Abstract: New techniques for stowing and rapidly shipping valuables in a retail setting 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 wireless power transmission techniques are disclosed. In some aspects of the invention, a system distributes wireless power from a power and information transmitting base station, through a network of intermediate wireless power enhancement and consumption devices, each of which may be independently owned and controlled. The system may assign invoices comprising monetary credits and debits, based on each device's use or enhancement of the wireless power provided through the network. Other power storage and transmission techniques are also disclosed, including a new form of universal battery, with variable space-filling aspects and a central battery core with improved, flexibly-applied contacts.

Abstract: Specialized flexible connectors are provided with testable integrity. In some embodiments, each of a plurality of tension load bearing fibers within such a flexible connector are individually testable by specialized computer hardware and software. In some embodiments, healing of such specialized flexible connectors is carried out (e.g., autonomously, by hardware connected with or integral with the flexible connector). In some embodiments, healing fluid passages or voids are included within such flexible connectors, which accept and drain healing fluid. In some embodiments, such healing fluids may include healing particles and a carrier fluid. In some such embodiments, such healing particles are charged. And, in some embodiments, materials comprised in such fibers, or which define at least part of such passages or voids, are provided with a charge opposite from a charge of such particles.

Abstract: Methods and devices for enhancing drinking chilled drinking vessels are provided. In some aspects, a concentric set of arms or tabs in a pre-configured section of a drinking vessel applies holding pressure to expanded water poured within the section. A beverage is then poured over the frozen water, submerging it. In other aspects, holding pressure is maintained through flexible and/or adjustable arms, and lateral play eliminated, even if the frozen water melts. In other embodiments, a loop or set of loops extends from the center of the vessel above the section, and separate, flexible members (preferably cambered) are threaded through the loops after the water is frozen to apply greater holding pressure.

Abstract: New forms of fasteners are disclosed. In some embodiments, some such fasteners include a new form of zipper with magnetic actuation, initiated by bringing one end of a linear array of magnets into closer proximity with another end of a linear array of magnets. In some embodiments, these fasteners include elastic subunits incorporated in a common semi-flexible substrate. 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 techniques for safeguarding valuables in a recreational, public setting are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a specialized portable safe is configured for insertion and securing into sand or other loose ground particles, with computer hardware controlling wireless locking, unlocking and alerting techniques. The alerting techniques may include local communications directed to a computer system within the safe's lockable compartment, enabling the extension of range and exporting signals with enhanced security through a smart device held within the safe. In other aspects, segregated scrap memory is provided, featuring data off-boarding from a main computer system and redundant control of user interface controls.

Abstract: New systems, methods and media for simultaneous energy and data transfer are provided. In some aspects of the invention, an energy and data receiver is provided, which may be used to receive data and energy simultaneously, in a unified manner. Energy and information transfer media, which may be included within such a receiver unit, are also provided. New electrochemical battery recharging, refurbishment and replacement techniques are also provided. In some aspects of the invention, small, fungible battery elements with external contacts may be delivered to a tank comprising contacts. The cells may be delivered to the tank bridging contacts within the tank, powering an appliance. Density differentials, maneuvering protocols and variable contacts between the elements may aid in placing them in selected circuit orders, and in removing them.

Abstract: New, more efficient and robust data storage devices and techniques are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a new form of data storage device is provided, incorporating storage units with simple writeable domains, and a readable conditioning structure positioned around the units. The readable structure elaborates the simpler data written in the domains to generate more complex and complete data sets. In some embodiments, the physical arrangement, or other attributes, of structural storage device elements may serve as the patterned reference device for data enhancement and supplementation.

Abstract: New techniques for establishing communications connections for computer systems are provided. In some aspects, a new technique for rapidly establishing a uniform, secure wireless peripheral device network is provided. In some embodiments of the invention, multiple secure wireless networks are established based on identifying users' by their physical location within a room or other area.

Abstract: New augmented reality display systems are provided, including a new form of mediated reality technique, known as 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 L.E.D. screen) and creates redirected, attenuated and augmented light to form and alter virtual objects. In some embodiments with a plurality of angle-alterable, shiftable sources (e.g., light-focusing and -directing pixels), which aids in creating virtual, 3-D objects of greater realism than conventional 3-D imaging methods, and aids in reducing the appearance of other objects or conditions. In these aspects, existing images and objects viewed through a screen may be shifted in perspective for an observer, and enhanced and overlaid with effects and demonstrative information related to viewable objects and a surrounding environment.

Abstract: New water rescue devices and methods of use are provided. In some embodiments, a rescue device comprises an inflatable net with a handle, and a switch for causing the inflation of the inflatable net. In some methods, a user positions the inflatable net underneath at least part of a person or other object prior to inflation, and the inflating net rises due to increased buoyancy, while water passes through and below the net. The rising net lifts the person or object above the surface of a body of water, rescuing the person or object. In some embodiments, the invention is incorporated in a rescue buoy or rescue can. In some embodiments, an inflatable body other than a net also, or alternatively, is provided. For example, an expanding flotation ring or other flotation device is provided, which envelopes and holds the person or object when inflated.

Abstract: New activity recognition, recording, analysis and control techniques, systems and sensors are provided. In one embodiment, multiple sensory tags with unique identification and data transfer attributes, create positional, movement, orientation and acceleration data and supply it to a control system. The tags may be placed at location(s) on the user's body, clothing, personal effects, exercise equipment and other activity-relevant locations, to enhance activity recognition and mapping. The system may define a personal activity space, sample data preferentially from that space, and perform a simplified form of object-recognition to determine, record and analyze user activities.

