Abstract: A method and a satellite communication system are provided. At least one satellite gateway earth station receives at least one multicast stream from an external network. In a static forwarding mode, the at least one satellite gateway earth station replicates and forwards traffic from the at least one multicast stream over at least one first respective outroute carrier of at least one first respective spot beam of a satellite regardless of whether any terminal is arranged to actively receive any of the at least one multicast stream. In a dynamic forwarding mode, the at least one satellite gateway earth station replicates and forwards second traffic from any of the at least one multicast stream over at least one second respective outroute carrier of at least one second respective spot beam only when at least one respective terminal is arranged to actively receive the any of the at least one multicast stream.

Abstract: A wall block, wall block system and method of making a wall block. The wall block including at least one core extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, the at least one core having opposed front and rear surfaces and first and second side surfaces the wall block also including at least one pin hole opening onto the top surface of the block and extending at least a portion of the distance from the top surface to the bottom surface. The at least one pin hole may open onto at least a portion of at least one surface of the at least one core. The block may be provided with channels; the pin hole, channels and core may all be formed in a mold box by a single forming member.

Abstract: A single or multistage signal predistorter includes an input coupled to receive an information signal comprising input samples and an output coupled to the high power amplifier, the signal predistorter configured to receive an input sample, generate a distortion sample based on an estimate of nonlinearity of the high power amplifier at an operating saturation level, modify the input sample with a correction term to generate a predistortion signal, wherein the correction term is proportional to the distortion sample, and further wherein the predistortion signal comprises the information signal modified to account for nonlinearities in the high power amplifier.

Abstract: A system for radioisotope production uses fast-neutron-caused fission of depleted or naturally occurring uranium targets in an irradiation chamber. Fast fission can be enhanced by having neutrons encountering the target undergo scattering or reflection to increase each neutron's probability of causing fission (n, f) reactions in U-238. The U-238 can be deployed as one or more layers sandwiched between layers of neutron-reflecting material, or as rods surrounded by neutron-reflecting material. The gaseous fission products can be withdrawn from the irradiation chamber on a continuous basis, and the radioactive iodine isotopes (including I-131) extracted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for developing a three-dimensional (3D) model of a cell site using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to obtain photos and/or video include preparing the UAV for flight and programming an autonomous flight path about a cell tower at the cell site, wherein the autonomous flight path comprises a substantially circular flight path about the cell tower with one or more cameras on the UAV facing the cell tower; flying the UAV around the cell tower in a plurality of orbits comprising at least four orbits each with a different set of characteristics of altitude, radius, and camera angle, wherein the flying comprises of at least four orbits for a monopole cell tower and at least five orbits for a self-support/guyed cell tower; obtaining photos and/or video of the cell tower, the cell site, and cell site components during each of the plurality of orbits; and using the photos and/or video to develop the point cloud three-dimensional (3D) model of the cell site.

Abstract: A recycling separator system utilizes at least one, and preferably a series of cutters, which may be contained in sections whereby input is combined with fluid and directed through the cutters, such as in series, and then settled material may be removed through one of traps and sinks as at least a component of a first recycled material while floating material may be removed through float outputs as at least a component of a second recycled material.

Abstract: An apparatus for inline monitoring of transmit signals is disclosed. The apparatus includes a processor, and one or more fiber optic lines for supplying a transmit signal to/from a remote transmission station. The processor is configured to receive input for selecting one or more fiber optic lines for examination, determine at least one property of the transmit signal to be monitored, and retrieve information corresponding to the at least one property for a predetermined period of time. The processor is further configured to output a visual representation of the retrieved information, perform an analysis of the retrieved information and the visual representation, and facilitate identification of at least one status associated with the transmit signal based, at least in part, on the analysis.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles for providing centralized control of area lighting hours of illumination. An illumination system includes a central control system operatively coupled to a plurality of luminaires through a power-line power distribution system. The central control system issues illumination commands to the plurality of luminaires through the power-line power distribution system. The central control system may generate commands directed to all luminaires in an illumination system, or to one or more subsets of luminaires in the lamination system. The central control system may sequentially turn on luminaires in the illumination system to reduce power surges that would otherwise occur.

