Abstract: A signal associated with a motor is obtained where the motor is included in a aircraft that has flight capabilities. A motor wear metric that represents an amount of wear experienced by the motor is determined based at least in part on the signal. It is determined, at a flight computer that is included in the aircraft, whether to restrict the flight capabilities of the aircraft based at least in part on the motor wear metric. The flight capabilities of the aircraft are restricted in the event it is so determined.

Abstract: A landing zone indicator system which includes a battery that is configured to power a controller and a human vision output device, a controller that is configured to control human-visible light that is output by the human vision output device, and a human vision output device where the human-visible light output by the human vision output device generates an illuminated landing zone for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle.

Abstract: A landing zone indicator system which includes a battery that is configured to power a controller and a human vision output device, a controller that is configured to control human-visible light that is output by the human vision output device, and a human vision output device where the human-visible light output by the human vision output device generates an illuminated landing zone for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for air cooling in a wet environment includes a propeller coupled to a vehicle capable of at least one of: taking off from and landing on water. The system includes a battery configured to power the propeller, a float configured to hold the battery, and a flap in the float. The flap is configured to open in response to air pressure to permit airflow into the float to cool the battery.

Abstract: A landing zone indicator system which includes a battery that is configured to power a controller and a human vision output device, a controller that is configured to control human-visible light that is output by the human vision output device, and a human vision output device where the human-visible light output by the human vision output device generates an illuminated landing zone for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle.

Abstract: A signal associated with a motor is obtained where the motor is included in a aircraft that has flight capabilities. A motor wear metric that represents an amount of wear experienced by the motor is determined based at least in part on the signal. It is determined, at a flight computer that is included in the aircraft, whether to restrict the flight capabilities of the aircraft based at least in part on the motor wear metric. The flight capabilities of the aircraft are restricted in the event it is so determined.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for generating a motor wear metric includes a process configured to obtain a signal associated with a motor of an aircraft, determine a motor wear metric based at least in part on the obtained signal, and output information about motor wear based at least in part on the determined motor wear metric. The system includes a memory coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions and store the determined motor wear metric.

Abstract: A landing zone indicator system which includes a battery that is configured to power a controller and a human vision output device, a controller that is configured to control human-visible light that is output by the human vision output device, and a human vision output device where the human-visible light output by the human vision output device generates an illuminated landing zone for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for air cooling in a wet environment includes a propeller coupled to a vehicle capable of at least one of: taking off from and landing on water. The system includes a battery configured to power the propeller, a float configured to hold the battery, and a flap in the float. The flap is configured to open in response to air pressure to permit airflow into the float to cool the battery.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for air cooling in a wet environment includes a propeller coupled to a vehicle capable of at least one of: taking off from and landing on water. The system includes a battery configured to power the propeller, a float configured to hold the battery, and a flap in the float. The flap is configured to open in response to air pressure to permit airflow into the float to cool the battery.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for hybrid electric internal combustion engine applications in which a motor-generator, a narrow switchable coupling and a torque transfer unit therebetween are arranged and positioned in the constrained environment at the front of an engine in applications such as commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and stationary engine installations. The motor-generator is preferably positioned laterally offset from the switchable coupling, which is co-axially-arranged with the front end of the engine crankshaft. The switchable coupling is an integrated unit in which a crankshaft vibration damper, an engine accessory drive pulley and a disengageable clutch overlap such that the axial depth of the clutch-pulley-damper unit is nearly the same as a conventional belt drive pulley and engine damper. The front end motor-generator system includes an electrical energy store that receives electrical energy generated by the motor-generator when the coupling is engaged.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for battery shifting for center of gravity (CG) control includes a battery holder and a controller. The battery holder is adapted to change between a first battery position and a second battery position in a vehicle. The battery holder being in the first position causes the vehicle to have a first CG and the battery holder being in the second position causes the vehicle to have a second CG. The controller is configured to move the battery holder into the first position at least some of the time when the vehicle is flying at a first angle such that the vehicle has a CG in a first vehicle location, and move the battery holder into the second position at least some of the time when the vehicle is flying at a second angle such that the vehicle has a CG in a second vehicle location.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for hybrid electric internal combustion engine applications in which a motor-generator, a narrow switchable coupling and a torque transfer unit therebetween are arranged and positioned in the constrained environment at the front of an engine in applications such as commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and stationary engine installations. The motor-generator is preferably positioned laterally offset from the switchable coupling, which is co-axially-arranged with the front end of the engine crankshaft. The switchable coupling is an integrated unit in which a crankshaft vibration damper, an engine accessory drive pulley and a disengageable clutch overlap such that the axial depth of the clutch-pulley-damper unit is nearly the same as a conventional belt drive pulley and engine damper. The front end motor-generator system includes an electrical energy store that receives electrical energy generated by the motor-generator when the coupling is engaged.