Abstract: Hands-free devices adapted for rapid brushing, cleaning and treating users' teeth are provided. In some embodiments, such a device comprises brushes for cleaning each of a user's teeth simultaneously. In some embodiments, such a device is generally U-shaped, accepting, cleaning and/or treating all of a user's teeth simultaneously. In some embodiments, a device is adapted to fit an individual user, based on 3-dimensional imaging. Example customized fluid jets within such devices are provided, introducing dentifrices and other treatments into tooth-conforming channels. In some embodiments, specialized handles are set forth, configured for hands-free use. Example methods and modes for such devices' use are also set forth. In some embodiments, compartments and cartridges with a proprietary form factor for delivering dentifrice and other treatments and for disposing of waste without mess are provided. In some embodiments, observational data are gathered, analyzed and serve as the basis for a treatment action plan.

Abstract: Improved connection techniques are provided. In some embodiments, specialized connectors are provided with both physical fastening and signal-conducting attributes. In some such embodiments, signals related to conditions of a connector are passed through the connector. In other embodiments, multiple-section connectors are included, which may be self-actuating and create remotely-detectable conditions and signals.

Abstract: New fastening devices and techniques are provided. A self-bonding cord is provided with unlimited possible divisions and self-bonding points. In some embodiments, radially-emanating columns with barbs for self-bonding are provided, where the barbs are angled to promote holding as they are spread by the interposition of other columns during self-bonding of the cord. The columns also define the outer surface of the cord, having outer gripping features that create an outer surface of the cord. In other embodiments, a cord has a memory and conformational structure providing elastic bundling, and encouraging self-bonding and wrapping—with semi-circular semi-ports and outer holding ridges spaced at intervals corresponding with the contact profile of the cord. In a method of use, one wraps various items in at least one loop of the cord, and presses loose ends of the cord together, creating a strong, reversible self-bond. Multiple-strength touch bonding is also provided.

Abstract: New techniques for establishing communications connections for computer systems are provided. In some aspects, a new technique for rapidly establishing a uniform, secure wireless peripheral device network is provided. In some embodiments of the invention, the secure peripheral device network is activated by physical docking and/or interlocking, without any use of a wired network connection, based on precise proximity and location information. In other embodiments, a secure, encrypted peripheral device network is established by a system in response to terminating a wired network connection, easing the transition from wired to wireless connection status, and easing the creation of wireless networks. The resulting wireless networks may also be more secure than other forms of wireless networks, using a new form of physically-isolated negotiation for encryption keys, based on physical features and limits of a peripheral device interface.

Abstract: New systems, hardware and methods for extremely precise aiming and shooting of firearms by relatively unskilled users are provided. In some embodiments, shots may be planned in advance and rapidly carried out. A specialized control system comprising computer hardware allows a user to plot a planned shot or shot sequence with indicators on a site display, evaluate the accuracy of the planned shot(s), adjust the location of the shot(s), and then shoot. In some embodiments, the system may counteract and otherwise adjust for certain ballistic and other accuracy-impacting factors with a position-actuable firing mechanism to maintain a projected flight path of such a point of impact at all times. The system is unobtrusive, allowing users to engage ordinary targeting activity, including ordinary firearm aiming movements. In some embodiments, aiming and execution aspects of the invention are adapted to non-lethal measures, which may be assigned by the system autonomously.

Abstract: New activity recognition, recording, analysis and control techniques, systems and sensors are provided. In some aspects of the invention, multiple sensory tags with unique identification and data transfer attributes, create positional, movement, orientation and acceleration data and supply it to a control system. The tags may be placed at location(s) on the user's body, clothing, personal effects, exercise equipment and other activity-relevant locations, to enhance activity recognition and mapping. For example, a specialized PDA may comprise part of the control system, and may provide, reflect and/or receive modified data signals to and from such tags. In other aspects, a system defines a personal activity space, samples data preferentially from that space, and performs a simplified form of object-recognition to determine, record and analyze personal activities. A GUI interface within the control system may also aid in recognizing and recording activity patterns, in addition to tags.

Abstract: Improved techniques for maintaining connector integrity are provided. In some aspects, specialized connector systems are provided in conjunction with sensors for detecting proper characteristics and connection conditions for a particular connector. In other aspects, multiple-section connectors are included, which may be self-tightening, and create detectable tightness and integral conditions, aiding in identifying a connector aspect that has loosened, slipped, or may be in need of recharging, tightening or replacing. A specialized connector head may selectively break away before stripping and thereby expose a stronger, secondary driver head. A specialized cord connector has testable connecting fiber sections, allowing for greater safety (e.g., in climbing or suspension bridges).

Abstract: A device adapted for brushing and flossing each of a user's teeth simultaneously is disclosed. Many methods and modes for the device's use are also set forth. In some embodiments, the device is custom-fitted to each user, based on molds, impressions or other 3-dimensional imaging techniques, allowing for a more effective, rapid brushing experience. Customized flossing lines, comprising a wide variety of materials and cleansing products, are set forth in exemplary detail. A specialized handle is set forth, configured for maintaining easy access to controls while leaving the device in place in a user's mouth while cleaning, hands-free.