Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. The panel frame may be a portable frame. A self-contained battery unit securably attaches to the outside of the panel frame. The light panel may have a dimmer switch, and may also be capable of receiving power from a source other than the self-contained battery unit. The lighting apparatus can be mounted to a camera or a stand. The lighting apparatus may include an effects generator in communication therewith which generates a continuous light or a flash of light from the LEDs or other light elements. Diffusion lenses or color gels may be integrated with or detachable from the light panel.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. Lenses and/or filters are adjusted in distance from the light elements, by for example moving the lenses/filters into different slot positions of the frame, to alter characteristics of the emitted light. Focal lenses, diffusion lenses, and color filters may be used individually or in combination. A compound lens includes lens elements having different characteristics arranged in a pattern. Through groupwise control of the intensity of the light elements, the different characteristics are emphasized or de-emphasized. The light panel may have an integrated battery, and may be mounted on a stand. The panel may be modular, allowing larger panels to be constructed from smaller panels.

Abstract: A system for locating and identifying an acoustic event such as gunfire. The inventive system employs a plurality of man wearable acoustic sensors for detecting gunfire, each acoustic sensor having a display associated therewith for displaying information concerning the acoustic event to a user. In preferred embodiments, the sensor includes a microphone for receiving acoustic information; an A/D converter; a processor for processing the digitized signal to detect a gunshot and determine a time of arrival; a GPS receiver for determining the position of the acoustic sensor; and a network interface for bidirectional communication with a system server. Preferably the display comprises: an LCD; and an electronically readable compass. When the display and acoustic sensor are in separate housings, the acoustic sensor includes a transmitter and the display includes a receiver for transferring the gunshot information.

Abstract: A transceiver including, a codec, microcontroller, and radio. The codec including an analog to digital converter for receiving a first audio program and converting it to a first digital signal; a digital to analog converter for receiving a second digital audio signal and converting it to a second audio program; and, a control function for managing characteristics of the codec. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the codec: for receiving the first digital audio signal from the codec and packetizing it into a first packet for transmission over a TCP/IP network; for receiving a second packet from network and converting it into the second digital audio signal and sending it to the codec; and for receiving control signals from the network. The radio is in electrical communication with the microcontroller for connection to the network to transmit the first packet to the network and receive the second packet from the network.

Abstract: A battery operated LED lighting apparatus including: a battery outputting a battery voltage; a light emitting diode or array of light emitting diodes; and a power supply including a boost regulating circuit. The power supply being in communication with the battery and the light emitting diodes such that a constant voltage or constant current is supplied to the light emitting diodes as the battery discharges and the battery voltage falls below the output voltage. In a preferred embodiment the power supply further includes a buck regulator to maintain the proper output voltage when the battery voltage is greater than the output voltage.

Abstract: A trim valve includes a valve housing having an inlet section and an outlet section. A valve shaft is mounted to the valve housing to be stationary with respect thereto. The valve shaft includes an internal flow passage in fluid communication with the outlet section of the valve housing. A valve rotor is disposed inboard of the valve housing and outboard of the valve shaft for modulating flow through the valve housing. The valve rotor is mounted for rotational movement within the valve housing between a fully open position in which a flow path is defined between the inlet and outlet sections of the valve housing, and a reduced flow position in which the valve rotor at least partially blocks the flow path. An actuator is operatively connected to the valve housing to actuate the valve rotor between the fully open and reduced flow positions.

Abstract: A system for locating and identifying an acoustic event such as gunfire. The inventive system employs a plurality of man wearable acoustic sensors for detecting gunfire, each acoustic sensor having a display associated therewith for displaying information concerning the acoustic event to a user. In preferred embodiments, the sensor includes a microphone for receiving acoustic information; an A/D converter; a processor for processing the digitized signal to detect a gunshot and determine a time of arrival; a GPS receiver for determining the position of the acoustic sensor; and a network interface for bidirectional communication with a system server. Preferably the display comprises: an LCD; and an electronically readable compass. When the display and acoustic sensor are in separate housings, the acoustic sensor includes a transmitter and the display includes a receiver for transferring the gunshot information.

Abstract: A computer based method for monitoring innovation activity including: accumulating first metadata associated with a first plurality of intellectual knowledge files; extracting a first plurality of patterns from the first plurality of intellectual knowledge files; creating a first plurality of concept spaces, using rules-based processing, the first metadata, and the first patterns; grouping, using rules-based processing, the first metadata, and the first plurality of patterns, the first plurality of intellectual knowledge files into first respective concept spaces in the first plurality of concept spaces; and generating a report, the report correlating the first plurality of intellectual knowledge files and the first respective concept spaces. The steps of accumulating, extracting, creating, grouping, and generating are performed by a general-purpose computer specially programmed to perform the steps of accumulating, extracting, creating, grouping, and generating.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. Lenses and/or filters are adjusted in distance from the light elements, by for example moving the lenses/filters into different slot positions of the frame, to alter characteristics of the emitted light. Focal lenses, diffusion lenses, and color filters may be used individually or in combination. A compound lens includes lens elements having different characteristics arranged in a pattern. Through groupwise control of the intensity of the light elements, the different characteristics are emphasized or de-emphasized. The light panel may have an integrated battery, and may be mounted on a stand. The panel may be modular, allowing larger panels to be constructed from smaller panels.

Abstract: A channel for managing equipment cables that includes opposing first and second members and a third member extending between and connecting the first and second members. Each of the first and second members includes first and second inner and outer surfaces. At least one cable receiving area is defined between the first and second inner surfaces of the first and second members. First and second equipment mounting elements extend from each of the first and second outer surfaces of the first and second members. The first and second equipment mounting elements are connectable to equipment. A base support is coupled to at least one of the first and second members.

