Abstract: A compact system and method for two-way communication via digital radio modes, such as FT4 and FT8, are disclosed. The system includes a multiband transceiver, protol definition files, an audio signal generator, a digital signal processor, an monopole antenna system, a ground system with a ground plane, solar power supply, and a computer interface with input and output capabilities. The system scans a predefined spectrum slice, detects digital mode signals, decodes them, and displays the results on a waterfall display. Users can input data by selecting icons or via a keyboard or microphone, with the latter employing speech-to-text conversion. A user-friendly interface allows message encoding and transmission by selecting specific options, ensuring efficient use of frequency bands licensed for amateur radio. The system is easily adaptable for use by other classes of radio operator.

Abstract: A system and method for extending and holding aloft a long-wire radio antenna using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), optimizing high-frequency (HF) radio communication where ground-based infrastructure is impractical. The UAV-based system pulls an antenna wire from a reel vertically and hovers in place holding the antenna at a length resonant on the transmitting frequency, enabling effective skip propagation. The system includes mechanisms for precise impedance matching and standing wave ratio (SWR) tuning through automatic adjustments of antenna length, facilitated by onboard sensors and control systems. The antenna wire is connected to a reel anchored to the ground and connected to a wire-mesh ground plane. In one embodiment, the system constantly feeds electric power to the UAV, with filters isolating RF and power currents, enabling both antenna and power transmission functions on the same wire. This system addresses the challenges of maintaining HF communication in remote or disaster-stricken regions.

Abstract: An autonomous aerial vehicle equipped to capture high quality video of news is integrated with bonded cellular and blended wireless capabilities and with automated battery replacement stations. This system, and the method for using it, enable individual journalists to transport the autonomous aerial vehicle to the site of breaking news or another newsworthy scene, launch the vehicle in a matter of minutes, and begin capturing video which is streamed through the wireless parts of the system to traditional broadcast channels, such as over-the-air television or to Internet-based streaming channels. The system and method aggregate the bandwidth of multiple cellular, microwave, and satellite channels to accommodate the bitrate of the video signal from the aerial camera. Automated battery replacement stations enable the autonomous aerial vehicles at least one autonomous aerial vehicle to remain in the air at all times, thus avoiding interruptions necessitated by battery exhaustion in the vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method employing an autonomous aerial vehicle programmed to stimulate a pet to engage in playful activities exercising the pet. The system is capable of executing a variety of rapid movements and emitting specific sounds designed to elicit reactions from the pet, such as barks, whines, and human utterances. In a learning mode, the system analyzes pet reactions to various stimuli. In a normal mode, it prioritizes movements and sounds that generate the most intense responses. The system includes safety measures to maintain a safe distance between the vehicle and the pet, ensuring that the vehicle automatically retreats if the pet comes too close. The system autonomously returns to its launch position when the pet disengages or when battery levels are low.

Abstract: A system and method for herding animals by a formation of autonomous vehicles, representing an improvement on U.S. application Ser. No. 18/608,136, AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING STRAYS AND MANAGING HERDS. A plurality of herding vehicles use models derived from research and experience in animal husbandry to direct specific vehicles to specific positions with respect to a herd and to move and to emit sounds and light signals so as to induce the herd to stay together and to move in the desired direction at the desired speed. The system detects animals straying from the herd and deploys herding vehicles to drive them back into the herd. It periodically sends herding vehicles to a battery replacement station to receive fully charged batteries. The system operates in two modes: a roundup mode and a herding mode after a herd is fully assembled.

Abstract: A system and method that take the constraints of a search warrant, process them digitally, and transfer them into the navigation system of an aerial vehicle so that the aerial vehicle executes surveillance and search under the control of a human operator without flying outside the constraints, thus ensuring that the search does not violate the law or exceed the constraints of the warrant.

Abstract: The system and method involve an unmanned aerial vehicle, a pilot line, a winding mechanism, and a remote control device. The unmanned aerial vehicle is of the rotorcraft type and has a coupling for the pilot line. The pilot line is wound around the winding mechanism and connecting to the unmanned aerial vehicle. The remote control device accepts commands from a human operator and transmits control signals to the unmanned aerial vehicle, causing it to lift the pilot line over a support element. A payload line then is attached to the end of the pilot line. The human operator uses a winding device to wind the pilot line back around the winding mechanism, pulling the attached payload line over the support element.

Abstract: An autonomous herding system designed to manage and retrieve stray animals using an autonomous herding vehicle, each equipped with advanced navigation, propulsion, and sensory technology. The system utilizes a combination of optical-LiDAR sensors, global navigation satellite systems, machine-learning-derived image templates to detect and locate stray animals with respect to a herd and to guide them back. The system's modules collaborate to create an efficient, automated process that identifies stray animals, calculates the necessary approach vectors, and uses strategic movements and noises to encourage strays to rejoin their herd. This streamlines the herding process, reducing labor costs and improving the safety of both animals and human operators.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing and rendering captured images and/or manipulating pixels to disrupt the capture process and/or captured images from a screen display thereby rendering all or part of the captured images not readily recognizable to a viewer.

Abstract: A secure messaging system that allows a user to display incoming messages that appear in the same format as outgoing message, that have no identifying information to identify the sender or recipient of any message displayed, and that deletes messages after the messages have been read. The secure messaging system also allows usernames in a contacts application to be identified using nicknames.

Abstract: Methods and systems for load sharing signaling messages among signaling links in a network utilizing an international signaling protocol are disclosed. A routing node receives a signaling message formatted according to an international signaling protocol. The routing node generates a signaling link selection parameter for the signaling message. The routing node selects an outbound signaling link based on the generated signaling link selection parameter. The number of bits in the generated SLS value is user-configurable, thus allowing load sharing among arbitrary numbers of signaling links.

Abstract: Apparatus for randomly marking a game card comprises an array of marking means (46, 48) independently moveable within respective apertures (40) from a stowed position to a deployed position to mark a game card, a plurality of balls (62), the number of which is less than the number of marking means, each ball being capable of entering wholly a randomly selected one of the apertures, and means (64) for engaging each ball when located in its respective aperture to move its related marking means from the stowed position to the deployed position.

Abstract: The method of appliqueing sheet material, in particular, bonding a synthetic resin such as polyvinyl chloride to one or more portions of a woven fabric, comprising supporting the synthetic resin applique in compressive engagement with the sheet material in a high frequency field at a temperature such as to cause fusing and bonding of the applique to the sheet material and while fusing the synthetic resin of the applique conducting vapors generated within the sheet material by said high frequency heating away from the sheet material to allow the use of a level of power to cause the synthetic resin to penetrate into the sheet material and to prevent condensation of the vapors on the platens of the high frequency press employed to effect bonding.