Abstract: A powered aerodynamic lift device positioned on a leading edge of an aerodynamic lifting element (ALE), e.g. an airfoil, at least one slat/nacelle/EDF lift assembly comprising: a slat, a two or more nacelles positioned beneath the slat, each nacelle housing an electric ducted fan (EDF). The nacelles are spaced apart to create gaps between the slat and the airfoil for accelerated air to pass through. The lift assembly is under the operational control of and/or further comprises: a master control unit linked to a power source, e.g. batteries to power the EDFs. The device provides the ALE and aircraft with: increased lift and additional thrust during aircraft take offs, climbs, descents, and landings; enhanced low-speed control and reduced loss-of-control during an aircraft's takeoff and landing; improved aircraft handling during gusts and crosswinds. The present invention also comprises an ALE or aircraft with at least one lift assembly installed thereon.

Abstract: The Distributed Electric Ducted Fan Wing concept incorporates multiple electric ducted fans on lifting surfaces configured to provide integrated aerodynamics and propulsion resulting in enhanced aerodynamic characteristics and thus aircraft performance. The concept uses a plurality of electric ducted fans (EDFs) to not only provide thrust, but to also blow air across the upper surface of a substantial portion of the lifting surface area increasing lift at little loss in efficiency. Not only can the total lift on the surfaces be enhanced, but the lift distribution managed: to aid in aircraft control; ameliorate the effects of turbulence: reduce shed vortices; mitigate the effects of system failures; eliminate stalls; and compensate for crosswinds. This concept offers the potential for increasing electric airplane efficiency and performance, enhancing Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, improving passenger comfort, and reducing the structural stress and cost of aircraft.

Abstract: A computer querying stored information by application of a user-defined importance condition, a preference probability in relation to a user-defined preference condition, and a user-defined target condition is provided. The computer may perform a search operation, filtering operation, and matching operation based on a result of the querying and generate a search result, filtering result, and matching result. The computer may also generate an indication of a ranking of the search result, filtering result, and matching result.

Abstract: The Distributed Electric Ducted Fan Wing concept incorporates multiple electric ducted fans on lifting surfaces configured to provide integrated aerodynamics and propulsion resulting in enhanced aerodynamic characteristics and thus aircraft performance. The concept uses a plurality of electric ducted fans (EDFs) to not only provide thrust, but to also blow air across the upper surface of a substantial portion of the lifting surface area increasing lift at little loss in efficiency. Not only can the total lift on the surfaces be enhanced, but the lift distribution managed: to aid in aircraft control; ameliorate the effects of turbulence: reduce shed vortices; mitigate the effects of system failures; eliminate stalls; and compensate for crosswinds. This concept offers the potential for increasing electric airplane efficiency and performance, enhancing Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, improving passenger comfort, and reducing the structural stress and cost of aircraft.

Abstract: A machine-controlled method may include a data store storing textual information, numerical information, belief information, estimates, or any combination thereof, and a machine executing a user-initiated or group-initiated query against the stored information. The processor may apply preferences, targets and thresholds by asserting a user-specified query conditions against the information. Responsive to multiple results of the querying, the processor may apply an importance by asserting a user-defined importance condition against the results of the query and may provide an indication of a ranking corresponding to at least one of the results.

Abstract: A machine-controlled method may include a data store storing textual information, numerical information, belief information, estimates, or any combination thereof, and a machine executing a user-initiated or group-initiated query against the stored information. The processor may apply preferences, targets and thresholds by asserting a user-specified query conditions against the information. Responsive to multiple results of the querying, the processor may apply an importance by asserting a user-defined importance condition against the results of the query and may provide an indication of a ranking corresponding to at least one of the results.

Abstract: A machine-controlled method may include a data store storing textual information, numerical information, belief information, estimates, or any combination thereof, and a machine executing a user-initiated or group-initiated query against the stored information. A processor may apply an importance by asserting a user-defined importance condition against the information. The processor may apply a preference probability by asserting a user-specified preference condition against the information. The processor may assert a user-established target condition against the information. Responsive to a search request, filtering request, collaborative decision making (CDM request), matching request, or situation awareness activity, the machine may perform a search operation, a filtering operation, a CDM operation, a matching operation, or an actionable intelligence operation, respectively.

Abstract: A machine-controlled method may include a data store storing textual information, numerical information, belief information, estimates, or any combination thereof, and a machine executing a user-initiated or group-initiated query against the stored information. A processor may apply an importance by asserting a user-defined importance condition against the information. The processor may apply a preference probability by asserting a user-specified preference condition against the information. The processor may assert a user-established target condition against the information. Responsive to a situation awareness activity, the machine may perform an actionable intelligence operation. Responsive to multiple results of the querying, the machine may provide an indication of a ranking corresponding to at least one of the results.

