Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a communication system for a vehicle, comprising a directed communication receiver configured to output a signal related to beam tracking strength, an inertial reference module configured to receive the beam tracking strength and provide a heading observation based thereon. At least one indicator communicably coupled with the inertial reference module to provide an indication related to the heading of the vehicle.

Abstract: A framing accessory includes a bead and a backing strip. The bead may comprise a first leg, a second leg, and a lip. The second leg may comprise a plurality of openings. The strip may be attached to the upper surface of the first leg. In some embodiments, the strip may comprise a single layer of material, while in other embodiments, the strip may comprise two or more layers of material. The strip may comprise material having fire resistant, intumescent, and/or sound insulating properties. The finishing accessory may be configured to be installed in a gap at a head of wall joint by positioning the first leg and strip along the top edge of a wallboard panel and the second leg extending vertically downward along the outer surface of the wallboard panel.

Abstract: A combustion engine including at least one combustion chamber, a first bleed air supply fluidly coupled to a portion of the combustion engine upstream the combustion chamber, a second bleed air supply fluidly coupled to a portion of the combustion engine downstream the combustion chamber, a first thermal bus, and a turbomachine including a compressor, a rotary pump, and a first turbine, with the compressor and rotary pump in serial flow arrangement and the rotary pump being fluidly coupled to the first thermal bus.

Abstract: Various examples of park brake interface modules which are utilized as human machine interfaces (HMI) in vehicles are provided. In one example, a park brake interface module for a vehicle includes a park brake switch device to actuate the park brake. The park brake switch device is capable of actuating the vehicle park brake in a brake apply mode upon receipt of a pinch signal. In another example, the park brake interface module includes a park brake switch device which is capable of actuating the vehicle park brake in a brake release mode upon receipt of a reach signal. In a further example, the park brake interface module includes recessed fixed parking brake actuation switches. In operation, the electronic interface module and park brake switch devices allow the operator to apply or release the vehicle park brakes according to memorable mnemonics, for example, “pinch to park” and “reach to release.

Abstract: A solar energy harvesting assembly having a unique attachment that can be arranged, mounted, moved and attached to new or existing structures. Solar rings are mounted on any vertical structure that may benefit from solar power using an aesthetically pleasing design that is resistant to wind load. The assembly does not require the need for pitch, azimuth or bearing measurements. The assembly is also capable of energy harvesting from reflected light below with the use of bifacial photovoltaic panels. The mounting design allows the solar energy harvest device to be installed on any vertical structure, including light poles, power poles, parking structures and other minimal load bearing structures. Further, the assembly can be attached to water towers, existing radio towers (guyed, monopole, stealth, self-supporting towers) all used to create vast amounts of unshaded vertical space for solar energy harvesting.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve body with an inlet port and an outlet port, a flow passage and a valve element disposed within the flow passage, an actuator and a lockout mechanism configured to maintain the position of the valve assembly in an opened position or a closed position. The lockout mechanism can include at least one screw.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a main rotor for a generator is provided. The method includes printing at least part of a rotor shaft by a three-dimensional printing process. The step of printing at least part of the rotor shaft includes printing a plurality of closed outlets and a plurality of open outlets. A rotor core is printed by the three-dimensional printing process. The step of printing the rotor core includes printing a plurality of liquid coolant conduits that extend through the rotor core and fluidly connecting the plurality of liquid coolant conduits to the plurality of closed openings.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for training and using machine learning models to classify network traffic as IoT traffic or non-IoT traffic and managing the traffic based on the classification. In some implementations, machine learning parameters of a local machine learning model trained by the edge device is received each of at least a subset of a set of edge devices. The machine learning parameters received from an edge device are parameters of the local machine learning model trained by the edge device based on local network traffic processed by the edge device and to classify the network traffic as Internet of Things (IoT) traffic or non-IoT traffic. A global machine learning model is generated, using the machine learning parameters, to classify network traffic processed by edge devices as IoT traffic or non-IoT traffic.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating or sorting parts are described. For example, an apparatus can include a fluidic section that comprises an input section. The fluidic section can be configured to receive a fluid including a plurality of parts at the input section. The fluidic section can be configured to receive the fluid at an inlet port of the fluidic section. The fluidic section can include at least two branches extending from the input section, and each of these at least two branches can have an outlet through which the fluid or part of the fluid can be routed. The apparatus can include a set of sensors configured to capture information about the plurality of parts in the fluidic section. The apparatus can further include a set of actuators configured to effect, based on the information, a change in a movement of a set of parts from the plurality of parts such that the set of parts is distributed via the fluid to at least one of the at least two branches.

Abstract: Provided in this disclosure is an acoustic adapter which includes an interior enclosure for substantially surrounding a back of a speaker driver and for defining a predetermined three-dimensional interior volume (3DV1) around the back of the speaker driver to thereby act as a vibration dampener. An exterior enclosure is provided having a configuration that corresponds to a configuration of the interior enclosure and spaced apart from the interior enclosure to define a restricted two-dimensional volume (2DV) outside the three-dimensional interior volume. An aperture is formed in the interior surface of the enclosure for admitting sound into the two-dimensional volume. A foam material is received within the two-dimensional volume (2DV) for at least coating an inner surface of the exterior enclosure, to provide a frictional surface for damping the sound admitted into the two-dimensional volume.

