Abstract: System and method are provided where parcels or packages are associated or grouped, into logical group or logical containerization of parcels or packages, without need for physical container, such that parcels or packages can be tracked as a group, for example with a unique group ID. Logical group may be tracked within specified logical zone on conveyor, transported, sorted and/or otherwise processed as unique logical group without need to be contained in physical container. System and method for automated sortation can accumulate set number or set volume of packages, and then process the accumulated set number or volume of packages.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a digital beamformed phased array feed. The system may include a radome configured to allow electromagnetic waves to propagate; a multi-band software defined antenna array tile; a power and clock management subsystem configured to manage power and time of operation; a thermal management subsystem configured to dissipate heat generated by the multi-band software defined antenna array tile; and an enclosure assembly. The multi-band software defined antenna array tile may include a plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements; a plurality of frequency converters; and a plurality of digital beamformers.

Abstract: A method of filtration in a process vessel using a treated filter media which has been treated with a conditioner for improved filtration of contaminants is provided. The treated filter media can be used in process vessels for refining, petrochemical, and chemical plants to treat process streams. The conditioner can be the same material as what is expected to be captured during the fouling process. In other words, the conditioner that is added to the treated filter media can be the same material as the contaminant in the fluid stream to be treated. This allows for chemical compatibility with an existing process fluid stream. This also allows for the natural continuation of the filtration process.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a method and system for receiving, in a bitstream, metadata associated with the audio data, and analyzing the metadata to determine whether a loudness parameter for a first group of audio playback devices are available in the bitstream. Responsive to determining that the parameters are present for the first group, the system uses the parameters and audio data to render audio. Responsive to determining that the loudness parameters are not present for the first group, the system analyzes one or more characteristics of the first group, and determines the parameter based on the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: Columnar multi-axis microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices (such as gyroscopes) balanced against undesired linear and angular vibration are described herein. In some embodiments, the columnar MEMS device may comprise at least two multiple-mass columns, each having at least three proof masses and being configured to sense rotation about a respective axis. The motion and mass of the proof masses may be controlled to achieve linear and rotational balancing of the MEMS device. The columnar MEMS device may further comprise one or more modular drive structures disposed alongside each multiple-mass column to facilitate displacement of the proof masses of a respective column. The MEMS devices described herein may be used to sense roll, yaw, and pitch angular rates.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) inertial sensors exhibiting reduced parasitic capacitance are described. The reduction in the parasitic capacitance may be achieved by forming localized regions of thick dielectric material. These localized regions may be formed inside trenches. Formation of trenches enables an increase in the vertical separation between a sense capacitor and the substrate, thereby reducing the parasitic capacitance in this region. The stationary electrode of the sense capacitor may be placed between the proof mass and the trench. The trench may be filled with a dielectric material. Part of the trench may be filled with air, in some circumstances, thereby further reducing the parasitic capacitance. These MEMS inertial sensors may serve, among other types of inertial sensors, as accelerometers and/or gyroscopes. Fabrication of these trenches may involve lateral oxidation, whereby columns of semiconductor material are oxidized.

Abstract: A hair collection apparatus that is configured to be releasably secured to a support surface in a bathroom wherein the present invention receives and retains hair strands for subsequent disposal. The present invention includes a body having at least one wall forming an interior volume. The body includes an opening proximate the lower end thereof. Releasably secured to the opening is a cap member. The cap member is removable so as to disposed of contents within the interior volume of the body. A keeper is secured to the cap member that is operable to secured the apparatus to a desired location. The body includes an upper portion integrally formed proximate the upper end of the body. The upper portion includes a receiving aperture wherein the receiving aperture further includes a plurality of retention members. The retention members are adjacent each other and separate by slits.

Abstract: Couplers for selectively coupling in-plane and out-of-plane motion between moving masses are provided herein. In particular, aspects of the present application provide for a coupler configured to couple in-plane motion between moving masses while decoupling out-of-plane motion between the moving masses. The selective couplers as described herein may be used in a device, such as a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) inertial sensor. In some embodiments, a MEMS inertial sensor comprises a first mass configured to move in-plane, a second mass configured to move in-plane and out-of-plane, and a coupler coupling the first and second masses and comprising two levers coupled to an anchor point by respective tethers and coupled to each other by a spring.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) inertial sensors exhibiting reduced parasitic capacitance are described. The reduction in the parasitic capacitance may be achieved by forming localized regions of thick dielectric material. These localized regions may be formed inside trenches. Formation of trenches enables an increase in the vertical separation between a sense capacitor and the substrate, thereby reducing the parasitic capacitance in this region. The stationary electrode of the sense capacitor may be placed between the proof mass and the trench. The trench may be filled with a dielectric material. Part of the trench may be filled with air, in some circumstances, thereby further reducing the parasitic capacitance. These MEMS inertial sensors may serve, among other types of inertial sensors, as accelerometers and/or gyroscopes. Fabrication of these trenches may involve lateral oxidation, whereby columns of semiconductor material are oxidized.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) inertial sensors exhibiting reduced parasitic capacitance are described. The reduction in the parasitic capacitance may be achieved by forming localized regions of thick dielectric material. These localized regions may be formed inside trenches. Formation of trenches enables an increase in the vertical separation between a sense capacitor and the substrate, thereby reducing the parasitic capacitance in this region. The stationary electrode of the sense capacitor may be placed between the proof mass and the trench. The trench may be filled with a dielectric material. Part of the trench may be filled with air, in some circumstances, thereby further reducing the parasitic capacitance. These MEMS inertial sensors may serve, among other types of inertial sensors, as accelerometers and/or gyroscopes. Fabrication of these trenches may involve lateral oxidation, whereby columns of semiconductor material are oxidized.

