Abstract: A construction component for detecting the application of energy and responding to the energy input wherein a plurality of particles are distributed throughout the component with each particle being configured to sense component state information. The component includes at least one processor configured to receive sensing information from the plurality of particle sensors. The processor configured to receive component state information and to process the information to determine a response to selectively alter attributes of the construction component to affect the behavior of the component. The plurality of particles capable of converting a portion of the energy applied to the construction component into an alternative form of energy, wherein the converted energy is harvested for utilization elsewhere.

Abstract: A user instrument for engaging in a transaction includes a graphically encoded icon having a static portion, and an intrinsic portion comprising an area of stimuli-responsive material defining a first machine-readable indicia. At least a portion of the stimuli-responsive material transforms from a first state to a second state in response to a trigger. The transformation from the first state to the second state of the portion of the stimuli-response material results in a second machine-readable indicia. The transformation of the stimuli-responsive material from the first state to the second state is semi-irreversible. The second machine-readable indicia comprises information to permit or deny the user to engage in a second transaction via the user instrument.

Abstract: A window system includes a window frame; a transparent window pane; an energy harvesting device coupled to the window frame or the transparent window frame; an output device that uses or transmits electricity; and a battery housed in the window frame, the battery being in electrical communication with the energy harvesting device and the output device.

Abstract: A user instrument for engaging in a transaction includes a graphically encoded icon having a static portion, and an intrinsic portion comprising an area of stimuli-responsive material defining a first machine-readable indicia. At least a portion of the stimuli-responsive material transforms from a first state to a second state in response to a trigger. The transformation from the first state to the second state of the portion of the stimuli-response material results in a second machine-readable indicia. The transformation of the stimuli-responsive material from the first state to the second state is semi-irreversible. The second machine-readable indicia comprises information to permit or deny the user to engage in a second transaction via the user instrument.

Abstract: A window system includes a window frame; a transparent window pane; an energy harvesting device coupled to the window frame or the transparent window frame; an output device that uses or transmits electricity; and a battery housed in the window frame, the battery being in electrical communication with the energy harvesting device and the output device.

Abstract: A fixture system includes a fixture having an input device, an output device, and a fixture computing system. The fixture computing system includes a database and programming for receiving information from the input device and accessing the database. The programming has instructions that, when activated by the processor, performs the following steps: (a) activate the output device to output a first signal; (b) receive information from the input device; (c) access the database to determine a second signal, wherein the second signal is based on the information from the input device; and (d) activate the output device to output the second signal.

Abstract: A display system includes a watch having a watch face; and an intelligent display system. The display system includes a display panel, a selectively opaque panel, a memory having programming instructions, and a controller in communication with the display panel and the selectively opaque panel, and the memory. The display system is operable in each of: (a) display mode wherein the display panel is actuated by the controller to display image content, and at least a portion of the selectively opaque panel is opaque; (b) a transparent mode wherein the display panel does not display image content, the selectively opaque panel is substantially transparent, and the watch face is substantially visible; and (c) an augmented reality mode wherein the display panel is actuated by the controller to display image content, and the selectively opaque panel is substantially transparent, the watch face being substantially visible behind the display system.

Abstract: A marking and display system includes a scanning apparatus, comprising a processor in data communication with a networking device, at least one input/output device, and computer memory, the computer memory comprising a program having machine readable instructions that, when effected by processor, perform the following steps: (a) scan an area of interest for a first scan; (b) determine the presence of at least one abnormality at the area of interest; and (c) provide a marking at an area substantially adjacent the at least one abnormality.

Abstract: A fixture system includes a fixture having an input device, an output device, and a fixture computing system. The fixture computing system includes a database and programming for receiving information from the input device and accessing the database. The programming has instructions that, when activated by the processor, performs the following steps: (a) activate the output device to output a first signal; (b) receive information from the input device; (c) access the database to determine a second signal, wherein the second signal is based on the information from the input device; and (d) activate the output device to output the second signal.

