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: Electronic leakage reduction techniques are provided, whereby a device is configured to detect characteristics of an appliance and its power supply when the appliance is off or otherwise placed in a mode for reduced power use by said appliance, and whereby voltage and power provided to the appliance are then substantially reduced. In other aspects of the disclosed technology, user behavior may also manually control power delivered to the appliance, for example, with a switch. In still other aspects of the disclosed technology, a device is configured to detect characteristics of an appliance and its power supply when the appliance is on or otherwise placed in a mode for higher power use by said appliance, and increases power to the appliance.

Abstract: New techniques for radiotherapy and radiosurgery are provided. In some aspects of the invention, multiple sources of radiation with characteristics that are projected to constructively interfere at a treatment target are provided. In other aspects, hardware directs multiple radiation sources from the same side of a treatment target, and focuses the initiation of substantial interference on a leading structure in the target. In other aspects, refractive models updated by live feedback are used to improve dosage distribution by, among other things, optimizing the number, length, superposition, overlap, angle and nature of radiation beams. In additional aspects, interstitial beacons and radiation path diversion structures are inserted to improve dosage distribution to a target and avoid critical neighboring structures. In particle therapy, regionally actuable external magnetic fields are also provided, to improve dosage accuracy and avoid collateral damage.

Abstract: Improved techniques for avoiding and remediating connector-related stripping and other material damage are provided. In some aspects, specialized drive heads and systems are provided in conjunction with sensors for detecting proper distance characteristics and contact orientations (a.k.a., “seating”) with connectors, which, upon sensing improper seating, reduce, reverse-pulse or otherwise alter or remove power. The specialized driver heads may include reverse-grip members that pull the driver-head into the seated position. In other aspects, multiple-section connector sets are included, which may be self-tightening, and create detectable conditions of potential tightening energy being expended and/or loosening occurring, allowing an external sensor to sense such a condition and identify a connector that has loosened, slipped, or may be in need of recharging or tightening. A specialized connector head may selectively break away before stripping and thereby expose a stronger, secondary driver head.

Abstract: New forms of self-sterilizing and antiseptic surfaces are provided. In some embodiments, a handled surface or GUI comprises internal hardware performing a heavy rinse of the handled surface triggered by an end-of-use function. In other embodiments, pressure on a handled surface instead causes the surface to uniformly exude water and other antiseptic compositions from a refillable source.

Abstract: New fastening devices and techniques are provided. A new self-ratcheting cord is provided, with unlimited possible divisions and insertion points for self-threading and -ratcheting along its length. In some embodiments, the insertion points have ports through which an end of the cord can be threaded. Ridges perpendicular to the length of the cord line the exterior and have an appropriate size, shape and material permitting the cord to move in the direction of insertion through the ports, but limiting reversal. In some embodiments, ridges also line the inside of each port, parallel to the port, and perpendicular to a length of cord at points threaded through the port. In some embodiments, the ports themselves have an exterior shape to lock the cord. Some embodiments also have periodic scoring and other built-in devices to permit snapping the cord by hand at any desired length.

Abstract: New forms of suppressive gunfire decoys are provided. In some aspects, a pin-pull device may be used to program and adjust several settings of the decoy devices, activating such devices immediately before deployment. In some aspects, the pin-pull device may serve as a remote control unit. In a preferred method of deployment, the devices are thrown to a location different from that occupied by the user(s), simulating another source of gunfire, distracting and misleading an enemy, and providing the effects of suppressive fire. In some embodiments, a networked computer system(s) may be used as a remote control unit, and the decoy device may include cameras and other sensors for tactical surveillance. In still other aspects, the gunfire decoy device may be capable of locomotion, and may be self-relocating in response to certain commands, or in reaction to stimuli, to confuse the enemy regarding sources of gunfire and troop locations.

Abstract: A hardware system that performs new energy- and water-saving, restorative tasks upon use is provided. In some aspects of the invention, energy-saving hot water recapturing techniques are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the system may push hot water back to a water tank, and halt such pushing after capturing all such hot water. In other aspects, specialized energy-saving pipes further assist the system, and a user's behavior may also assist the system in implementing additional energy and water-saving options and settings, including, but not limited to, a “Final Rinse” option and the timing of ending water service. In still other aspects, a user's ending use of water service a plumbing may also trigger an ending spray of handled parts of those fixtures and, optionally, a soap or antiseptic spray or other secretion. The same technology may be applied to other handles and fixtures, like door handles or elevator buttons.

Abstract: New bodily cooling techniques are provided. In some aspects of the present invention, a new rapidly-evaporating cooling gel or fluid is sprayed or doused over or about an athlete's body and/or worn garments in thermal-reduction-optimized gravitational, diffusion and movement-induced patterns, to maximize cooling during exercise. In some aspects, a worn garment may serve as the matrix or platform for this distribution of the fluid. In other aspects, tuned, heat-absorbing port-controlling devices cause the release of the cooling gel or fluid from distribution tubes or other channels (e.g., integral to the flexible fabric itself) upon local underlying body heat exceeding a threshold, and resealing (halting release) upon body or regional heat dropping below a threshold. In still other aspects, heat-expanding sub-elements rise away from a body heat source toward a wider region for heat release, while other cooled sub-elements descend and exchange places with them, to absorb more body heat.

Abstract: A new form of missile, for implantation of an actuator within a wall or building, is provided. In some aspects of the invention, the missile comprises an enclosed actuator, deployed upon successful implantation of the missile in a target wall. Preferably, the missile comprises stops and piercing grips to secure the missile within the target wall, and encourage the proper degree of penetration and a mounting position enabling the deployment of the actuator(s) comprised within the missile. In some embodiments, the actuator can be remotely actuated by control system and user commands.