Abstract: Columnar multi-axis microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices (such as gyroscopes) balanced against undesired linear and angular vibration are described herein. In some embodiments, the columnar MEMS device may comprise at least two multiple-mass columns, each having at least three proof masses and being configured to sense rotation about a respective axis. The motion and mass of the proof masses may be controlled to achieve linear and rotational balancing of the MEMS device. The columnar MEMS device may further comprise one or more modular drive structures disposed alongside each multiple-mass column to facilitate displacement of the proof masses of a respective column. The MEMS devices described herein may be used to sense roll, yaw, and pitch angular rates.

Abstract: Couplers for selectively coupling in-plane and out-of-plane motion between moving masses are provided herein. In particular, aspects of the present application provide for a coupler configured to couple in-plane motion between moving masses while decoupling out-of-plane motion between the moving masses. The selective couplers as described herein may be used in a device, such as a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) inertial sensor. In some embodiments, a MEMS inertial sensor comprises a first mass configured to move in-plane, a second mass configured to move in-plane and out-of-plane, and a coupler coupling the first and second masses and comprising two levers coupled to an anchor point by respective tethers and coupled to each other by a spring.

Abstract: Columnar multi-axis microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices (such as gyroscopes) balanced against undesired linear and angular vibration are described herein. In some embodiments, the columnar MEMS device may comprise at least two multiple-mass columns, each having at least three proof masses and being configured to sense rotation about a respective axis. The motion and mass of the proof masses may be controlled to achieve linear and rotational balancing of the MEMS device. The columnar MEMS device may further comprise one or more modular drive structures disposed alongside each multiple-mass column to facilitate displacement of the proof masses of a respective column. The MEMS devices described herein may be used to sense roll, yaw, and pitch angular rates.

Abstract: Columnar multi-axis microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices (such as gyroscopes) balanced against undesired linear and angular vibration are described herein. In some embodiments, the columnar MEMS device may comprise at least two multiple-mass columns, each having at least three proof masses and being configured to sense rotation about a respective axis. The motion and mass of the proof masses may be controlled to achieve linear and rotational balancing of the MEMS device. The columnar MEMS device may further comprise one or more modular drive structures disposed alongside each multiple-mass column to facilitate displacement of the proof masses of a respective column. The MEMS devices described herein may be used to sense roll, yaw, and pitch angular rates.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices (such as gyroscopes) configured to reject quadrature motion are described. Quadrature motion arises for example when the drive motion of a gyroscope couples to the sense motion of a gyroscope even in the absence of an angular motion. In some circumstances, quadrature motion may result from the fact that the springs used in a gyroscope have slanted sidewall, which can impart torque in the mechanics of the gyroscope. MEMS gyroscope of the type described herein may be configured to reject quadrature motion by using only springs oriented substantially parallel to the drive direction. One such spring includes only beams parallel the drive directions, and optionally. These MEMS gyroscopes may be used to sense, among others, roll and pitch angular rates.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) inertial sensors exhibiting reduced parasitic capacitance are described. The reduction in the parasitic capacitance may be achieved by forming localized regions of thick dielectric material. These localized regions may be formed inside trenches. Formation of trenches enables an increase in the vertical separation between a sense capacitor and the substrate, thereby reducing the parasitic capacitance in this region. The stationary electrode of the sense capacitor may be placed between the proof mass and the trench. The trench may be filled with a dielectric material. Part of the trench may be filled with air, in some circumstances, thereby further reducing the parasitic capacitance. These MEMS inertial sensors may serve, among other types of inertial sensors, as accelerometers and/or gyroscopes. Fabrication of these trenches may involve lateral oxidation, whereby columns of semiconductor material are oxidized.

Abstract: Novel structural features applicable to a variety of inertial sensors. A composite ring composed of concentric subrings is supported by a compliant support structure suspending the composite ring relative to a substrate. The compliant support structure may either be interior or exterior to the composite ring. The compliant support may be composed of multiple substantially concentric rings coupled to neighboring rings by transverse members regularly spaced at intervals that vary with radius relative to a central axis of symmetry. Subrings making up the composite ring may vary in width so as to provide larger displacement amplitudes at intermediate radii, for example. In other embodiments, electrodes are arranged to reduce sensitivity to vibration and temperature, and shock stops are provided to preclude shorting in response to shocks.

Abstract: Micromachined inertial devices are presented having multiple linearly-moving masses coupled together by couplers that move in a linear fashion when the coupled masses exhibit anti-phase motion. The couplers move in opposite directions of each other, such that one coupler on one side of the movable masses moves in a first linear direction and another coupler on the opposite side of the movable masses moves in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction. The couplers ensure proper anti-phase motion of the masses.

Abstract: Micromachined inertial devices are presented having multiple linearly-moving masses coupled together by couplers that move in a linear fashion when the coupled masses exhibit linear anti-phase motion. Some of the described couplers are flexural and provide two degrees of freedom of motion of the coupled masses. Some such couplers are positioned between the coupled masses. Using multiple couplers which are arranged to move in linearly opposite directions during linear anti-phase motion of the coupled masses provides momentum-balanced operation.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices (such as gyroscopes) configured to reject quadrature motion are described. Quadrature motion arises for example when the drive motion of a gyroscope couples to the sense motion of a gyroscope even in the absence of an angular motion. In some circumstances, quadrature motion may result from the fact that the springs used in a gyroscope have slanted sidewall, which can impart torque in the mechanics of the gyroscope. MEMS gyroscope of the type described herein may be configured to reject quadrature motion by using only springs oriented substantially parallel to the drive direction. One such spring includes only beams parallel the drive directions, and optionally. These MEMS gyroscopes may be used to sense, among others, roll and pitch angular rates.