Abstract: A sign (10) for display of an environmental condition, including a display portion including a front display surface (12) having at least one scale (16) indicating levels (16.1 to 16.6) of the environmental condition. At least one indicator (14) is provided which is movable over the scale (16) to provide a visual indication of a predetermined level (16.1 to 16.6) of the environmental condition. Control means (202 to 208) affixed to a rear surface of the display portion are provided for moving the indicator(s) (14) over the scale(s) (16). The control means (202 to 208) includes a remote device management module (202) which is controllable from a remote location (110, 120) over a communications network (100) to move the indicator(s) (14) to the predetermined level (16.1 to 16.6). The present invention also provides a kit for assembly of a sign (2010), such as, for example, for converting a manual sign (1010) into an automated sign (2010), and corresponding systems for display of environmental conditions.

Abstract: A coupler for connecting an implement to a machine includes a first mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the implement. The first mounting structure includes a first actuator including a first cylinder rod extendable relative to a first cylinder body. The first cylinder rod has a first rod longitudinal axis. The first mounting structure also includes a first wedge attached to the first cylinder rod. The first wedge is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by the first actuator. The first wedge includes a first wedge tip insertable into the implement. The first wedge tip has a first wedge longitudinal axis. The first rod longitudinal axis is offset from the first wedge longitudinal axis to form a first opening extending through the coupler adjacent the first actuator. The coupler also includes a second mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the machine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a structure, methods of making the structure, methods of using the structure, and the like. In particular, the structure includes a porous germanium layer, where the porous germanium layer includes a porous network that improves the performance of the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for tapping and tracing a conduit that is obstructed from view such as a subterranean pipe. The invention allows the conduit to be traced while the conduit continues to function. The device includes a tapping tee for tapping into a conduit with an entry port at an acute angle to the conduit, a flexible fiberglass rodder that includes a conductor, a stuffing box removably attached to the tapping tee for inserting the rodder into the tapping tee, a signal transmitter operably attached to the rodder, and a signal receiver that receives the signals transmitted by the transmitter through the rodder and through the obstruction.

Abstract: The branching apparatus according to the present invention includes two power supply terminals mounted on a saddle in the opposite direction of a branch connection part branched from a cylindrical body, so that they are not overlapped with the branch connection part when an electric socket is connected to the power supply terminal, and hence, it provides easiness in work. Moreover, because the branch connection part is slantly mounted directly above the main pipe, a trace wire inserted into the branch connection part and the main pipe is not bent, and hence, the trace wire can trace exact length and position.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices that include at least one lead bar extending through a connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate are provided. The photovoltaic device can include: a transparent substrate; a plurality of photovoltaic cells on the transparent substrate; a first conductive ribbon electrically connected to a first photovoltaic cell; an encapsulation substrate laminated to the transparent substrate such that the plurality of photovoltaic cells and the conductive ribbon are positioned between the transparent substrate and the encapsulation substrate; and, a first lead bar extending through a first connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate. The first lead bar is electrically connected to the first conductive ribbon. For example, a meltable conductive material can be connected to the first lead bar and to the first conductive ribbon to establish an electrical connection therebetween.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices that include a direct connection to at least one lead bar extending through a connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate to electrically connect to an underlying conductive ribbon are provided. The photovoltaic device can include: a transparent substrate; a plurality of photovoltaic cells; a conductive ribbon electrically connected to a photovoltaic cell; an encapsulation substrate laminated to the transparent substrate such that the plurality of photovoltaic cells and the conductive ribbon are positioned between the transparent substrate and the encapsulation substrate; and a lead bar extending through a connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate and electrically connected to the conductive ribbon. The lead bar can define a lead tab that establishes a mechanical connection having a biasing force between the lead bar and the conductive ribbon.

Abstract: A method includes determining that a first station has been allocated a first time period to transmit over a shared medium in a network. The method includes transmitting, from the first station to a second station over the shared medium during the first time period, wherein stations other than the first station and the second station refrain from transmitting over the shared medium during the first time period. The method includes receiving, from the second station, a request message to allow the second station to transmit during the first time period and a requested amount of time to transmit. The method includes, in response to allowing the second station to transmit during the first time period, determining an authorized amount of time for the second station to transmit during the first time period, and transmitting an authorization message for the second station to transmit and the authorized amount of time.

Abstract: Communicating between stations in a network is described. A plurality of stations coordinate according to a distributed protocol to select a first station to transmit over a shared medium. The communication includes transmitting between the first station and a second station over the shared medium during a time period in which stations other than the first and second stations refrain from transmitting over the shared medium. The first station transmits information that grants permission to the second station to transmit during the time period.