Abstract: Included is a lightweight portable sign which can be used in one aspect to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on board, to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalled vehicles. An infinite number of messages may be displayed by input to the display through the use of a keyboard, smart phone application, auditory input or a pre-set selection of messaged chosen by the user. The sign is computerized with onboard memory, processor and optionally, has sound and audio capabilities. An emergency communications system and method are also included. The method include providing software applications communications components of the sign of the invention which then transmits a signal to a communication center, which then can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for adjusting the height of vehicles. The vehicle is supported by a hollow cylinder and a piston having an undersized piston skirt is mounted on the suspension system's coil spring, and sealingly slidable within the cylinder bore. When a fluid is introduced into the expandable pressure space between the piston and the cylinder top, the piston and cylinder are forced apart, raising the vehicle. The undersized piston skirt can extend beyond the end of the cylinder, allowing the piston a greater travel length within the cylinder bore. The invention may be operated manually by a vehicle driver through push buttons, which can be the vehicle's existing cruise control buttons. Alternatively, the system can be automated using a control unit to automatically adjust ground clearance to avoid collision with obstacles in the vehicle's path.

Abstract: A method and system for non-ablative acne treatment and prevention is disclosed. The method utilizes ultrasound energy which is targeted at a region of interest to treat existing acne and prevent future acne from forming. The application of ultrasound energy causes numerous physiological effects that treat acne. Some of these physiological effects comprise reducing sebum, increasing perfusion at the region of interest, denaturing proteins at the region of interest, creating an uninhabitable environment at the region of interest, initiating programmed cell death at the region of interest and the initiation of mechanical effects at the region of interest.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a skin surface of a subject comprises heating a skin surface, abrading native skin tissue of a subject using a microdermabrasion device, wherein using the microdermabrasion device comprises moving the microdermabrasion device relative to the skin surface while simultaneously delivering at least one treatment fluid to the skin surface being treated and cooling the abraded skin surface.

Abstract: A pressurized-gas storage assembly has a liner defining a gas storage chamber and an end portion with a planar surface, with an access opening on the planar surface that is in fluid communication with the gas storage chamber. A raised circular ring extends from the planar surface and surrounds the access opening. The assembly also includes a polar boss having a longitudinally extending part that has a top surface with a recessed opening, and a planar bottom surface, with a channel extending through the polar boss to serve as a passageway through the polar boss. A circular groove is provided on the bottom flat surface of the polar boss, with the raised ring received inside the circular groove. An outer shell is provided around the entirety of the liner, with the outer shell having an edge-defining aperture that receives the polar boss.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for interactive emergency information and identification is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a processor, a notification concerning an emergency situation, wherein the notification includes a location of the emergency situation, and defining, by the processor, a geo-fence representing a first physical area surrounding the location of the emergency situation. The method further includes receiving, by the processor, location information representing locations of a plurality of user devices, each user device being associated with an individual, and determining, by the processor, which of the user devices are located within the geo-fence based on the location information. Additionally, the method includes transmitting, by the processor, information about the emergency situation to the user devices located within the geo-fence.

Abstract: A device and shield apparatus combination is provided. The device may be powered by an engine and/or motor capable of hurling upward and/or outward flying debris. The apparatus includes supports, each having an upper end and a lower end. Bases, each having a rod insertable up to a bulge into the lower ends of the supports, are provided to maintain the supports in a substantially vertical orientation. Both hardscape and softscape bases may be provided. Also included are: a flexible screen between the supports and an optional retraction mechanism. Methods and kits associated with the device and/or apparatus are provided as well.

Abstract: An intelligent spray nozzle, comprising an input pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, a flow modulator, a nozzle pressure sensor, a linear actuator, and an output orifice modulator, wherein an input pressure read from the input pressure sensor and a flow rate read from the flow rate sensor are used as inputs by the flow modulator to drive the at least one linear actuator to control an output spray rate from the intelligent spray nozzle, and wherein a nozzle pressure read from the nozzle pressure sensor is used as feedback for the output orifice modulator, wherein an output orifice is modified by the output orifice modulator to achieve optimal output spray.

Abstract: An autolift-resistant piston assembly is provided for an air compressor. The piston assembly comprises an unloader piston having an interior chamber. The piston assembly further comprises a first coil spring for biasing the unloader piston to a loaded position when the piston assembly is installed in the air compressor. The piston assembly also comprises an inner member disposed in the interior chamber of the unloader piston and including (i) a body portion, and (ii) a tapered end portion extending from the body portion and facing an unloader air passage of the air compressor when the piston assembly is installed in the air compressor.

Abstract: An operator for moving a barrier between closed and open positions mounted on, or close to, the counterbalance for said barrier. The operator is connected to the counterbalance shaft and lifts the barrier by rotating the counterbalance shaft with attached cable drums and thereby takes up cable connected to the bottom of the door. There is an upper cable connected to the top of the door through a cable drum in the operator. A power spring biases the operator cable drum to always take up the upper cable, keeping it wound. The operator cable drum is connected to the motor through a clutch which when engaged allows the operator to pull the door closed. While the door is closing the clutch can be disengaged to allow the operator cable drum to take up and then pay out the upper cable connected to the top of the door as needed.