Abstract: A window system includes a window frame; a transparent window pane; an energy harvesting device coupled to the window frame or the transparent window frame; an output device that uses or transmits electricity; and a battery housed in the window frame, the battery being in electrical communication with the energy harvesting device and the output device.

Abstract: A marking and display system includes a scanning apparatus, comprising a processor in data communication with a networking device, at least one input/output device, and computer memory, the computer memory comprising a program having machine readable instructions that, when effected by processor, perform the following steps: (a) scan an area of interest for a first scan; (b) determine the presence of at least one abnormality at the area of interest; and (c) provide a marking at an area substantially adjacent the at least one abnormality.

Abstract: Adhesive damping systems are described. A damping system for reducing the effects on a substrate caused by a disruption in the substrate environment includes an adhesive having a plurality of three-dimensional particles dispersed therein. The particles are configured to provide a controlled response to an applied force field. The system further includes a sensor which measures an amplitude and frequency spectrum of the disruption. In a use configuration, the sensor determines the amplitude and frequency spectrum of the disruption received by the substrate; and the applied force field is dependent on the amplitude and frequency spectrum of the disruption.

Abstract: A window system includes a window frame; a transparent window pane; an energy harvesting device coupled to the window frame or the transparent window frame; an output device that uses or transmits electricity; and a battery housed in the window frame, the battery being in electrical communication with the energy harvesting device and the output device.

Abstract: One container system includes a transparent display, a projector for providing image data on the display, and a floor defining part of a watertight cavity. The display is non-perpendicularly angled from horizontal and has proximal and distal ends. And a closure device is provided for use with a watertight container. The closure device is configured to selectively seal an opening in the watertight container and includes coupling structure (a plug, a flange, and/or threading) for selectively coupling the closure device to the watertight container to seal the opening. The closure device further includes non-transitory computer memory, at least one sensor, and a processor in data communication with the memory and the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A device for reducing impact forces upon a surface includes a base comprising a first contact portion and a transition portion, a contact member disposed between the base and the surface; and a biasing portion disposed between the first contact portion of the base and the surface. At least a first portion of an impact force upon the surface is transferred from the contact member to the base, and a second portion of the impact force is subsequently returned to the surface, the second portion being less than the first portion.

Abstract: Sensor-mounting devices are disclosed. A sensor mounting device has a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, and a through hole that extends between the front and rear ends. The tubular body front end includes a flange with a perimeter that is larger than a perimeter of the tubular body. The flange may be positioned at a front face of a mounting structure. A sensor-attachment structure is located on at least one of the tubular body and the front flange. Further locking structure extends from the tubular body to couple the tubular body to the mounting structure. The locking structure is at least one item from the group consisting of: a rear flange, a barb, and threading.

Abstract: A device for reducing impact forces upon a surface includes a base comprising a first contact portion and a transition portion, a contact member disposed between the base and the surface; and a biasing portion disposed between the first contact portion of the base and the surface. At least a first portion of an impact force upon the surface is transferred from the contact member to the base, and a second portion of the impact force is subsequently returned to the surface, the second portion being less than the first portion.

Abstract: One container system includes a transparent display, a projector for providing image data on the display, and a floor defining part of a watertight cavity. The display is non-perpendicularly angled from horizontal and has proximal and distal ends. And a closure device is provided for use with a watertight container. The closure device is configured to selectively seal an opening in the watertight container and includes coupling structure (a plug, a flange, and/or threading) for selectively coupling the closure device to the watertight container to seal the opening. The closure device further includes non-transitory computer memory, at least one sensor, and a processor in data communication with the memory and the at least one sensor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a color changing display includes a housing, a cover cooperatively coupled to the housing, a light panel, and a color display panel. The light panel and the color display panel are positioned between the housing and the cover. The light panel and the colored display panel are each selectively activated to operate in at least one of: a reflective mode, a transmissive mode, and a transflective mode.