Abstract: Improved techniques for customizing fastener tightness by monitoring and managing individual fasteners and fastener driver conditions within varying materials, are provided. In some aspects of the application, fastener tightness is monitored by a control system, and remedial actions are taken when a change in fastener tightness indicates damage or another adverse condition of the fastener or a material in which it is embedded. In other aspects, fastener seating is monitored by a control system, and remedial actions are taken when a change in fastener seating indicates damage or another adverse condition of the fastener or a material in which it is embedded. In some additional aspects, an actuator is located on board a fastener, and remedial actions are applied at the fastener, which may be in a remote location from the control system.

Abstract: New systems, devices and methods for manufacturing, preparing, rapidly transporting, and managing personal care products including fluid(s), lotion(s), gel(s), powder(s), solid(s) are provided. In some such embodiments, new forms of personal care product containers are provided for such preparations. For example, in some embodiments, new forms of flat-packed, convertible personal care fluid containers are provided. In some embodiments, some such personal care fluid containers include a plurality of chambers for segregating and then mixing different personal fluid ingredients. In some embodiments, a usage-tracking personal care container shelf system is provided, comprising personal care routine monitoring and application tools. In some embodiments, the usage-tracking personal care container shelf system scans, stores and preserves personal care fluids within a plurality of individually temperature-regulated compartments, and aids users in managing their personal care routines.

Abstract: New devices, systems and methods are provided for protecting personnel and/or equipment from projectile(s) and/or weapons. In some embodiments, one or more actuator(s) mounted on a handheld combat device project shielding materials, such as particles and surfaces, to intercept one or more such projectile(s) or weapon(s). In some embodiments, such actuator(s) include electromagnets or a propellant, for driving the interception particles and surfaces away from the protected personnel and/or equipment. In some aspects of the invention, a control system using sensors with one or more sampling points are included, and determine the location and probable trajectory(ies) of an incoming projectile, and deploy the interception particles and surfaces to intercept the incoming projectile or other weapon.

Abstract: New systems and methods are provided for flexible stowing and shipping of purchases from one or more retail stores at a shopping mall. In some aspects, a new method for encoding a shopping bag and pre-authorizing, at a retail store within the shopping mall, the storage and shipment of the shopping bag and its contents at a shipping facility, also on or about the shopping mall, is provided for centralized on-location holding and/or shipping. Systems and methods for conversion of the shopping bag to a configuration better suited to storage and shipment are provided, at a shipping and storage kiosk and/or machine. Billing methods based on the encoding and recorded user preferences are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for monitoring and managing parts, enterprise resources and other assets, and alleviating risks, in a complex collaboration environment are provided. According to some example aspects of the invention, a device with a hardware-and software-based control system creates unique asset-related information for use in a manufacturing, maintenance and/or tracking process. In other example aspects, the system records that asset-specific information (e.g., using secure network(s) and/or a blockchain), providing it for later access and modification by a number of trusted users, to track and control manufacturing-, maintenance-relevant or other factors. In other aspects, an enterprise resource planning system both outputs information to, and receives information from, the control system, reconciling changes in the data in accordance with a ranking algorithm.

Abstract: Improved techniques for remotely monitoring and managing fasteners and fastener driver conditions, are provided. In some aspects of the invention, conditions of a fastener and/or structural material(s) held by the fastener and/or connector, are monitored by a control system including sensor(s) at least partially embedded in, on or throughout the fastener and/or structural material(s). When an adverse condition is sensed, a torque may be remotely applied to the fastener, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, other remedial actions may be taken by the control system. In some embodiments, such sensor(s) include a magnetizable array, which may include one or more charge-carrying and/or otherwise magnetic wires or particles on, about, or embedded within, the fastener and/or structural material. In some embodiments, such remote monitoring includes testing a magnetic signature of the fastener and/or structural material (e.g., via remote scanning and/or testing).

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for monitoring and managing parts, enterprise resources and other assets, and alleviating risks, in a complex collaboration environment are provided. According to some example aspects of the invention, a device with a hardware- and software-based control system scans and/or writes unique asset-related information within a plurality of chemical, electromagnetic, or written data-bearing tags within, on or throughout an asset for use in a manufacturing, maintenance and/or tracking process. In other example aspects, the system records that asset-specific information (e.g., using secure network(s) and/or a blockchain), providing it for later access and modification by a number of trusted users, to track and control manufacturing-, maintenance-relevant or other factors. In still other example aspects, an enterprise resource planning system both outputs information to, and receives information from, the control system, reconciling changes in the data.

