Abstract: A method of charging a light bulb is disclosed. A processor within the light bulb detects a state-of-charge of the battery and if it is below a predetermined dynamic battery state-of-charge threshold then the transceiver sends a wireless signal from the light bulb to a remote light switch with instructions to supply power to the light bulb. The predetermined dynamic battery state-of-charge threshold may be determined based on historical light use data during an on-peak energy time period. The predetermined dynamic threshold allows a battery in the light bulb to supply energy to the light bulb during on-peak hours and recharge during off-peak hours.

Abstract: A toilet torso belt with sensors is disclosed. The torso belt is used by a toilet user while the toilet user is using the toilet to take health measurement readings of the user. Dynamic heart stress readings may be obtained and monitored over weeks, months and years. Rolling averages of heart function and heart health may be determined and deviations from the rolling averages may trigger notifications. Other health related measurements and functions such as temperature, respirations, heart rate, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and stethoscope sounds are also recorded and stored for trending and data analysis. An adjustable tensioner compresses the torso belt against the user's torso with a sufficient force based on the user's height, weight, sex, and age, and whether the sensors are against the user's skin or clothing, to allow the sensors to take measurements of the user.

Abstract: A modular toilet is disclosed comprising a toilet shell and a hydraulic core. The hydraulic core module is a separate unit from the toilet shell module and may be non-symmetrical with the internal and external form of the shell. The core module comprises a toilet bowl connected to a siphon drain comprising a weir. The drain may be a vertical loop drain. The toilet shell and the hydraulic core may comprise mutual sealing surfaces. The drain may comprise openings for connection to a toilet ventilation system.

Abstract: The tandem differential mobility spectrometer (DMS)-ion modulator instrument provides improved resolution relative to traditional DMS for molecules with larger masses. The instrument includes an ion-bunching electrode with an AC field synchronized to the transit time of the ion flow which is positioned downstream of a DMS. The ion bunching electrode produces a mobility-dependent modulation of the ion current. The ratio of AC to DC current provides a measure of the mobility of a large ion, even if it has little differential mobility, thereby extending the useful range of mobility characterization of a DMS system. The instrument is more compact than a larger traditional ion mobility spectrometer and does not require high voltages or high frequencies. Modulation before DMS separation or between tandem DMS separations produces a variable range of analyte and reactant ion densities as well as spatially separating negative and positive ions to reduce ion recombination.

Abstract: The toilet bowl separately collects urine and feces for analysis or use in a composting device, waste digester, or to reclaim water. The toilet bowl includes a toilet bowl wall. Urine flows down the toilet bowl wall into a channel for collection. The channel surrounds an aperture into which feces may be deposited. Consequently, urine and feces are kept separate during collection. Both the channel and the aperture may be connected to conduits which may transmit material into analytical devices. The conduits may transmit material into digesters in appropriate amounts including controlling the amount of liquid added to solid material. Collected urine may be stored for water reclamation. Sensors may confirm the absence of fecal matter in collected urine or detect contamination. After separate analysis, feces and urine may be combined through connecting conduits then disposed of in the sewer system or sent to a composting device or waste digester.

Abstract: The tandem differential mobility spectrometer (DMS)-ion modulator instrument provides improved resolution relative to traditional DMS for molecules with larger masses. The instrument includes an ion-bunching electrode with an AC field synchronized to the transit time of the ion flow which is positioned downstream of a DMS. The ion bunching electrode produces a mobility-dependent modulation of the ion current. The ratio of AC to DC current provides a measure of the mobility of a large ion, even if it has little differential mobility, thereby extending the useful range of mobility characterization of a DMS system. The instrument is more compact than a larger traditional ion mobility spectrometer and does not require high voltages or high frequencies. Modulation before DMS separation or between tandem DMS separations produces a variable range of analyte and reactant ion densities as well as spatially separating negative and positive ions to reduce ion recombination.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a low energy electric motor brake is described comprising one or more electronic switches that connect the input wires to an electric motor together, thus shorting out the motor and braking the motor. The electronic switches are separate from the control system, and provide the braking function. This alleviates the motor controllers and other system control units from providing the braking function to the motor. The electronic switches require minimal to no power in order to maintain the brake to the motor. The control unit may be placed in a low power or sleep mode while the electronic switches maintain the brake.

Abstract: A method for improving body positioning are disclosed. A plurality of sensors in communication with a human body sitting or standing at a table or desk are provided. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to detect at least one position of the human body, which is compared to a standard, and at least one signal related to the at least one position is generated. A controller receives the at least one signal from each of the plurality of sensors, stores a program that evaluates the at least one position for any improper position, and generates at least one position improvement reminder, including corrections and approbations, both selected from the group comprising visual, auditory, and physical notifications. The corrections continue during a period the improper position is detected. The approbations are provided after the period and as positive feedback after intervals of proper position.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a number of rotary blade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is described. The apparatus includes a first physical connector, a first electrical connector, a second physical connector, a second electrical connector, a storage area, and a UAV control unit. The first physical connector attaches the apparatus to a first UAV. The first electrical connector connects electricity between the apparatus and the first UAV. The second physical connector attaches the apparatus to a second UAV. The second electrical connector connects electricity between the apparatus and the second UAV. The storage area stores an energy source for the apparatus. The UAV control unit includes a processor and storage medium. The processor and storage medium are in communication with a cloud based network and receive instructions for the operation of the UAV, including steering instructions, through the cloud based network from a remote control device.