Abstract: A system and a method of publishing an product document for clients for the purpose of publicly disclosing an invention to end users on the Global Information Network. The system includes a first Web site system having a publicly accessible database for storing a plurality of product documents received from clients. The Web site also includes a search engine accessible to the end user. The search engine is in electronic communication with the database and can receive a search request the end user, allowing the end user access to one or more of the product documents. The product document preferably includes a primary text file and attachment files which may include drawing files. The product documents may be digitally notarized and time/date stamped.

Abstract: A balloon-mounted light source includes an array of LEDs mounted on, and cooled by, a balloon structure filled with a lightweight gas such as helium. The LEDs are preferably mounted in long series arrangements with small gauge wire to minimize weight. They may be mounted on heatsinks that are dispersed in a mesh-like structure over the balloon. The LED circuitry may also be mounted on flexible circuit boards, which may be porous to reduce weight. The balloon may include an envelope compartment with a leak-resistant seal or zipper to allow the interior of the envelope to be accessed, and a pressure relief valve. The envelope of the balloon may be clear in the front in order to maximize the projection of light but reflective along the back and sides as to minimize spill. The balloon may take the form of a controllable dirigible.

Abstract: A system for locating and identifying an acoustic event such as gunfire. The inventive system employs a plurality of man wearable acoustic sensors for detecting gunfire, each acoustic sensor having a display associated therewith for displaying information concerning the acoustic event to a user. In preferred embodiments, the sensor includes a microphone for/receiving acoustic information; an A/D converter; a processor for processing the digitized signal to detect a gunshot and determine a time of arrival; a GPS receiver for determining the position of the acoustic sensor; and a network interface for bidirectional communication with a system server. Preferably the display comprises an LCD; and an electronically readable compass. When the display and acoustic sensor are in separate housings, the acoustic sensor includes a transmitter and the display includes a receiver for transferring the gunshot information.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for modulating the flow of fuel to a fuel nozzle at a high frequency or in a stepped manner to actively control combustion in a gas turbine engine which includes a valve housing defining an inlet portion for receiving fuel from a fuel source at an initial flow rate and an outlet portion for delivering fuel to a fuel nozzle at the initial flow rate or a modulated flow rate depending upon a detected combustion condition, and a mechanism disposed within the valve housing for modulating the flow rate of fuel to the outlet portion in response to a detected combustion condition.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. A self-contained battery unit securably attaches to the outside of the panel frame. The light panel may have a dimmer switch, and may also be capable of receiving power from a source other than the self-contained battery unit. The lighting apparatus can be mounted to a camera or a stand through adapters. Diffusion lenses or color gels can be integrated with or detachable from the light panel. The lighting apparatus may conveniently be provided in the form of a kit, with one or more of a light panel, self-contained battery unit, compact stand, connecting cable(s), adapter(s), lenses or color gels, and so on, provided in a single package.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. A self-contained battery unit securably attaches to the outside of the panel frame. The light panel may have a dimmer switch, and may also be capable of receiving power from a source other than the self-contained battery unit. The lighting apparatus can be mounted to a camera or a stand through adapters. Diffusion lenses or color gels can be integrated with or detachable from the light panel. The lighting apparatus may conveniently be provided in the form of a kit, with one or more of a light panel, self-contained battery unit, compact stand, connecting cable(s), adapter(s), lenses or color gels, and so on, provided in a single package.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. A self-contained battery unit securably attaches to the outside of the panel frame. The light panel may have a dimmer switch, and may also be capable of receiving power from a source other than the self-contained battery unit. The lighting apparatus can be mounted to a camera or a stand through adapters. Diffusion lenses or color gels can be integrated with or detachable from the light panel. The lighting apparatus may conveniently be provided in the form of a kit, with one or more of a light panel, self-contained battery unit, compact stand, connecting cable(s), adapter(s), lenses or color gels, and so on, provided in a single package.

Abstract: A method of collecting and authenticating electronic signatures and documents signed thereby, including the steps of storing a representation of a first handwritten signature and an associated first authenticated electronic signature of a first signatory in a database, storing a representation of a second handwritten signature and an associated second authenticated electronic signature of a second signatory in the database, creating a message digest for a document file associated with a document to be signed, appending the message digest to the document file, transmitting the document file with the appended message digest to the first and second signatories, receiving the document file with the appended message digest from the first and second signatories after the first and second signatories have affixed their first and second electronic signatures, respectively, to the document file, and, authenticating the first and second signatures, respectively, and the electronically signed document file.

Abstract: A battery operated LED lighting apparatus including: a battery outputting a battery voltage; a light emitting diode or array of light emitting diodes; and a power supply including a boost regulating circuit. The power supply being in communication with the battery and the light emitting diodes such that a constant voltage or constant current is supplied to the light emitting diodes as the battery discharges and the battery voltage falls below the output voltage. In a preferred embodiment the power supply further includes a buck regulator to maintain the proper output voltage when the battery voltage is greater than the output voltage.

Abstract: A cable management assembly for managing wires having a rack with a plurality of mounted channel members. The channel members each comprise a left, right, and middle member which form a Z-shaped cross section and define first and second receiving areas for holding a plurality of wires. The middle member further includes apertures such that a wire can be received concurrently in both receiving areas. The channel members are mounted on the rack by integrals clips that extend from each channel member and engage mating holes located on the rack. A second embodiment channel member includes a first member and an opposing second member each having integral clips extending therefrom for mounting the channel members on the rack. The channel member further has a middle member connecting the first and second members which form a C-shaped cross-section and define a receiving area for holding a plurality of wires.