Abstract: New bite-activated dental hygiene devices are provided. In one aspect, a high-speed tooth-cleaning device is provided, which is configured to be bitten down on by a user and which, when properly positioned, scrubs and flosses all of the user's teeth at once, without user-driven brushing. In other aspects of the invention, a device comprises bite-actuated tooth- and gum-brushing channels and other features facilitating the variable bite-actuated release and application of a dentifrice and scrubbing.

Abstract: New consumption and inventory recording, tracking, analysis and control techniques are provided. In some aspects of the invention, multiple master tags and signal control elements manage the communication of unique signals indicating and managing inventory status and consumption activity. A master tag may bridge communication from a computer hardware and software control system to smaller, more shielded inventory tags, to assess unique identifying information and control actuation of various functions. In other aspects, drugs and other agents may be variably released and/or applied by a new form of actuable, consumable tag with multiple signal elements. A computer display with specialized software may comprise part of the control system, and may reflect, provide, and/or receive modified data signals to and from such tags and signal elements. In other aspects of the invention, an administrative user may use a GUI to access information concerning, and control, consumption by a consumer user.

Abstract: Ballistic projectile protection devices, and methods for their use, are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a gun-mounted ballistic protection device is provided, comprising multiple interception media launchers that cover and protect a user's vital organs from incoming projectiles. In some aspects of the invention, a control system using a microphone or other sensors, with multiple sampling points in a forward location, determine the location and trajectory of an incoming projectile, and deploy interception media to intercept the incoming projectile. In a preferred embodiment, a user may activate the projectile protection device with a partial trigger pull, or a button placed within reach of a user's trigger finger.

Abstract: New chewing-actuated teeth cleaning techniques are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a device with bite-actuated cleaning features is provided, which may comprise, tooth-guiding channels and variable openings enabling the variable bite-actuated application of a dentifrice for bite-actuated scrubbing. In further aspects, internal springs and the tension of surrounding material drive bite actuation of protrusions. In other aspects, intermediate antechambers, and/or interstitial fluid, gel or other medium, aid in enabling re-sealing an inner chamber following penetration of the CleanChew. This aspect may also be applied to a variety of related arts, including but not limited to pneumatic tires, to aid in remediating gas or fluid leaks from piercing.

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 at least one removal-resisting edge or anchor. The edge or anchor may be shaped to facilitate insertion into the ground, but resists removal until switched for release by an authorized user. In further aspects, the invention comprises a tamper-detecting alarm. In other aspects, a compartment access door permits the placement and removal of valuables from a compartment of the safe, even when the safe is installed in the ground. In still other aspects of the invention, new wireless locking, unlocking and alerting techniques are provided. In some embodiments, computer hardware and tracking tags and beacons are provided, and trigger locking, unlocking and location alerts to aid a user in locating the safe.

Abstract: A new form of 3-dimensional display is provided, employing ultrasonic emitters and receivers that share hardware. The illusion of user interface elements are simulated within an Actuation Area by overlapping ultrasound emitted from different emitters at areas coinciding with modeled elements' surfaces. In some embodiments, the period and phase of the ultrasonic waves are varied relative to one another to create a more compelling simulation of object surfaces. Resistance to movement and haptic feedback are also provided in some techniques, more accurately simulating the actuation of objects. In other embodiments, also applicable to touch screens, the ultrasound hardware provides such haptic feedback in addition to finger or stylus location when actuating a touch screen display. A new method for determining the location and direction of finger or stylus actuation pressure is also provided.

Abstract: New targeting systems, hardware and techniques are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a system enables a sniper to, in effect, take a projected, trial shot at a subject within an environment, evaluate its effectiveness, and execute it if satisfied. A user may create, set, adjust and execute Impact Point indicators, corresponding with projected points of impact of a projectile on a target subject within a target environment. The system may counteract and otherwise adjust for certain ballistic and environmental factors in a firing mechanism to maintain such an Impact Point fire ready, in real time. Yet the system allows the user to continue to move the sight to engage in further targeting activity. In other aspects, the system may execute multiple impact points, together or in rapid succession, which impact points may surround, lead, cover or otherwise diversify their distribution about a targeting subject and/or its projected path.

Abstract: Techniques for efficiently capturing, generating and distributing more realistic images and video are provided. Among other aspects of the invention, a system is provided that includes tags that display dynamic image elements on a display with the aid of a physics model. In other aspects, the system selects among available physics models and virtual objects that serve as potential subjects for rendering dynamic image elements, based on system resource costs and resolution standards. In still other aspects, a new image file format contains embedded physical model and virtual object data for rendering images and video.

Abstract: New missile systems are provided, implementing reduced pre-deployment weight, higher impact and greater deployment flexibility, among other advantages. In some embodiments, mid-flight oxygen filtration from atmospheric air, followed by concentration, compression and/or storage in ideal oxidizer deployment locations, leads to enriched, greatly increased oxidizer load and/or far greater missile weight just prior to impact. Among additional benefits, missiles implementing the system may be far less volatile, and therefore safer, prior to deployment and the concentration of oxidizer may be more concentrated than with ambient oxygen, overcoming the limitations of current fuel/air and other thermobaric explosives.

Abstract: Ballistic projectile protection devices, and methods for their use, are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a gun-mounted ballistic protection device is provided, comprising multiple interception media launchers that cover and protect a user's vital organs from incoming projectiles. In some aspects of the invention, a control system using a microphone or other sensors, with multiple sampling points in a forward location, determine the location and trajectory of an incoming projectile, and deploy interception media to intercept the incoming projectile. In a preferred embodiment, a user may activate the projectile protection device with a partial trigger pull, or a button placed within reach of a user's trigger finger.