Abstract: An equipment security system includes one or more sensors or optical recording devices disposed on or inside a cargo container. A computing device receives data from the one or more sensors or optical recording devices, determines whether an event has occurred at the cargo container, determines a geofence associated with the cargo container, and selects or configures a dynamic script including instructions that specify whether to begin recording an event occurring at or inside the cargo container, whether to record the event in an overwritable, local memory associated with at least one of the one or more sensors or optical recording devices or the computing device, parameters that govern how data associated with the event will be recorded, and whether to upload the data from the local memory to a remote server.

Abstract: A photogrammetry system includes a memory, a processor, and a geo-positioning device. The geo-positioning device outputs telemetry regarding a vehicle on which one or more cameras are mounted. The processor can receive first telemetry from the geo-positioning device characterizing the vehicle telemetry at a first time, camera specification(s) regarding the cameras, photogrammetric requirement(s) for captured images, and a last camera trigger time. The processor can determine a next trigger time for the cameras based upon the received telemetry, camera specification(s), photogrammetric requirement(s), and last trigger time. The processor can transmit a trigger signal to the camera(s) and the geo-positioning device to cause the camera(s) to acquire images of a target and the geo-positioning device to store second vehicle telemetry data characterizing the vehicle telemetry at a second time that is after the first time and during acquisition of the images.

Abstract: A system is provided including an unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle can include at least one gas sensor and a manifold coupled to the at least one gas sensor. The manifold can include at least one sample conduit including a sample inlet, a filter, and a valve coupled to the filter. The unmanned aerial vehicle can include a controller and a computing device coupled to the controller. The computing device can include a processor configured to perform operations to receive sensor data characterizing a first sample of a first gas sampled via the at least one sensor. The processor can also determine sample data associated with the first gas based on the sensor data. The sample data can include a concentration and a type of the first gas. The processor can further provide the sample data. Related methods, apparatus, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes an adjustable surface that can be quickly adjusted through use of a plurality of actuators. The surface can be used as a dynamic decoration or a haptic visualization tool for the blind. The system uses special couplings between the actuators and the adjustable surface that allow the actuators to control the shape of the surface, while still allowing the surface to be deformed by outside pressure without forcing or damaging the actuators. These couplings formed by a selection of springs, flexures, cables, and ball joints allow the surface to be quickly adjusted to a new shape. The adjustable surface can be used to shape plastic, metal, or glass sheets or as composite layup forms. A frame of the system engages actuators in a way that allows the actuators to move in axial directions of the actuators and adjust the shape of the surface.

Abstract: A photogrammetry system includes a memory, a processor, and a geo-positioning device. The geo-positioning device outputs telemetry regarding a vehicle on which one or more cameras are mounted. The processor can receive first telemetry from the geo-positioning device characterizing the vehicle telemetry at a first time, camera specification(s) regarding the cameras, photogrammetric requirement(s) for captured images, and a last camera trigger time. The processor can determine a next trigger time for the cameras based upon the received telemetry, camera specification(s), photogrammetric requirement(s), and last trigger time. The processor can transmit a trigger signal to the camera(s) and the geo-positioning device to cause the camera(s) to acquire images of a target and the geo-positioning device to store second vehicle telemetry data characterizing the vehicle telemetry at a second time that is after the first time and during acquisition of the images.

Abstract: An equipment security system includes one or more sensors or optical recording devices disposed on or inside a cargo container. A computing device receives data from the one or more sensors or optical recording devices, determines whether an event has occurred at the cargo container, determines a geofence associated with the cargo container, and selects or configures a dynamic script including instructions that specify whether to begin recording an event occurring at or inside the cargo container, whether to record the event in an overwritable, local memory associated with at least one of the one or more sensors or optical recording devices or the computing device, parameters that govern how data associated with the event will be recorded, and whether to upload the data from the local memory to a remote server.

Abstract: A photogrammetry system includes a memory, a processor, and a geo-positioning device. The geo-positioning device outputs telemetry regarding a vehicle on which one or more cameras are mounted. The processor can receive first telemetry from the geo-positioning device characterizing the vehicle telemetry at a first time, camera specification(s) regarding the cameras, photogrammetric requirement(s) for captured images, and a last camera trigger time. The processor can determine a next trigger time for the cameras based upon the received telemetry, camera specification(s), photogrammetric requirement(s), and last trigger time. The processor can transmit a trigger signal to the camera(s) and the geo-positioning device to cause the camera(s) to acquire images of a target and the geo-positioning device to store second vehicle telemetry data characterizing the vehicle telemetry at a second time that is after the first time and during acquisition of the images.

Abstract: A magnetic thrust bearing is designed for use in a pumping system that includes a pump driven by a motor through a shaft. The magnetic thrust bearing includes one or more platters that remain stationary with respect to the shaft and one or more thrust discs connected to the shaft and interleaved with the one or more platters. Each of the one or more platters includes a plurality of platter magnets and each of the one or more thrust discs includes a plurality of thrust disc magnets. The magnets on the platters and thrust discs are configured to produce repulsive magnetic forces as the thrust discs approach the platters.

Abstract: A magnetic thrust bearing is designed for use in a pumping system that includes a pump driven by a motor through a shaft. The magnetic thrust bearing includes one or more platters that remain stationary with respect to the shaft and one or more thrust discs connected to the shaft and interleaved with the one or more platters. Each of the one or more platters includes a plurality of platter magnets and each of the one or more thrust discs includes a plurality of thrust disc magnets. The magnets on the platters and thrust discs are configured to produce repulsive magnetic forces as the thrust discs approach the platters.

Abstract: An X-ray detector using a semiconductor detector, most preferably a Silicon Drift Detector, utilizes a field effect transistor or other voltage-controlled resistance to generate an output voltage proportional to its input charge (which is generated by the X-ray photons incident on the semiconductor detector). To keep the charge (and thus the output voltage) to an acceptable range—one wherein the relationship between output voltage and input charge is substantially proportional—a feedback circuit is provided between the output and input terminals, wherein the charge on the input terminal is depleted when the output voltage begins leaving the desired range. Preferably, this is done by a comparator which monitors the output voltage, and provides a reset signal to the input terminal when it begins moving out of range. Alternatively or additionally, the reset signal may be a pulse supplied to the input terminal from a pulse generator activated by the comparator.