Abstract: A computer implemented method of distributing noise exposures to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over a neighborhood includes: accessing a noise exposure map stored in a database and generating a new flight path over the neighborhood for a first UAV of the UAVs based at least in part on the noise exposure map. The noise exposure map includes noise exposure values indexed to locations within the neighborhood. Each of the noise exposure values quantifies a cumulative noise exposure of a corresponding one of the locations due at least in part to historical flight paths of the UAVs over the neighborhood.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to aviation communications are included. A computing device can receive position data indicating a position of an aerial vehicle. The position can include an altitude. The computing device can determine, from a plurality of possible airspace classifications, a first airspace classification at the position of the aerial vehicle, where each airspace classification specifies one or more communication parameters for communication within an associated airspace. The computing device can select, from a plurality of communication repositories, a first communication repository that is associated with the first airspace classification, where each communication repository specifies a set of pre-defined communication components for at least one associated airspace classification. The computing device can generate a communication related to the aerial vehicle using the first communication repository. The computing device can send the generated communication to at least one recipient.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of distributing noise exposures to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over a neighborhood includes: receiving flight routing requests to fly the UAVs over the neighborhood; accessing a noise exposure map stored in a noise exposure database in response to the flight routing requests; and generating new flight paths for the UAVs over the neighborhood that load level additional noise exposures that the new flight paths will contribute to the noise exposure map. The noise exposure map includes noise exposure values indexed to properties within the neighborhood. The noise exposure values quantify cumulative noise exposures of the properties due to historical flight paths of the UAVs over the neighborhood.

Abstract: A chemical sensing system includes a substrate material, a detector capable of indicating a presence of a target compound, gas, or vapor, and a heater for rapidly releasing compounds, gases and vapors from the substrate material. The substrate material acts to concentrate the compounds, gases, and vapors from a sample area for improved detection by the detector.

Abstract: A container for disposal of medical waste is provided that comprises a receptacle with an open top. A lid is attached to the receptacle to cover the open top of the receptacle. The lid has an elongated opening sized to permit the introduction of medical waste into the receptacle. A closure flap is connected to the lid to selectively close the lid opening. The closure flap is movable between an open position, a closed position and a locked position. The closure flap is attached to the lid by axial hubs that extend from each side of the closure flap through openings in the side walls of the lid. Covers attached to the outside of the side wall of the lid and engaged with the closure flap axial hub. The container may also include a locking external cabinet that encloses the receptacle and can be mounted to a wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to autonomous aerial communications are included. A computing device can detect data associated with relevant events, determine information related to the event that should be communicated and a target aerial vehicle for that information, identify one or more operational parameters of the target aerial vehicle, and, based on those operational parameters, select a language associated with the target aerial vehicle, and generate and transmit a message expressing that information in the selected language to the target aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of distributing noise exposures to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over a neighborhood includes: receiving flight routing requests to fly the UAVs over the neighborhood; accessing a noise exposure map stored in a noise exposure database in response to the flight routing requests; and generating new flight paths for the UAVs over the neighborhood that load level additional noise exposures that the new flight paths will contribute to the noise exposure map. The noise exposure map includes noise exposure values indexed to properties within the neighborhood. The noise exposure values quantify cumulative noise exposures of the properties due to historical flight paths of the UAVs over the neighborhood.

Abstract: A container for disposal of medical waste is provided that comprises a receptacle with an open top. A lid is attached to the receptacle to cover the open top of the receptacle. The lid has an elongated opening sized to permit the introduction of medical waste into the receptacle. A closure flap is connected to the lid to selectively close the lid opening. The closure flap is movable between an open position, a closed position and a locked position. The closure flap is attached to the lid by axial hubs that extend from each side of the closure flap through openings in the side walls of the lid. Covers attached to the outside of the side wall of the lid and engaged with the closure flap axial hub. The container may also include a locking external cabinet that encloses the receptacle and can be mounted to a wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to autonomous aerial communications are included. A computing device can detect data associated with relevant events, determine information related to the event that should be communicated and a target aerial vehicle for that information, identify one or more operational parameters of the target aerial vehicle, and, based on those operational parameters, select a language associated with the target aerial vehicle, and generate and transmit a message expressing that information in the selected language to the target aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to aviation communications are included. A computing device can receive position data indicating a position of an aerial vehicle. The position can include an altitude. The computing device can determine, from a plurality of possible airspace classifications, a first airspace classification at the position of the aerial vehicle, where each airspace classification specifies one or more communication parameters for communication within an associated airspace. The computing device can select, from a plurality of communication repositories, a first communication repository that is associated with the first airspace classification, where each communication repository specifies a set of pre-defined communication components for at least one associated airspace classification. The computing device can generate a communication related to the aerial vehicle using the first communication repository. The computing device can send the generated communication to at least one recipient.