Abstract: User-specific attribute customization is provided by an entertainment system including a user identification module to identify one or more users within an operative range of the entertainment system, and a dominant attribute module to automatically express exclusive user-specific attributes of a dominant user when the dominant user is one of two or more identified users within the operative range of the entertainment system. The entertainment system further includes a cooperative attribute module to automatically express merged user-specific attributes of a first user and a second user when the first user and the second user are two of two or more identified users within the operative range of the entertainment system.

Abstract: A sign (10) for display of an environmental condition, including a display surface (12) having at least one scale (16) indicating levels (16.1 to 16.6) of the environmental condition. At least one indicator (14) is provided which is movable over the at least one scale (16) to provide a visual indication of a predetermined level (16.1 to 16.6) of the environmental condition. Control means (202 to 208) are provided for moving the indicator(s) (14) over the scale(s) (16). The control means (202 to 208) includes a remote device management module (202) which is controllable from a remote location (110, 120) over a wireless data network (100) to move the indicator(s) (14) to the predetermined level (16.1 to 16.6). The present invention also provides a corresponding system for display of an environmental condition.

Abstract: Interactive secret sharing includes receiving video data from a source and interpreting the video data to track an observed path of a device. In addition, position information is received from the device, and the position information is interpreted to track a self-reported path of the device. If the observed path is within a threshold tolerance of the self-reported path, access is provided to a restricted resource.

Abstract: A coupler for connecting an implement to a machine includes a first mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the implement. The first mounting structure includes a first actuator including a first cylinder rod extendable relative to a first cylinder body. The first cylinder rod has a first rod longitudinal axis. The first mounting structure also includes a first wedge attached to the first cylinder rod. The first wedge is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by the first actuator. The first wedge includes a first wedge tip insertable into the implement. The first wedge tip has a first wedge longitudinal axis. The first rod longitudinal axis is offset from the first wedge longitudinal axis to form a first opening extending through the coupler adjacent the first actuator. The coupler also includes a second mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the machine.

Abstract: A work light including an elongated housing having a handle portion carrying work light controls, and a light-emitting portion including a plurality of electrically interconnected light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a substrate mechanically and thermally coupled with a heat sink, wherein the plurality of LEDs include at least two independently controllable groups of LEDs. The work light further includes a power cord electrically extending therethrough for connecting multiple lights in series.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments are disclosed which display modularity for accomplishing multiple modes of operation for a utility vehicle. The utility vehicle (100) may include a rear cargo platform (450), a plurality of connection points (460) disposed in matrix and adapted to couple an item to the rear cargo platform, and three or more couplings (490) for adding a subsection (470) in a non-pivotable manner or pivotably coupling the rear cargo platform. The vehicle may be a four-wheeled vehicle that coverts to a six-wheeled vehicle by the addition of the subsection. The utility vehicle may include a subsection cargo platform which may be coupled to the rear cargo platform and may pivot rearward. The utility vehicle may include couplings for adding a second subsection.

Abstract: A utility vehicle with space utilization features is disclosed. The space utilization features provide storage and access to components.

Abstract: A method of dynamically changing a user interface of a companion device configured to remotely control an entertainment system is provided. The method includes establishing two-way communication with the entertainment system, and registering one or more trigger events with the entertainment system. The method further includes, upon occurrence of a trigger event, receiving a notification of the trigger event from the entertainment system, and dynamically changing the user interface of the companion device responsive to the notification.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to translating remote control commands. One embodiment provides a remote control command translation device comprising a network receiver configured to receive one or more metacommands via a first protocol and a transmitter configured to output one or more translated commands via a unidirectional protocol, wherein the unidirectional protocol is different than the first protocol. The remote control command translation device further comprises a logic subsystem configured to execute instructions and a data-holding subsystem comprising mass storage containing translation information and instructions executable by the logic subsystem to receive, via the network receiver, a metacommand from a remote device via the first protocol, to translate the metacommand into a translated command based on the translation information, and to transmit, via the transmitter, the translated command corresponding to the metacommand via the unidirectional protocol.

Abstract: User-specific attribute customization is provided by an entertainment system including a user identification module to identify one or more users within an operative range of the entertainment system, and a dominant attribute module to automatically express exclusive user-specific attributes of a dominant user when the dominant user is one of two or more identified users within the operative range of the entertainment system. The entertainment system further includes a cooperative attribute module to automatically express merged user-specific attributes of a first user and a second user when the first user and the second user are two of two or more identified users within the operative range of the entertainment system.

Abstract: A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. The ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features enhance the utility of the vehicle.