Abstract: An ultrasonic audio transducer system includes an ultrasonic speaker. The ultrasonic speaker may be an electrostatic emitter, a piezoelectric emitter (single crystal or stack), a piezoelectric film emitter, or any other emitter capable of emitting ultrasound. The ultrasonic speaker is configured to be coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to an audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal from an amplifier, wherein upon application of the audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal, the ultrasonic speaker is configured to launch a pressure-wave representation of the audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal into the air. Additionally, the ultrasonic speaker may be implemented with an impedance matching element or optimized for matching the response within a user's ear canal, and the ultrasonic audio transducer system may include The ultrasonic audio headphone system can further include a frequency mismatched microphone to avoid feedback when the microphone and the ultrasonic speaker are, e.g.

Abstract: An entangling projectile for use in a projectile deployment system includes a pair of pellets and a flexible tether connecting the pellets. Each of the pellets includes an outer diameter and at least one recessed portion extending inwardly from the outer diameter, the recessed portion having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pellet such that a pocket is formed in the pellet. The pocket provides an area for accumulation of debris and gasses carried by a pressure wave created by the projectile deployment system. One or more engagement hooks can be coupled to one or both the pellets, or to the tether.

Abstract: A projectile deployment system includes an entangling projectile having a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. A projectile casing includes a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry one of the pellets, the sockets being oriented at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the projectile casing such that the pellets travel apart from one another as they are expelled from the projectile casing. A launcher carries the casing and includes a selectively activatable pressure source capable of expelling the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject.

Abstract: A projectile deployment system includes an entangling projectile including a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. A projectile casing includes a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry one of the pair of pellets and a selectively activatable pressure source, carried by the projectile casing. The pressure source is capable of expelling the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject. A launcher carries an activator operable to activate the pressure source to expel the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward the subject. The projectile casing is removably engageable with the launcher to allow removal of the projectile casing from the launcher after expulsion of the entangling projectile from the projectile casing.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a computer-based system for managing just-in-time preparation and delivery of food products. In the system, customers can build, place, and pay for their order. Once the order is placed, the system will track the users location, only starting to prepare their food when the customer is within a specific proximity to the retail location. The proximity will be dynamic and expand and contract with the customer's movements. Finally, the system will coordinate the preparation, assembly and packaging of the order to provide just-in-time delivery of the customer's order, thereby reducing food waste and enhancing the freshness and taste of the product delivered to improve the customer experience.

Abstract: A system comprises a set piece, a threaded block, and a nut and is configured to support a panel in a railing system. The set piece comprises a block portion and a base portion. The block portion has a first planar surface and an opposing, second planar surface. The base portion is planar and extends from an edge of the block portion substantially perpendicular to the first and second surfaces of the block portion and away from the first surface of the block portion. The threaded block comprises a base and an extended circular portion. The circular portion comprises a threaded surface on the circumference, and the threaded block is configured to align with the set piece. The nut is configured to engage the threaded block. The nut comprises a corresponding threaded internal circular surface to rotatably engage the extended circular portion and move orthogonal to the threaded block base.

Abstract: The present application includes a system and method of improving a player's putting game. The system includes a target having a plurality of different sized holes adjacent its lower surface and configured to permit the passage of a rolling golf ball through the target. The target is secured in a particular orientation by one or more legs coupled to the target. The method includes a player selecting a particular hole to practice putts in one of three different distance ranges. Speed control is practiced by comparing the distance the golf ball traveled past the target to that of the length of the leg.

Abstract: An ultrasonic audio transducer system includes an ultrasonic speaker. The ultrasonic speaker may be an electrostatic emitter, a piezoelectric emitter (single crystal or stack), a piezoelectric film emitter, or any other emitter capable of emitting ultrasound. The ultrasonic speaker is configured to be coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to an audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal from an amplifier, wherein upon application of the audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal, the ultrasonic speaker is configured to launch a pressure-wave representation of the audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal into the air. Additionally, the ultrasonic speaker may be implemented with an impedance matching element or optimized for matching the response within a user's ear canal, and the ultrasonic audio transducer system may include The ultrasonic audio headphone system can further include a frequency mismatched microphone to avoid feedback when the microphone and the ultrasonic speaker are, e.g.

Abstract: A method of computing a tension value is provided. A strain gauge output signal generated by a strain gauge is received. A strain value is determined from the received strain gauge output signal. A pair of calibration points is identified that bound the strain value. A tension-strain equation is determined from the identified pair of calibration points. A tension value is calculated for the band blade using the determined tension-strain equation and the strain value. The calculated tension value is output.