Abstract: GNSS receivers and methods of determining a current receiver state of a GNSS receiver are provided. The method includes receiving positioning signals from a plurality of satellites; generating a plurality of correlation grids from the received positioning signals, where each correlation grid is associated with a respective one of the plurality of satellites; estimating a probability distribution of the current receiver state from the plurality of correlation grids; and determining a maximum likelihood estimate of the current receiver state from the estimated probability distribution.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to aviation communications are included. A computing device can receive position data indicating a position of an aerial vehicle. The position can include an altitude. The computing device can determine, from a plurality of possible airspace classifications, a first airspace classification at the position of the aerial vehicle, where each airspace classification specifies one or more communication parameters for communication within an associated airspace. The computing device can select, from a plurality of communication repositories, a first communication repository that is associated with the first airspace classification, where each communication repository specifies a set of pre-defined communication components for at least one associated airspace classification. The computing device can generate a communication related to the aerial vehicle using the first communication repository. The computing device can send the generated communication to at least one recipient.

Abstract: Described herein is a system comprising (a) a UAS registry including a plurality of UAS accounts each including owner information data and a unique UAS identifier, (b) a plurality of UAS registration computing systems operable to create UAS accounts for the UAS registry, (c) a plurality of USS computing systems that each provide service to one of a plurality of service areas within an airspace, wherein each USS computing system is operable to: (i) receive, from UAS operators, operation data for UASs operating in the service area served by the USS computing system, (ii) receive, from the other USS computing systems for the airspace, operation data for UASs operating in the other service areas served the other USS computing systems, (iii) combine the operation data received from the UAS operators for the corresponding service area, with the operation data received from the other USS computing systems for the other service areas in the airspace, to maintain an airspace-wide UAS database, and (iv) provide a publi

Abstract: Described herein is a method comprising (a) sending unmanned aircraft system (UAS) data providing a first UAS location indication on a map on a display of the computing device, wherein the first UAS location indication comprises an aggregate indication of a plurality of UASs located within a first area on the map, (b) receiving data comprising a request for additional information related to the first UAS location indication, (c) in response to receiving the request for additional information, sending additional location data related to the plurality of UASs, including a plurality of second UAS location indications at a plurality of locations within the first area on the map, wherein each second UAS indication corresponds to a subset of the plurality of UASs represented by the first UAS location indication, and (d) updating the display of the computing device to show the plurality of second UAS location indications.

Abstract: A modular component including an elongate hollow body having first and second attaching elements for attaching the modular component to another modular component. The first attaching element is in the form of cylindrical shaped spigot extending along an external surface of a first side wall of the body. The second attaching element is in the form of socket extending along an external surface of a second side wall of the body directly opposite the spigot. The socket has an internal shape that is sized and of a complementary shape of the spigot for receiving a spigot of another modular component. The socket is connected to the spigot by one or more bracing members that extend in a direction from the first side towards the second side between the spigot and the socket.

Abstract: A lid (100) for a container (1901) includes a first sliding door (102) and a second sliding door (103). A lid body (101) has a container engaging section (104) and an interior section (103) having a sliding surface (120) and a sharps disposal aperture (119). The second sliding door interlocks between the sliding surface and the first sliding door. The first sliding door and the second sliding door are selectively slidable between: an open position (1100) with a minor protuberance (124) and the major protuberance (125) disposed beneath the second sliding door; a partially closed position (1500) with an edge (701) of the second sliding door disposed between the minor protuberance and the major protuberance; and a closed position (1700) with the major protuberance disposed between the edge of the second sliding door and the minor protuberance.

Abstract: In various embodiments, wavelength beam combining laser systems incorporate etalons to establish external lasing cavities and/or to combine multiple input beams into a single output beam.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to aviation communications are included. A computing device can receive position data indicating a position of an aerial vehicle. The position can include an altitude. The computing device can determine, from a plurality of possible airspace classifications, a first airspace classification at the position of the aerial vehicle, where each airspace classification specifies one or more communication parameters for communication within an associated airspace. The computing device can select, from a plurality of communication repositories, a first communication repository that is associated with the first airspace classification, where each communication repository specifies a set of pre-defined communication components for at least one associated airspace classification. The computing device can generate a communication related to the aerial vehicle using the first communication repository. The computing device can send the generated communication to at least one recipient.

Abstract: In various embodiments, wavelength beam combining laser systems incorporate etalons to establish external lasing cavities and/or to combine multiple input beams into a single output beam.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for identifying, assessing, and responding to vulnerabilities on a mobile communication device. Information about the mobile communication device, such as its operating system, firmware version, or software configuration, is transmitted to a server for assessment. The server accesses a data storage storing information about vulnerabilities. Based on the received information, the server may identify those vulnerabilities affecting the mobile communication device, and may transmit a notification to remediate those vulnerabilities. The server may also transmit result information about the vulnerabilities affecting the mobile communication device. The server may also store the received information about the device, so that in the event the server learns of new vulnerabilities, it may continue to assess whether the device is affected, and may accordingly notify or remediate the device.