Abstract: A machine-controlled method may include receiving from a user an importance condition and a preference condition, target condition, or both. A data store may store textual information, numerical information, belief information, estimation data, or any combination thereof. A machine may execute a query against the stored information. A processor may apply an importance by asserting the importance condition against the stored information. The processor may apply a preference probability by asserting the preference condition against the stored information. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the processor may apply the target condition against the stored information. The machine may perform a matching operation that incorporates at least one result of the querying and provide at least one matching result based on the matching operation. Responsive to multiple results of the querying, the machine may provide an indication of a ranking corresponding to at least one of the results.

Abstract: A machine-controlled electronic commerce (e-commerce) method may include receiving from a user an importance condition and a preference condition, target condition, or both. A data store may store textual information, numerical information, belief information, estimation data, or any combination thereof. A machine may execute a query against the stored information. A processor may apply an importance by asserting the importance condition against the stored information. The processor may apply a preference probability by asserting the preference condition against the stored information. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the processor may apply the target condition against the stored information. The machine may perform a search operation that incorporates at least one result of the querying and provide at least one search result based on the search operation. Responsive to multiple results of the querying, the machine may provide an indication of a ranking corresponding to at least one of the results.

Abstract: A machine-controlled method may include receiving from a user an importance condition and a preference condition, target condition, or both. A data store may store textual information, numerical information, belief information, estimation data, or any combination thereof. A machine may execute a query against the stored information. A processor may apply an importance by asserting the importance condition against the stored information. The processor may apply a preference probability by asserting the preference condition against the stored information. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the processor may apply the target condition against the stored information. The machine may perform a collaborative decision making (CDM) operation that incorporates at least one result of the querying and provide at least one CDM result based on the CDM operation. Responsive to multiple results of the querying, the machine may provide an indication of a ranking corresponding to at least one of the results.

Abstract: A machine-controlled method may include receiving from a user an importance condition and a preference condition, target condition, or both. A data store may store textual information, numerical information, belief information, estimation data, or any combination thereof. A machine may execute a query against the stored information. A processor may apply an importance by asserting the importance condition against the stored information. The processor may apply a preference probability by asserting the preference condition against the stored information. The processor may apply the target condition against the stored information. The machine may perform a filtering operation that incorporates at least one result of the querying and provide at least one filtering result based on the filtering operation.

Abstract: To identify the best choice from a set of alternatives, team members select the criteria to be used in identifying the best choice. Each criterion describes at least one feature of the alternatives. Each team member then, for each alternative, defines a target value for the feature of the criteria and sets a level of knowledge about the feature of the criteria. Using the target values and the team member's knowledge of each feature, each team member estimates how well the alternatives meet the target values for the features. The system then calculates an expected utility for each alternative based on the team member's estimations and a probability that each alternative is the best choice. Finally, based on the expected utility and probability that each alternative is best, a best choice is identified.

Abstract: A recumbent bicycle has a tubular frame member with a longitudinal axis running from front to rear. A rear support module includes a saddle for nestingly embracing a rear portion of the frame member. Cantilever support members extend downward from the saddle to free ends which are attached to an axle for a rear wheel. A head tube and bearing attached to the front of the frame member support a head shaft and a fork with a bifurcated lower portion suitable for mounting a front wheel. The fork lies generally in a plane and is supported, set forward of the head shaft, by extension plates such that the head shaft axis intercepts the fork plane. A drive sprocket assembly is at the front of the frame member. A seat assembly has opposing track slides engaging a track at the top of the frame member. The slides can be drawn together to clamp the track and fix the seat.

Abstract: A securement system is provided for a rollable mobility aid with a frame and rollers, which aid is located adjacent surrounding structure such as the interior of a vehicle. The system includes protruding structure attached to such frame, with a substantially rigid, operative section that includes a broad engaging expanse. Also included is upright receiver (or capture) structure fixedly attached to such vehicle in a receiving position, and including a receiving section that is correspondingly broad with respect to the engaging expanse. The receiving section further includes a selectively actuable securement/release mechanism for securing the operative section to the vehicle. The protruding structure is shown as plural spaced members, with the receiver structure being constructed with receiving sections to receive each member. The receiver structure is shown as capable of selective rotation about its vertical axis and selective translation with respect to its receiving position.