Abstract: An interferometer for use in remote sensing systems includes a beam splitter that separates an input wave into a reflected wave, which travels along a first optical path within an upper interferometer arm, and a transmitted wave, which travels along a second optical path within a lower interferometer arm. The reflected and transmitted waves are subsequently recombined by the beam splitter for imaging onto a sensor. A highly dispersive element is incorporated into at least one of the pair of interferometer arms. Due to anomalous dispersion, a frequency shift in a wave transmitted through a dispersive element changes the optical path length within its corresponding arm. As a result, the recombined wave produces an interference pattern with a measurable phase change that can be utilized to calculate the original frequency shift in the input wave with great precision and potential sub-Hertz sensitivity.

Abstract: A system for inferring features in a digital image includes a vision sensor for capturing and optically encrypting an image of a visual scene so as to shroud any human-perceivable features contained therein. An image interpreter in communication with the vision sensor is programmed to recognize and classify features in the encrypted image without prior decryption, thereby ensuring the privacy of any subjects depicted therein. The vision sensor is encoded with a calibration key that applies a unique transformation function to optically encrypt the captured image. The image interpreter is permitted access to the calibration key and applies a convolutional network constructed using the calibration key, a source convolutional network, and a set of private layer keys in order to infer features in the encrypted image without prior decryption. For applications requiring enhanced privacy protection, the inference output produced by the image interpreter remains encrypted but available for further feature detection.

Abstract: A communication network authenticates the source of messages transmitted on a flat bus to determine the presence of spoofing events. A programmable intrusion detection device is connected to the bus at a fixed location and compiles templates for various tri-bit signal pulses that form the data transmitted as messages between network nodes. Each tri-bit template compares unique signal characteristics inherent in the signal waveform received by the device from each node, the unique characteristics being directly attributable to the physical topology of the network. In use, the device uses the templates to calculate an inferred source identifier for each message. The inferred source identifier is then compared against the declared source identifier, which is embedded in message metadata, to authenticate the message source. Any lack of reconciliation between the inferred and declared source identifiers causes the device to mark the message as spoofed and initiate a designated response.

Abstract: An improved interface for renewable energy systems is disclosed for interconnecting a plurality of power sources such as photovoltaic solar panels, windmills, standby generators and the like. The improved interface for renewable energy systems includes a multi-channel micro-inverter having novel heat dissipation, novel mountings, electronic redundancy and remote communication systems. The improved interface for renewable energy systems is capable of automatic switching between a grid-tied operation, an off grid operation or an emergency power operation. The interface provides for monitoring and for detecting performance and/or faults in power sources such as photovoltaic solar panels.

Abstract: A protective helmet. The protective helmet includes an outer layer and an inner layer, each formed of a hard material. The outer layer and the inner layer each further include a concave interior surface and a convex exterior surface. A flexible connector connects the concave interior surface of the outer layer to the convex exterior surface of the inner layer. The flexible connector is configured to allow the outer layer to laterally shift relative to the inner layer upon impact to the protective helmet. Upon impact, the convex surface moves along the inclined planed of the concave surface in a direction opposite of the impact, while the stretched flexible connector provides a restoring force pulling the inner and outer layers back to their original positions.

Abstract: Pertaining to hospital bed, development provides comfortable lavatory services to bedridden patients with mobility difficulties. The novelty introduced here is integration of a hospital bed with a bed-level sliding disposable pan at midsection of the bed to allow patients who endure immobility to perform in-bed toileting with no physical pressure and less psychological challenges while remaining clean and sanitized. This invention would best be useful for hospitals, home health care or other health care facilities and settings.

Abstract: An improved interface for renewable energy systems is disclosed for interconnecting a plurality of power sources such as photovoltaic solar panels, windmills, standby generators and the like. The improved interface for renewable energy systems includes a multi-channel micro-inverter having novel heat dissipation, novel mountings, electronic redundancy and remote communication systems. The improved interface for renewable enemy systems is capable of automatic switching between a grid-tied operation, an off grid operation or an emergency power operation.

Abstract: A system for discovering internet memes from a social media stream includes a meme detector for grouping together incoming posts that contain a common set of anomalous terms, the meme detector comparing the frequency of use of the anomalous terms against normalcy models to ensure that the use of the anomalous terms is non-recurring. The system additionally includes a meme tracker for classifying each cluster of related posts as a particular meme and, in turn, associating new related posts from the media stream with the classified cluster. In this manner, the particular set of anomalous terms used to classify each meme can be augmented to include other discriminating terms. Accordingly, the parameters, or features, associated with each meme are continuously monitored and refined, as needed, to ensure that the most comprehensive and reflective cluster of posts for each meme is collected from the social media stream in an efficient fashion.

Abstract: An improved micro-inverter apparatus is disclosed for intelligently controlling energy harvest from photovoltaic solar panels based on one or more adjustable, user-defined variables. The improved micro-inverter apparatus may include a microcontroller configured to monitor the operating temperature of its micro-inverter and control the power harvested from associated solar panels in order to ensure the operating temperature of the micro-inverter does not approach a level that would damage the micro-inverter's circuitry or other components. Similarly, the micro-inverter apparatuses' microcontroller may be configured to monitor the total harmonic distortion of the micro-inverter's AC power output and control the power harvested from associated solar panels in order to ensure the total harmonic distortion of the AC power output does not exceed a threshold level.

