Abstract: A system and method for configuring identification codes associated with electronic records is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a user interface enables a user to create or edit an identification code configuration by displaying identification code characteristics and receiving corresponding identification code characteristic selections. The identification code characteristics include information segments, separators, and identification code types. The identification code characteristic selections are stored in a database or other data storage structure so as to define the identification code configuration. Preferably, the identification code configuration is used to generate a plurality of identification codes each of which is associated with and provides information about an electronic record.

Abstract: A conformal antenna for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided that may be applied to a surface of the vehicle. The conformal antenna may be integrated with a surface on the vehicle, and is used to effectively transmit and receive video, command and/or control signals. The conformal antenna allows for the transmission and reception of signals from any direction, and may work with signals greater than a quarter wavelength. A protective layer may be placed over the conformal antenna.

Abstract: An extraction unit for a steam turbine includes an end plate mounted downstream of a selected stage of a steam turbine, the end plate sealing the selected stage from the atmosphere, and an extraction pipe passing through the end plate for extracting steam from the selected stage.

Abstract: A structural ring interconnect printed circuit board assembly for a ducted fan unmanned aerial vehicle that comprises a printed circuit board attached to a core vehicle body, wherein the printed circuit board conforms to the shape of the core vehicle body's airframe skirt, and wherein the printed circuit board provides structural integrity to the core vehicle body.

Abstract: A vertical non-bladdered fuel tank for a ducted fan vehicle comprising: a pod that releasably connects to a core vehicle of a ducted fan vehicle, a vertical fuel tank contained by the pod, wherein the vertical fuel tank is centered between the fore and aft sides of the pod, an outlet in a floor of the vertical fuel tank located adjacent to a sidewall on the fore side of the vertical fuel tank, wherein the outlet is coupled to a draw tube contained by the core vehicle, and a pressure release vent located at the highlight of the pod's duct.

Abstract: A guide catheter shaft is formed from an inner tube structure and a multilayer sheath around the inner tube structure. The multilayer sheath includes an intermediate sheath and a shrink tube layer. The intermediate sheath is disposed around the inner tube and realized from a melt-processible first polyether-block amide material. The shrink tube layer is disposed around the intermediate sheath and realized from a different second polyether-block amide (e.g. a cross-linked polyether-block amide material) having a shrink temperature range greater than a melt temperature range of the first polyether-block amide material. The resulting structure is heated at a temperature within the shrink temperature range such that the outer shrink tube layer shrinks and the intermediate layer melts to thereby bond the multilayer sheath to the inner tube.

Abstract: A fuel line air trap for an unmanned aerial vehicle has a vessel in-line with a fuel line, fuel line connectors, and fuel inlet and outlet stems. The vessel contains an inlet at a distal end and an outlet at a proximal end. The fuel line connectors are attached to the vessel at the inlet and at the outlet to connect the fuel line to the vessel. The fuel inlet stem attaches to the vessel at the inlet and a fuel outlet stem attaches to the vessel at the outlet. Both the fuel inlet stem and fuel outlet stem protrude into the vessel a predetermined distance such that a gap exists between them. As air bubbles enter the gap in the fuel line air trap, they separate from the flow of fuel and migrate to the exterior walls of the vessel. The air bubbles are purged during remain trapped refueling.

Abstract: A ducted fan core for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided that accommodates a wide variety of payloads. The ducted fan core comprises a frame, attached to which are an engine, gearbox assembly, fan, and a plurality of control vanes. A first surface on the frame comprises a plurality of connects or electrical traces. The plurality of connects are used to removably attach a variety of pods carrying various payloads. Thus, a wide variety of payloads may be delivered using the same unmanned aerial vehicle, simply by removing and attaching different pods to a fixed vehicle core. These pods may be shaped so as to form part of the vehicle exterior, and when the pods are attached to the frame, they enhance the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Abstract: Electronic equipment frequently requires cooling to maintain the integrity and reliability of the equipment, and to elongate the life expectancy of the equipment. When in operation, the fan of a UAV creates airflow comprising outside air directed across the duct of the UAV. Utilizing this airflow generated by the fan of a UAV to provide heat transfer from a equipment enclosure accomplishes efficient heat transfer. The methods described herein for transferring heat from an equipment enclosure using an airflow generated by a fan of a UAV may be employed for UAVs having a variety of duct shapes, and having equipment enclosures inside the duct or in detachable equipment enclosures located on the duct of the UAV.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting UAV position data to a central flight control center transmits UAV position data using a virtual transponder. A ground control station for controlling the UAV receives data from the UAV, including UAV position data. The UAV may provide GPS data, or corrected position data based on readings from an inertial navigation system. The ground control station transmits the UAV position data to a flight control center.