Abstract: New systems and methods for offering an upgraded version of media content to user(s) are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a system implementing aspects of the invention scans or otherwise determines a version and/or condition of media content stored on a device owned by the user(s). The control system also determines whether the media content can be supplemented and improved based on other, more complete, more recent, higher resolution, or otherwise superior version(s) of the media content, for a customized fee. If so, the system builds and offers an upgraded experience to the user(s) based on the superior version(s), for a customized monetary fee. If the user(s) request and/or pay for the upgraded experience, the control system then facilitates providing the upgraded experience of the media content to the user(s).

Abstract: New forms of free weights for weight training are provided. Such free weights may include a flexible, gripping ring set in a channel with a varying width, configured to be threaded over the end of a barbell. The channel may include a locking notch. Such a free weight may be rotated until the channel is aligned with a floor (perpendicular to gravity) and then loaded onto the barbell by threading the gripping ring onto the barbell. The free weight is then rotated 90 degrees causing the barbell and gripping ring to travel away from a center of the channel, where the channel narrows and includes the locking notch. The gripping ring is resultingly deformed by the narrower section of the channel entered, into an ovoid shape, gripping the barbell by force of gravity. A user may then reverse these steps, to release and unload the free weight from the barbell.

Abstract: New systems, devices, methods and other techniques for eliciting, standardizing and recording patient-reported data in clinical healthcare settings are provided. A new form of specialized computer hardware and software control system is provided, applying new machine learning techniques for translating patients' freeform verbalizations and other patient-reported data to standardized significance codes. In some embodiments, the system also translates such significance codes into standardized medical terminology that is more easily actionable by healthcare providers, as part of a new form of personal health record generated by patients (“PHRP”). In some embodiments, health-related data is normalized based on techniques known as translation vectors. Such translation vectors generate standardized significance codes based on common usage of terms by user(s) of the control system (e.g.

Abstract: New devices, systems and methods are provided for protecting personnel and/or equipment from projectiles and other weapons. In some embodiments, a field of shielding particles or other interception media is activated on or about a location determined to intercept one or more projectile(s) or other physical threat(s). In some embodiments, electromagnets are included within such device(s) or system(s), for driving the interception media and/or projectiles away from the protected personnel and/or equipment. In some aspects of the invention, a control system using sensors with one or more sampling points are included, and determine the location and probable trajectory(ies) of an incoming projectile, and deploy the interception media to intercept the incoming projectile or other weapon.

Abstract: New augmented reality display systems for motor vehicles are provided. In some embodiments, such systems include at least partially transparent display window(s), object sensor(s) and projector(s) configured for environmental light painting of real-world objects, enhancing a user's view. In some embodiments, such a system includes a matrix of light-augmenting and attenuating pixels within a variable-transmission display screen window of a motor vehicle. In some aspects, such a system assesses collision and other dangers posed by such real-world object(s), and projects collimated light or other electromagnetic radiation onto the object(s) and other environmental features. In some embodiments, such electromagnetic radiation is of a wavelength outside of the visible spectrum, and the display system includes sensors for sensing such radiation projected onto real-world objects, and displays images formed by such projections on such a display window.

Abstract: New techniques for stowing and rapidly shipping valuables from a variety of retail stores are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a new form of coded shopping bag, configured to covert to a box (a.k.a. a “BagBox”) for on-location holding and/or shipping is provided. Systems and methods for BagBox conversion, stowing and/or shipping via specialized kiosks are provided. Billing methods based on the coding and recorded user preferences are also provided.

Abstract: New forms of fasteners are disclosed. In some embodiments, some such fasteners include a new form of magnetic zipper or other track fastener, with two tracks of interlocking pieces moved together by magnetic force. In some embodiments, at least one of the interlocking pieces, of one of the zipper tracks, includes at least one exterior edge, interlocking with a complementary edge of another interlocking piece included in the other zipper track, when the interlocking pieces are moved into place by magnetic force. The techniques of the invention are applicable to a wide variety of applications, incorporating many different materials. For example, in some contexts, some embodiments allow rapid closing of articles, such as gym bags or sports apparel, with minimum effort, and leading to an extraordinary custom-fit to a user's preferences.

