Abstract: Methods for forming a high current inductor leverage solid core materials to form ribbon inductors. In some embodiments, the method may include forming a central opening lengthwise through a solid core conductive material, wherein the solid core conductive material has an outer diameter, the central opening forms an inner diameter of the solid core conductive material, and a difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter is a thickness of a ribbon conductor of the high current inductor and removing a spiral portion of the solid core conductive material to form the ribbon conductor of the high current inductor, wherein a width of the spiral portion forms a gap spacing between windings of the ribbon conductor.

Abstract: A method of updating a vehicle ECU includes establishing communication between a data communications module of a vehicle and an update server via a cellular network; validating the vehicle using a key exchange protocol between the data communications module and the update server; and sending update information from the update server to the data communications module of the vehicle via the cellular network, the update information configured to be used to update the vehicle ECU.

Abstract: A method of updating a vehicle ECU includes establishing communication between a data communications module of a vehicle and an update server via a cellular network; validating the vehicle using a key exchange protocol between the data communications module and the update server; and sending update information from the update server to the data communications module of the vehicle via the cellular network, the update information configured to be used to update the vehicle ECU.

Abstract: A method of delivering content to an occupant in a vehicle, the method comprising: establishing an Internet connection using an electronic cellular device, the electronic device being integrated with an HMI system of the vehicle, the HMI system including HMI controls; searching for a content source providing an Internet media stream by selecting a content category using the HMI controls; connecting to the content source using the Internet connection; and playing the Internet media stream using a speaker of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for occupant reporting of a vehicle issue over-the-air from within a vehicle include a cellular device in the vehicle that establishes a connection with a cellular network. A user interface includes a display that provides occupant selectable menu options for reporting a vehicle issue. A processing system generates issue data based on a selected menu option. The issue data is selectably provided to one or more issue receiving servers including a first issue receiving server associated with a first organization and a second issue receiving server associated with a second, different organization using the cellular network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for occupant reporting of a vehicle issue over-the-air from within a vehicle include a cellular device in the vehicle that establishes a connection with a cellular network. A user interface includes a display that provides occupant selectable menu options for reporting a vehicle issue. A processing system generates issue data based on a selected menu option. The issue data is selectably provided to one or more issue receiving servers including a first issue receiving server associated with a first organization and a second issue receiving server associated with a second, different organization using the cellular network.

Abstract: A method of delivering content to an occupant in a vehicle, the method comprising: establishing an Internet connection using an electronic cellular device, the electronic device being integrated with an HMI system of the vehicle, the HMI system including HMI controls; searching for a content source providing an Internet media stream by selecting a content category using the HMI controls; connecting to the content source using the Internet connection; and playing the Internet media stream using a speaker of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of updating a vehicle ECU includes establishing communication between a data communications module of a vehicle and an update server via a cellular network; validating the vehicle using a key exchange protocol between the data communications module and the update server; and sending update information from the update server to the data communications module of the vehicle via the cellular network, the update information configured to be used to update the vehicle ECU.

Abstract: A cargo bed management system including a storage system composed of a receptacle integrated into a sidewall of a bed of a motor vehicle and a dividing system that divides or extends a bed of the motor vehicle. The dividing system includes a main panel having a length approximately equal to a width of the bed, and a pair of side panels hingedly connected to the main panel so that the side panels may rotate relative to the main panel from a stowed position where the side panels are integral with the main panel to an extended position where the side panels extend outward from the main panel. At least one bumper is affixed to an end of each of the side panels that are hingedly connected to the main panel such that the bumper increases a length of the main panel when said the panels are in the stowed position. The bumpers compress to secure the main panel and the side panels to the bed.

Abstract: A cargo bed management system including a storage system composed of a receptacle integrated into a sidewall of a bed of a motor vehicle and a dividing system that divides or extends a bed of the motor vehicle. The dividing system includes a main panel having a length approximately equal to a width of the bed, and a pair of side panels hingedly connected to the main panel so that the side panels may rotate relative to the main panel from a stowed position where the side panels are integral with the main panel to an extended position where the side panels extend outward from the main panel. At least one bumper is affixed to an end of each of the side panels that are hingedly connected to the main panel such that the bumper increases a length of the main panel when said the panels are in the stowed position. The bumpers compress to secure the main panel and the side panels to the bed.

Abstract: A method for fast inverse planning of IMRT treatment plans is disclosed. The method relies on a computationally efficient algorithm for evaluating the gradient of a general class of objective functions, and also on the efficient optimization that is realized due to the directional conjugacy of the objective functions. Several types of clinically relevant objective functions that belong to this class are described. The computational evaluation relies on operations that are commonly used for signal- and image-processing, and so can benefit from a number of well-known acceleration techniques.

Abstract: A method of detecting and/or monitoring an increase in atmospheric radioactivity caused by purposeful (or accidental) dispersion of radioactive material, such as in an act of terrorism, by using a radiological dispersion device (RDD) or “dirty bomb”, includes measuring the conductivity of air, or the concentration of fast ions therein, before, during, and/or after a suspected RDD event and comparing the measured values to determine timing, intensity, location, flow direction, boundaries, etc., of a radioactive plume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of unattached Radon progeny in air is described. The method consists of measuring the conductivity of the air or alternatively the concentration of fast ions in the air, and converting the measurement to a concentration of unattached Radon progeny by applying a predetermined ratio found to exist between conductivity and the concentration of unattached Radon progeny on the one hand, or between the concentrations of fast ions and unattached Radon progeny on the other hand. Apparatus for implementing the method includes means for measuring conductivity (or fast ion concentration), means for calculating the concentration of unattached Radon progeny using the predetermined ratios and output means for displaying the result of the calculation.

Abstract: An adapter for an eight track cartridge playing machine having a transfer roller to engage the conventional capstan and suitable motion transmitting means to drive an upright capstan in a cassette housing. Playback heads are carried on a carrier which may be raised or lowered to the desired level in accordance with which of a vertical bank of cartridge receivers is to be activated. Two cartridges are carried in each receiver and the receivers are independently pivotable so that a control knob may be turned to pivot the receiver and bring the selected cartridge into engagement with the drive capstan, and into operative association with the selected playback head.

Abstract: A chalk line dispenser comprising a drive casing and a replacable reel casing, which are joined to form a complete assembly. The drive casing includes a shaft and a coil spring-powered drive therefor, with a thumb-operated lever for releasing a clutch to enable spring reeling of the line. The shaft extends from the drive casing in square cross-section and is engaged by a complementary opening in the reel. The reel casing carries the reel and powdered chalk, and includes a ledge over which the chalkline passes when being reeled into the casing. A squeegee carried on the thumb operator of the clutch release presses the chalkline against the ledge to squeeze any moisture from it, causing same to drop into a moisture sump carried below the ledge. A desiccant may be carried in the moisture sump and/or may be mixed with the powdered chalk itself.

Abstract: An automatic pet feeder has several troughs, each with a lid hinged thereto. A T-shaped cam follower extends from each lid and rides against a cylindrical cam tube which makes a single revolution during the feeding period. I-shaped slots each extend partially around the tubular cam through a selected arc so that it underlies its associated cam follower at a desired time, wherein biasing means force the lid upward to swing the cam follower completely through the slot and hold the lid in open position.