Abstract: A battery management system for monitoring a plurality of interconnected batteries comprises a plurality of interconnected modules arranged for connection to respective ones of the batteries. Each module comprises a negative terminal connector, a positive terminal connector, a voltage sensor for measuring voltage between the terminals, a communication port arranged to communicate the sensed voltage to other modules, and a controller arranged to selectively connect a resistive element between the negative terminal connector and the positive terminal connector of the respective battery responsive to the sensed voltage being greater than sensed voltages of other modules. A temperature sensor on each module measures a temperature through the terminal of the battery for communication to the system. A printed circuit board, arranged to be supported directly on one of the battery terminals, commonly supports the voltage sensor, the temperature sensor and the communication port thereon.

Abstract: A machine includes a first component and a second component between which relative rotation can occur about a rotation axis. The machine may also include a rotary position-sensing system, which may include a plurality of magnets mounted to the first component. The plurality of magnets mounted to the first component may include a first magnet and a second magnet mounted to the first component at different angular positions around the rotation axis. The first magnet may be magnetized in a first direction that is at an angle to a circle that extends through the first magnet perpendicular and concentric to the rotation axis. The rotary position-sensing system may also include a magnetic-flux sensor mounted to the second component to sense magnetic flux generated by at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet and generate a signal.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine and methods for using the machine where the horizontal length of the stride of the ellipse can be adjusted by the user without the user having to alter the vertical dimension of the ellipse by an equivalent amount.

Abstract: A guide catheter includes a hollow elongate shaft defining a channel. The hollow elongate shaft (or a segment thereof) includes an inner tube and a multilayer sheath formed around the inner tube. The multilayer sheath includes an intermediate layer derived from a melt-processible first polyether-block amide material (e.g., PEBAX®) and an outer layer derived from a different second polyether-block amide (e.g. a cross-linked polyether-block amide material). Reinforcing material (such as a braid of reinforcing filament) may be part of the multilayer sheath. The second polyether-block amide layer of the outer layer provides a shrink tube with a shrink temperature range greater than melt temperature range of the first polyether-block amide material of the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A point of sale system is provided that can selectively control operation of one or more peripherals. The system includes a payment terminal with a reader for an electronic payment card and a port for communication with the peripheral. The system further includes a peripheral with a reader for the electronic payment card, and a monitor with a first port for coupling to the payment terminal and a second port for coupling to the payment device. The monitor includes a microcontroller providing for communication between the payment terminal and the peripheral, and the monitor determines an operational status of the peripheral. The monitor causes a redirection of communication as necessary based on the operational status of the peripheral.

Abstract: A thermal conducting device removes heat from a power dissipating device installed within a case, and includes a base coupled to the power dissipating device and a translational portion that is movable in a vertical dimension. The translational portion couples at an upper surface to the inner surface of the case panel. A cavity and piston in the base and the translating portion may provide complementary guide surfaces to constrain movement of the translational portion generally to a vertical dimension. A biasing element may urge the translational portion upward. The translational portion and the external panel may allow movement of their respective surfaces relative to one another. The cavity may include a port allowing air to pass into and out of the cavity. The upper surface of the translational portion may be tiltable with respect to the base. An adhesive layer may couple the base and the power dissipating device.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine and methods for using the machine where the horizontal length of the stride of the ellipse can be adjusted by the user without the user having to alter the vertical dimension of the ellipse by an equivalent amount.

Abstract: A self-funded commission management system is described. The system has a memory storage element for storing commission management software that assigns an affiliate identifier for an affiliate. A user-initiated transaction is received, which is associated with the affiliate identifier. A confirmation that the user-initiated transaction produced a consumed transaction associated with the affiliate identifier is received. A commission associated with the consumed transaction is also received from the entity which ultimately delivered the final product or service to the user and derived the economic value from the user-initiated transaction. The commission is deposited by the advertiser or primary beneficiary of the advertisement into a central fund from which disbursements of all payments are made. The memory element generates a payment signal in response to determining the payment for the affiliate. A microprocessor operatively coupled to receive the payment signal from the memory element.

Abstract: A dry erase board that will accept writing, figures, and designs, while being erasable, and to which magnets will adhere. The board exhibits properties of a metallic board so that the surface of the board can receive magnets. The board can also be printed by silk-screening or sublimation printed with inks to produce graphics which are permanently on the surface of the board and are not erased.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine and methods for using the machine where the horizontal length of the stride of the ellipse can be adjusted by the user without the user having to alter the vertical dimension of the ellipse by an equivalent amount.