Abstract: The virtual chess table includes a table that includes a touch screen and joystick on opposing sides of the table. The touch screen and joystick are each used by competing players in order to play a game chess. The table includes a pane of glass that encloses an image projector there under. The image projector is used to generate a chessboard on the pane of glass. A hologram projector system is included and is suspended above the table. The hologram projector system is used to create a three-dimension hologram of the chess pieces used to play the game of chess. The hologram projector system and the image projector are in wired connection with a computer located underneath the table. The computer is also in wire connection with the touch screen and joystick provided at opposing sides of the table.

Abstract: An apparel system includes a shirt that may be worn. A first sleeve fastener is coupled to a first sleeve and the first sleeve fastener is positioned on a cuff corresponding to the first sleeve. A second sleeve fastener is coupled to a second sleeve and the second sleeve fastener is positioned on a cuff corresponding to the second sleeve. A neckband fastener is coupled to a neckband. A first collar fastener is coupled to a collar. The first collar fastener selectively engages the shirt such that the collar is removably fastened to the shirt. A second collar fastener is coupled to the collar. The second collar fastener selectively engages the body such that the collar is removably fastened to the body.

Abstract: An encoder utilizes a coding method for use with ferroelectric or other nonvolatile counters which are subject to imprint ensures that all of the bits in the code are frequently switched and not left in a fixed data state. The general coding equation for this method is such that: for an even integer n, it is represented by the conventional binary code of n/2; for an odd integer n, it is represented by the conventional binary code of the one's compliment of (n?1)/2. With this method, every bit switches to its compliment when counting from an even number to an odd number so that imprint is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A coding method suitable for use with ferroelectric or other nonvolatile counters subject to imprint ensures that all of the bits in the code are frequently switched and not left in a fixed data state. The general coding equation for this method is such that: for an even integer n, it is represented by the conventional binary code of n/2; for an odd integer n, it is represented by the conventional binary code of the one's compliment of (n?1)/2. Using the coding method of the present invention, every bit switches to its compliment when counting from an even number to an odd number. Since every bit switches at least once every two counts, imprint is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A recyclable, thermoplastic backing material having the feel and weight of a rubber backing for use on a throw in mat. As compared with conventional rubber backed throw-in mats, the new thermoplastic material does not require a latex backing to adhere the rubber backing material to the primary backing layer. This may lead to decreased manufacturing costs associated with purchasing and applying the latex backing material. Further, because the material is recyclable, decreased costs associated with waste may be achieved.

Abstract: A capacitor electrode includes a film base member having connection means located thereon so that the capacitor electrode may be connected to an external component, and a segmented metallized layer connected to the connection means, the metallized layer being made of metallized segments interconnected by current gates. The segmented,metallized layer has a thickness which varies or differs continuously along a length thereof, and the current gates have a width which increases as the thickness of the segmented metallized layer decreases.

Abstract: A charge pump for increasing the value of an input voltage includes a plurality of serially coupled charge pump stages, wherein each charge pump stage includes a P-channel pass transistor coupled to a first end of a capacitor. The gates of the P-channel pass transistors and the second ends of the capacitors in odd-numbered charge pump stages receive a first phase clock signal, and the gates of the pass transistors and the second ends of the capacitors in even-numbered charge pump stages receive a second phase clock signal, except that the second end of the capacitor in the last charge pump stage is coupled to ground. To increase the value of the capacitors in an integrated circuit embodiment all of the capacitors, except for the capacitor in the last stage, are ideally ferroelectric capacitors. In a preferred embodiment, the charge pump is one component in a regulated charge pump system that also includes a voltage regulator and a controlled oscillator.