so an operator can control the wearer from a distance. The cuffs are secured to the legs of the wearer and are attached to the housing unit by cables which coil around winch drums within the housing unit. The winch drums rotate freely in a normal operation mode so that the wearer can walk or move with little resistance. In an emergency mode, the device retracts the wire cables into the housing unit so that the wearer's legs are restrained tightly together—removing the lack of resistance and thus stopping the wearer's motion. The emergency mode is activated using the remote control.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, apparatuses methods and techniques for generating discrete-time sinusoidal sequences. One such apparatus includes a plurality of parallel processing branches, with each of the parallel processing branches operating at a subsampled rate and utilizing a recursive filter to generate sub-rate samples which represent a different subsampling phase of a complete signal that is output by the apparatus.

Abstract: A low emissions 2-stroke natural gas fueled engine includes at least one cylinder with an exhaust port in communication with a silencer-catalytic converter unit. The unit has first and second volumes in communication with each other. The first volume damps spurious exhaust pressure excursions and removes particulates in the exhaust. The second volume houses an oxidation catalyst for treating exhaust to reduce exhaust emissions. The engine oil has at most 10 ppm zinc content to reduce metal poisons contained in the exhaust prior to contact with the oxidation catalyst. The engine oil preferably has a very low ash content to minimize sulfur combustion components in the exhaust to reduce masking of the oxidation catalyst. The first volume preferably has a pressure relief valve set to relieve at a pressure greater than the maximum normal operating pressure of the engine to avoid excessive pressure excursions of the engine exhaust from damaging the oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for pumping fluid is provided. According to this embodiment, a fluid pumping system comprises a fluid inlet pipe and a fluid outlet pipe. A plurality of pump units are disposed between the inlet and outlet pipes such that the pump units each pump fluid out of the inlet pipe and into the outlet pipe. The pump units each include at least one DC motor. A solar panel may be used to power the pump units.