Abstract: A device for simulating the anatomy of an animal to determine projectile performance is provided, comprising an enclosure having a front side and a rear side, wherein the front side includes a plurality of target images; a plurality of containers equal in number to the plurality of target images, wherein each of the containers is positioned within the enclosure and aligned behind one of the target images, and wherein each container includes at least one internal organ simulant material; a front hide/skin simulant material within the enclosure positioned between the front side and the containers, and a rear hide/skin simulant material positioned between the rear side and the containers; a front muscle simulant material within the enclosure positioned between the front hide/skin simulant material and the containers, and a rear muscle simulant material positioned between the rear hide/skin simulant material and the containers; and a front bone simulant material within the enclosure positioned between the muscle

Abstract: A motorized window shade system may comprise a shade tube in a pocket; a window shade attached to the shade tube; a motor configured to rotate the shade tube; an internal temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of the motor; an external temperature sensor configured to measure a second temperature of the pocket; and a controller configured to adjust a mode of the system from an override mode to an automated mode.

Abstract: Provided is a battery module and battery rack having enhanced fire safety features. The battery module includes a swelling/pressure sensor that detects swelling of a battery cell. An output signal of the sensor is used to halt operation of a battery rack/battery system containing the battery module and prevent charging and discharging of the battery module. In an embodiment, the battery module uses an AC-to-AC power supply to provide AC frequency power for balancing battery cells of the battery module. In an embodiment, the battery rack includes an internal water fire suppression system that provides battery cooling in the event of a battery cell fire to prevent the spread and/or reigniting of the fire.

Abstract: A motorized window shade system may comprise a shade tube in a pocket; a window shade attached to the shade tube; a motor configured to rotate the shade tube; an internal temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of the motor; an external temperature sensor configured to measure a second temperature of the pocket; and a controller configured to adjust a mode of the system from an override mode to an automated mode.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing single-hop communication sessions in a satellite network. A timing offset is selected based on a system timing reference, and used to establishing a common timing reference. A synchronization signal is transmitted from a gateway to a satellite based on time slots aligned with the common timing reference, and subsequently forwarded from the satellite to all terminals managed by the gateway. Communication sessions are initiated by terminals using the common timing reference, and downlink transmissions from the satellite to the terminals are aligned with the synchronization signal.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes navigating the vehicle along a path, collecting a set of navigation parameters of the vehicle from at least one of a sensor, a global positioning system, or an inertial reference system, determining a set of statistical uncertainties related to at least some navigation parameters in the set of navigation parameters, and associating a set of statistical weights to the at least some navigation parameters.

Abstract: A supplemental power source connectable to a standard railroad track switch power source. A pair of electrical connectors (A) form a supplemental power source circuit input. Another pair of electrical connectors (B) form a supplemental power source output and are configured for connection to a standard railroad track switch. An electrical conductor connects a first one of the supplemental power source output connectors (B) to a first one of the supplemental power source input connectors (A). A diode is connected between a second one of the supplemental power source input connectors (A) and a second one of the supplemental power source output connectors (B). The diode is connected to prevent current flow to the standard railroad track switch power source. An ultracapacitor is electrically connected between the electrical conductor and the second one of the supplemental power source output connectors (B).

Abstract: A user terminal (UT) for a mobile satellite communications system, and an associated method for managing tracking areas for such a UT is provided. When initiating establishment of a radio connection, the UT transmits a connection request message to a satellite gateway (SGW) of the mobile satellite communications system, where the connection request message includes position information identifying a current location of the UT. The UT processes a connection setup message received in response to the connection request message, where the connection setup message includes a first tracking area identifier (TAID) that identifies a one of a plurality of tracking areas that is associated with the current location of the UT. The UT transmits a connection complete message to the SGW, together with an attach request message for a core network of the mobile satellite communications system, which includes the first TAID.

Abstract: A gas dispensing system for a beverage system is disclosed herein. The gas dispensing system can releasably secure a gas canister or other gas source for release of pressurized gas therein to the beverage system. In an embodiment, the gas dispensing system includes a distribution body that can articulate between a loading position and a dispensing position. In the loading position, a gas canister can be releasably secured within the system. As the distribution body is moved into the dispensing position, a puncture mechanism can be moved further into the distribution body, puncturing the gas canister for release of pressurized gas. The distribution body can be fluidically coupled with a valve or other flow control element of the beverage machine, allowing for controlled entry of the pressurized gas into the system.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating over a network, including encrypting and decrypting communications of data over the network for providing enhanced security utilizing a blockchain-encryption process and a global device ledger, and further including systems for device and session initialization, automation, data capture, security, providing alerts, personalization of settings, and other objectives. Methods of establishing and monitoring network communications are further included.