Abstract: This invention, pertaining to hospital bed, is a new concept development for automation of services for bedridden patients in the variety of environments. The novelty introduced here is the use of robotic arms affixed on hospital type bed that operates by an electric keypad on the bed side or virtually from a remote location, i.e. a nursing station in the case of a hospital stay. The best mode of operation for this invention would be hospitals, home health care or other health care facilities and settings. This invention is a ground-breaking solution for healing the shortage of trained staff in the health care system.

Abstract: This invention pertains to medical accessories for wheelchairs. It specifically relates to a headrest system that can be attached to a wheelchair, medical chair, or bed for home use, hospitals or other medical centers. It is intended for use of patients with swallowing difficulties to prevent Aspiration Pneumonia during eating or drinking. This headrest would support the head in the proper position for deglutition that blocks the larynx entrance during swallowing and prevent food or drink from entering into respiratory system. Wherein, a serious problem for patients with lung diseases is, inhaling foreign material such as food and drink that could ultimately cause lung infection. This invention addresses this concern. The novelty introduced here is the design and technicalities of an attachable headrest with adjustable length and tilting head cushion.

Abstract: This invention pertains to advanced medical walker that provides tremendous safety to the users of the medical walker. The novelty introduced here is the addition of the foldable seat pads and safety legs to the medical walker to protect the user from falling down in an uncontrollable situation or fatigue condition, wherein falling down and its resulting traumatic injuries is a serious concern for the users who are in the low-energy state, or are without the accompany of a caring attendance. This invention addresses this concern. There is a wide variety of operation for this invention; this walker can be used in any private or public place such as private homes, hospitals, nursing homes, medical care centers, and alike.

Abstract: An improved interface for renewable energy systems is disclosed for interconnecting a plurality of power sources such as photovoltaic solar panels, windmills, standby generators and the like. The improved interface for renewable energy systems includes a multi-channel micro-inverter having novel heat dissipation, novel mountings, electronic redundancy and remote communication systems. The improved interface for renewable energy systems is capable of automatic switching between a grid-tied operation, an off grid operation or an emergency power operation.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for disconnecting electrical power upon the detection of an elevated temperature comprising an electrical plug and an electrical receptacle interconnected by a power cable. An interruption circuit having a disconnect switch is interposed in the power cable. A plug heat sensitive device and a receptacle heat sensitive device monitor the temperature of the electrical plug and the electrical receptacle. An elevated temperature detection circuit opens the disconnect switch upon the detection of an elevated temperature in one of the electrical plug and the electrical receptacle to prevent an overheated condition.

Abstract: Enhanced safety for electrical appliance, such as toaster, toaster ovens or rotisseries, is provided by a circuit arrangement which removes power from all or a portion of the appliance upon detection of potentially dangerous conditions as well as activating a visual or audible alarm. The circuit arrangement includes sensors and circuitry for detecting various types of dangerous or hazardous conditions.

Abstract: A system for discovering internet memes from a social media stream includes a meme detector for grouping together incoming posts that contain a common set of anomalous terms, the meme detector comparing the frequency of use of the anomalous terms against normalcy models to ensure that the use of the anomalous terms is non-recurring. The system additionally includes a meme tracker for classifying each cluster of related posts as a particular meme and, in turn, associating new related posts from the media stream with the classified cluster. In this manner, the particular set of anomalous terms used to classify each meme can be augmented to include other discriminating terms. Accordingly, the parameters, or features, associated with each meme are continuously monitored and refined, as needed, to ensure that the most comprehensive and reflective cluster of posts for each meme is collected from the social media stream in an efficient fashion.

Abstract: A system for reconstructing broadband analog signals from digital information includes a digital processing unit for decomposing a digital input signal into a plurality of multirate, digital input signal sub-components with optimized quantization levels, and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) bank for converting the plurality of digital input signal sub-components into a corresponding set of analog signal sub-components, which are then combined and time-aligned. The digital processing unit preferably includes a multirate filterbank for separating the digital input signal through discrete wavelet decomposition, such through Haar wavelet decomposition. The DAC bank includes an array of digital-to-analog converters (DACs) with sample rates that vary by a constant factor.

Abstract: A simulation method solves multiple differential equations to estimate concentration, degree of polymerization, and viscosity profiles for thermoset polymer forming reactions. For foam-forming reactions, the blowing agent evaporation to form foam cells is estimated. Critical and non-obvious advances to make these simulations useful include polymer-polymer reactions and the ability to simulate self (intra) reaction versus inter-reaction and mass transfer of blowing agent through resins as a function of degree of polymerization.

Abstract: A salt ion battery stores consumed reagents in an electrolyte contained in a storage vessel. The electrolyte flows from electrode to counter-electrode through a flow permeable separator that has a filter support. In the most-preferred embodiment the filter support is at least partly coated with an ion exchange polymer.

Abstract: A method for an automated protection of a programmable code and data without using dedicated components for calculation of the checksums and/or hash values is provided. Execution of each machine instruction uses data from several small blocks of protected code or data. Each of the blocks can be used in forming several machine instructions. If an intruder changes even one of the code blocks or data, it results in incorrect decoding of several machine instructions. Thus, the entire application does not work correctly. The intruder cannot neutralize a code protection mechanism.