Abstract: A direction-finding system is disclosed. The receiving system includes a channel sounder using a Pseudo-Doppler Antenna Array (PDAA) configured to locate transmitters and to sound the channel at pre-defined operating frequency.

Abstract: The current disclosure relates to the design of an apparatus for enhancing the operation and reliability of high-power multi-chip modules, which are used in the design and implementation of power electronics converters. This apparatus is especially useful for modules containing recently-commercialized, high-performance wide band-gap semiconductors such as Silicon Carbide (SiC), which commonly emit undesirable high-frequency ringing and oscillation in the “Near-RF” spectral band between 1-30 MHz. The disclosed apparatus provides near-complete elimination of this high frequency spectral content, while leaving the desired frequency range (1-100 kHz) of the module unaffected. In addition to the suppression of this undesirable high-frequency content, the disclosed apparatus also provides for accurate, galvanically-isolated, high-bandwidth, real-time current measurement, which is essential for some types of power electronics converters.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for measuring anatomical dimensions from a single two-dimensional (2D) digital image. The digital image is taken from the front/anterior view using a mobile, handheld communication device. The linear measurements are used to estimate the body volume of the individual. Total body density is calculated from estimated body volume and body weight. Body composition (fat mass and fat-free mass) of the individual is derived from density using known mathematical conversion formulas. A method for estimating body composition analysis is provided. Systems and methods are provided that determine an individual's fitness by determining body composition of the individual using a picture of the individual, determining the individual's VO2 max based on the individual's movement (e.g., walking and/or running a measured distance over a measured amount of time), and determining the individual's fitness based on the body composition and the determined VO2 max.

Abstract: A method for determining MTPA, flux-weakening, and MTPV operating points over the full speed range of an IPM motor for the most efficient torque control of the motor using a neural network is provided. The neural network is trained using a cloud-based neural network training algorithm. A special technique is developed to generate neural network training data, that is particularly suitable and favorable, to develop a high-performance neural network-based IPM torque control system, and the impact of variable motor parameters is embedded into the neural network system development and training. The provided method can achieve a fast and accurate current reference generation with a simple neural network structure, for optimal torque control of an IPM motor. The method can handle the MTPA, MTPV, and flux-weakening operation considering physical motor constraints.

Abstract: A multi-core dielectric circular waveguide (MCDCW) is described. A hybrid mode excitation for multi-core dielectric filled circular waveguide fed parabolic antenna is also described. A multi-core dielectric circular waveguide with four cylinders of different relative permittivity (?r) inside each other is used to generate the hybrid mode (HE11) directly without need for coupling TE11 and TM11 modes as in prior art corrugated waveguide feeders. This mode is preferable to be used as operating mode to feed the reflector. Four concentric cylinders of different relative permittivity ?r are used as an example.

Abstract: An assistive device for stair-climbing assistance includes a powered rail-sliding platform that assists its user through a unique human interface. The device provides powered assistance (a gentle pulling force) and protection (through a safety belt) to help users climb or descend stairs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and devices for measuring motion of a shoe and tension in the shoelace of the shoe.

Abstract: A system for using wireless signals to detect objects of a certain type, such as concealed weapons, leverages the fact that different objects have different resonance characteristics. The system transmits wireless signals of different frequencies, and returns from such signals are measured. The return of a signal from an object at a resonant frequency of the object will be stronger than a return of a signal from the object at a non-resonant frequency. The system analyzes the returns in an effort to determine when a return is sufficiently large to indicate that it was reflected from an object of interest. When an object of interest is detected, the system adjusts a characteristic of the system, such as antenna orientation or pulse shape, based on an estimated location of the object, and then runs a test to confirm the detection of the object, thereby eliminating at least some false positives.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for the detection and/or sorting of nucleic acids. Further disclosed are methods for device fabrication.

Abstract: A triboelectric generator can include respective contact members including a first contact member and second contact member. The respective contact members can be movable with respect to each other such that the respective contact members separate from each other in a first configuration and contact each other in a second configuration. The first contact member can include a first conductive layer and a contact layer. The second contact member can be spaced apart from the first contact member in the first configuration and can include an insulating contact layer and a second conductive layer. The insulating contact layer can be configured to come into contact with the contact layer of the first contact member and the transition of the respective contact members from the first configuration to the second configuration can create triboelectric charges. In some examples, the first contact member can include a non-contact insulating layer.