Abstract: An ultrasonic audio headphone system includes two ultrasonic speakers, each having a backing plate and a flexible layer disposed adjacent the backing plate. The backing plate and the flexible layer are each configured to be electrically coupled to a respective one of a pair of signal lines carrying the audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal from the amplifier, wherein upon application of the audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal, the flexible layer is configured to launch a pressure-wave representation of the audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal into the air. The ultrasonic audio headphone system can further include a frequency mismatched microphone to avoid feedback when the microphone and the ultrasonic speakers are, e.g., proximately located.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for efficient transition between broadcast media reception and multicast/unicast media reception. Broadcast media quality is dynamically analyzed to determine when transition is appropriate. Broadcast services are mapped to multicast/unicast delivered services. Transition occurs smoothly by acquiring both broadcast and multicast/unicast media during transition and analyzing timing data to allow for media stream alignment and switchover.

Abstract: A computing system receives status transmissions from nodes within a portion of an electricity distribution network. The status transmissions include information related to hardware problems experienced by nodes within the portion of that network. The computing system determines a “heat” value for each of the status transmissions, where the heat value for a given transmission represents the operating conditions of, and/or the severity of hardware/software problems experienced by, the node responsible for sending that transmission. The computing system aggregates the heat values across the entire portion of the electricity distribution network and compares the aggregated heat values to a threshold value. When the aggregated value exceeds the threshold value, the computing system identifies a crisis situation arising within the portion of the electricity distribution network.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for efficient transition between broadcast media reception and multicast/unicast media reception. Broadcast media quality is dynamically analyzed to determine when transition is appropriate. Broadcast services are mapped to multicast/unicast delivered services. Transition occurs smoothly by acquiring both broadcast and multicast/unicast media during transition and analyzing timing data to allow for media stream alignment and switchover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corrosion resistant reactor tube, method for providing a passivating or corrosion resistant coating to the inside of the reactor tube, and a method of making high bismuth glass powders using the corrosion resistant reactor tube.

Abstract: A disclosed protective cover assembly includes features that maintain a suction cup in a desired orientation such that a release tab remains accessible and includes features that aid in positioning and that prevent errant premature release. The disclosed protective panel assembly includes an improved suction cup that provides for limited contact during positioning of the panel. Further, the assembly includes the clip that holds the suction cup in place while also protecting the release tab. The protective cover includes pad and cushion that pulls on the button of the suction cup to generate a vacuum within a desired range that does not affect the surface finish while generating a sufficient holding force.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a refractory which is resistant to corrosion which degrades the refractory during titanium-ore beneficiation in a furnace, particularly a rotary hearth furnace. In particular, the disclosure relates to a layered refractory lining for a furnace, for use in a titanium ore beneficiation process wherein a titanium oxide-rich molten slag is formed, comprising: (a) a first layer comprising a major proportion of alumina and a minor proportion of zirconia; (b) a second layer comprising a resistant agent for the molten slag; wherein the second layer is between the slag and the first layer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a refractory which is resistant to corrosion which degrades the refractory during titanium-ore beneficiation in a furnace, particularly a rotary hearth furnace. In particular, the disclosure relates to a layered refractory lining for a furnace, for use in a titanium ore beneficiation process wherein a titanium oxide-rich molten slag is formed, comprising: (a) a first layer comprising a major proportion of alumina and a minor proportion of zirconia; (b) a second layer comprising a resistant agent for the molten slag; wherein the second layer is between the slag and the first layer.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for efficient transition between broadcast media reception and multicast/unicast media reception. Broadcast media quality is dynamically analyzed to determine when transition is appropriate. Broadcast services are mapped to multicast/unicast delivered services. Transition occurs smoothly by acquiring both broadcast and multicast/unicast media during transition and analyzing timing data to allow for media stream alignment and switchover.

Abstract: A computing system receives status transmissions from nodes within a portion of an electricity distribution network. The status transmissions include information related to hardware problems experienced by nodes within the portion of that network. The computing system determines a “heat” value for each of the status transmissions, where the heat value for a given transmission represents the operating conditions of, and/or the severity of hardware/software problems experienced by, the node responsible for sending that transmission. The computing system aggregates the heat values across the entire portion of the electricity distribution network and compares the aggregated heat values to a threshold value. When the aggregated value exceeds the threshold value, the computing system identifies a crisis situation arising within the portion of the electricity distribution network.

Abstract: A method of processing geophysical data including at least measured potential field data from a potential field survey of a surveyed region of the earth to provide a representation of the geology of said surveyed region, the method comprising generating a first model of said surveyed region by fitting data predicted by said first model to said measured data for a specified frequency range; predicting full range potential field data for all measured frequencies using said generated first model; comparing said full range predicted data to said measured potential field data to provide full range residual data representing a difference between the full range predicted data and the full range measured data, and interpreting said full range residual data to provide a representation of said geology of said surveyed region.