Abstract: New, more efficient and robust data storage devices, systems and techniques are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a new form of data storage device is provided, incorporating data storage cells, and a read/write device connected with an auxiliary structure. The auxiliary structure elaborates on the simpler data written in the data storage cells to generate more complex, complete and meaningful data. In some embodiments, the physical arrangement, or other attributes, of structural storage device elements serve as a patterned reference device for data enhancement and supplementation. In some embodiments, the data enhancement and supplementation results from one or more chemical and/or physical reactions, in a sequence of such reactions, between writeable domains, auxiliary structure or the simpler data.

Abstract: New wireless power distribution and payment techniques are disclosed. In some aspects of the invention, a system distributes wireless power through a network of wireless power transmission devices, which may be independently owned and controlled. The system may create monetary payments and charges based on each device’s use and/or facilitation of the wireless power provided through the network, and incentives required to increase performance of the system. In some embodiments, the system may determine monetary credits and/or debits based on the type and amount of power provided by, or other qualities of, wireless power enhancement devices implemented by the network, and users thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the system determines a rating (e.g., based on efficiency or superiority of the power source) of at least one of wireless power transmission devices. Such ratings may be determined by consensus, and recorded, on a distributed ledger, such as a blockchain.

Abstract: New augmented reality display systems are provided, some of which incorporate “shifted-reality” techniques. In some embodiments, an augmented reality display system includes a matrix of light-augmenting pixels within a variable-transmission, semi-transparent screen (e.g., an augmented reality headset, comprising a semi-transparent screen) and creates redirected, attenuated and augmented light and shading to form and alter virtual objects. In some embodiments, a plurality of angle-alterable, shiftable sources (e.g., light-focusing and -directing pixels), aids in creating virtual objects of greater realism than conventional 3D imaging methods, and aids in reducing the appearance of other objects or conditions. In some aspects, existing images and objects may be shifted in perspective for an observer, and enhanced and overlaid with effects and demonstrative information related to them and a surrounding environment.

Abstract: New peripheral device cases and methods of use are provided. In some embodiments, specialized hardware for acquiring personal health data is provided within a smartphone case. In some such embodiments, a case with squeezable sections is provided, configured to monitor pressure applied by a user and record a user's grip strength. In some embodiments, optical sensors are provided which monitor and assess a user's behavior while extrapolating user statuses based on behavior. For example, a new form of transparent pixel array is provided over the screen of a smartphone held within a case, and records both visual data and user input related to the screen, while permitting normal actuation of the smartphone screen through the transparent pixel array. In some embodiments, data is secured and managed within separate computer hardware within a case, and shared with a smartphone held within it, and/or with a network, upon obtaining user consent.

Abstract: Surface disinfecting and sterilizing devices, systems and methods are provided. Surface disinfecting systems provided include a control system with one or more camera(s) and an aimable, rapid disinfecting and/or sterilizing device(s), all of which may be installed within a public or other high-traffic environment, and configured to monitor and treat all touched surfaces within the environment. The control system determines a cooling time for each such touched surface and type of treatment, and prevents treatment from occurring when treated surface(s) are accessible by human body part(s) or other objects within the environment. The invention may be provided on or in any form of user interface that may be physically touched by a user. For example, in some embodiments, the invention may be provided to treat, disinfect and sterilize door handles, touchscreens, or other user controls, and any other user interfaces bearing a risk of carrying microbes and pathogens.

Abstract: New wireless power distribution and payment techniques are disclosed. In some aspects of the invention, a system distributes wireless power from a power source, through a network of wireless power transmission, enhancement and consumption devices, each of which may be independently owned and controlled. The system may create monetary payments and charges based on each device's use and/or facilitation of the wireless power provided through the network. In some embodiments, the system may determine monetary credits and/or debits based on the type and amount of power provided by, or other qualities of, wireless power enhancement devices implemented by the network, and users thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the system determines a rating (e.g., based on efficiency or superiority of the power source) of at least one of wireless power enhancement devices. Such ratings may be determined by consensus, and recorded, on a distributed ledger, such as a blockchain.