Abstract: The current disclosure relates to the design of an apparatus for enhancing the operation and reliability of high-power multi-chip modules, which are used in the design and implementation of power electronics converters. This apparatus is especially useful for modules containing recently commercialized, high-performance wide band-gap semiconductors such as Silicon Carbide (SiC), which commonly emit undesirable high-frequency ringing and oscillation in the “Near-RF” spectral band between 1-30 MHz. The disclosed apparatus provides near-complete elimination of this high frequency spectral content, while leaving the desired frequency range (1-100 kHz) of the module unaffected. In addition to the suppression of this undesirable high-frequency content, the disclosed apparatus also provides for accurate, galvanically-isolated, high-bandwidth, real-time current measurement, which is essential for some types of power electronics converters.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions derived from 2,2?bisimidazoles building blocks and methods of making the same. The disclosed compositions are capable of withstanding temperatures up to 600° C. and substantially flame resistant.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and system for controlling an interior-mounted permanent magnet (IPM) alternating-current (AC) electrical machine utilizing a space vector pulse-width modulated (SVPWM) converter operably connected between an electrical power source and the IPM AC electrical machine comprising three neural networks (NNs), including a controller NN operably connected to the SVPWM converter, a parameter estimator NN, and a flux-weakening and MTPA NN.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for completing measurements for a uniform linear array from measurements from a sparse linear array is provided. The method includes: receiving a first set of measurements for a sparse linear array by a computing device; generating a second set of measurements for a uniform linear array from the first set of measurements by the computing device; and using matrix completion to determine values for a plurality of missing elements of the generated second set of measurements for the uniform linear array by the computing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling infinite wireless charging of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) are provided. A UAS detects sources of power and wirelessly charges itself by collecting ambient electromagnetic energy from a power infrastructure. A UAS in accordance with features and aspects described herein is autonomous, may always be wirelessly charged (e.g., with high induced voltage), and can make use of weak energy. Moreover, various charging techniques can be used, such as in-flight, trickle, perching, and/or parking. Dynamic flight is supported using multi-angle MIMO coils. Additionally or alternatively, faster charging can be achieved with a supercapacitor and slower charging can be achieved with a battery.

Abstract: Chemical looping reform methods comprising heating an oxygen carrier in the presence of a catalyst and plasma radicals to react the oxygen carrier with a fuel to provide a reduced oxygen carrier; and contacting the reduced oxygen carrier with water or carbon dioxide to produce hydrogen or carbon monoxide, respectively, and regenerate the oxygen carrier. The chemical looping reform methods are carried out at low temperatures such as from 150° C. to 1000° C., preferably from 150° C. to 500° C. Catalyst used in the chemical looping reform methods include a sintered rare earth metal oxide oxygen carrier and perovskite. Methods of preparing the catalyst are also provided.

Abstract: Various implementations include a spotting device for supporting a barbell, the spotting device including a base and an arm. The base has a base body with first end and a second end, at least one foot coupled to the second end of the base body, and a base longitudinal axis. The arm has an arm body with a first end and a second end, a coupler coupled to the first end of the arm body, and an arm longitudinal axis. The coupler is couplable to a portion of a barbell. One of the first end of the base body and the second end of the arm body defines a body opening extending partially through the one of the base body or the arm body, and the other of the second end of the arm body and the first end of the base body is slidably disposed within the body opening.

Abstract: Backend components for noise radar and techniques for operation of those components are provided. Some embodiments include noise radar apparatuses. A noise radar apparatus may include a first unit that generates a random signal or a broadband noise signal using asynchronous logic gates constituting the first unit. The noise radar apparatus also may include a second unit that generates a reference sequence using the generated random signal or the generated broadband noise signal. The second unit comprises at least one tapped delay line formed by second asynchronous logic gates having sampling functionality and storage functionality. The noise radar apparatus may further include a third unit that receives a return signal correlates the return signal and the reference sequence in nearly real-time using third asynchronous logic gates constituting the third unit.

Abstract: Wirelessly distributed and multi-directional power transfer systems and related methods are described herein. An example system for distributing power across a wireless medium can include a plurality of wireless modular power packs connected across a wireless medium to a wireless power receiver circuit that is connected to a load. Each wireless modular power pack can include a respective wireless power transmission circuit directing a respective wireless power signal to the wireless power receiver circuit. The system can also include a power source positioned within each of the wireless modular power packs. Each power source transmits a respective power signal across an internal power interface to a respective wireless power transmission circuit within a respective wireless modular power pack.

Abstract: A system, method, device and computer-readable medium for creating an ensemble model of water quality. The ensemble model is generated by determining a set of optimal component models for spectral regions of a body of water, and combining the optimal models. The optimal models can be based on remote sensing data, including satellite imagery. A K-fold partition approach or a global approach can be used to determine the optimal component models, and the optimal component models can be combined through spectral space partition rules to generate an ensemble model of water quality. The ensemble model not only has improved water quality prediction ability, but also has strong spatial and temporal extensibility. The spatial and temporal extensibility of the ensemble model is fundamentally important and desirable for long-term and large-scale remote sensing monitoring and assessment of water quality.