Abstract: Embodiments of an air hose accessory storage apparatus are described herein. Various embodiments may include a hose clamp, an accessory mount, a housing, and one or more accessory fittings. The accessory mount may be connected to the hose clamp. The housing may be connected to one or more of the hose clamp and the accessory mount. The housing may include at least one fixed segment, at least one articulating segment, and one or more hinges connecting the articulating segment and the fixed segment. The one or more accessory fittings may correspond to one or more air hose accessories. The one or more accessory fittings may be connected to the accessory mount, the housing, or both. The housing may enclose the accessory fittings.

Abstract: A system and method is used to create, adapt, and deliver highly customized and targeted communications to a wide variety of people, with communication content being determined and adapted in real time. Communication content is determined by a wide variety of data captured during each encounter a person may have with the system. Captured data includes information sufficient to identify a person based on facial recognition and other biometric data as well as clothing, gait, etc. Each interactive media communication system will also capture encounter-specific data to associate with each person and encounter such as dwell time in general, dwell time as a function of displayed media, environmental conditions, time of day, presence of other people, location of encounter, etc. The data can be stored, aggregated, and parsed for use in creating customized communications for future encounters with each person.

Abstract: The invention is a modular building component with rod-based dimensions. The modular building component comprises a prismatic box structure. A number of the prismatic box structures are placed side by side horizontally to create a ceiling and a floor with rod-based dimensions. The ceiling and the floor function as components of a building with rod-based dimensions. The building may also have walls that are also prismatic box structures with rod-based dimensions. Two or more of the buildings can be placed side by side to fill equal portions of an entire width of a perfect-acre lot. The buildings that fill an entire perfect-acre lot lead to a sustainable community design, given that no space is wasted. The rod-based building components are properly dimensioned for quickly assembling these optimally sustainable buildings.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a bio cell system is described comprising one or more bio cell units, each comprising a primary tank and one or more secondary tanks, which tanks each comprise side walls, a floor connected to the side walls, and a removable cover. The cover of the tank comprises a lighting system comprising variable output lights and a controller connected to the lighting system comprising code for varying a time period of light output of the lights of the secondary tanks to be out of phase with a time period of light output of the lights of the primary tank.

Abstract: A window shade alarm system for gently awakening a user. The window shade is connected to the Internet and opens such that light gradually increases in a room. Thus waking a user less abruptly than a traditional audio alarm. The window shade stores user selected modes and can control wireless enabled lights within a room to simulate the gradual increase of light at sunrise. The alarm system is connected to remote activated devices for the convenience of the user.

Abstract: A window shade alarm system for gently awakening a user. The window shade is connected to the Internet and opens such that light gradually increases in a room. Thus waking a user less abruptly than a traditional audio alarm. The window shade stores user selected modes and can control wireless enabled lights within a room to simulate the gradual increase of light at sunrise. The alarm system is connected to remote activated devices for the convenience of the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wireless devices operable at intermediate wireless at ranges of thousands of meters, utilizing packets that include a preamble and a data payload. Devices may be such things as keypads, door latches, occupancy monitors, sprinkler controllers and other devices needing a communications link. A digital spread-spectrum frequency hopping rotation is used, wherein packet transmissions rotate through frequency sequences. A spectrum-impact-smoothed channel set is fashioned using sequences that each specify a unique preamble frequency relative to the other sequences and channels. The set is traversed as pacets are transmitted, thereby distributing the focused radio-frequency emission impact of packets having long preambles over time. Observance of a long- and short-period timer permits channel resynchronization between devices. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wireless devices operable at intermediate wireless at ranges of thousands of meters, utilizing packets that include a preamble and a data payload. Devices may be such things as keypads, door latches, occupancy monitors, sprinkler controllers and other devices needing a communications link. A digital spread-spectrum frequency hopping rotation is used, wherein packet transmissions rotate through frequency sequences. A spectrum-impact-smoothed channel set is fashioned using sequences that each specify a unique preamble frequency relative to the other sequences and channels. The set is traversed as packets are transmitted, thereby distributing the focused radio-frequency emission impact of packets having long preambles over time. Channel directives are issued in stream packets, and acknowledgments to channel directives are made using a time-conserving abbreviated format.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cable-winding apparatus are described herein. The apparatus may include one or more of a securing surface, a cable-winding channel, a coil spring, and a ratchet mechanism. The cable-winding channel may be rotatably connected to the securing surface. The channel may include a base and two or more walls extending at least partially perpendicularly from the base along opposite sides of the base. The ratchet mechanism may include one or more of a first face gear and a second face gear. The first and second face gears may each include a plurality of ratchet teeth. The spring may force the channel away from the securing surface. The ratchet teeth may prevent rotation of the channel with respect to the securing surface in a first direction while permitting rotation of the channel with respect to the securing surface in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A method of optimizing employee work assignments comprises obtaining first and second key performance indicators (KPIs), performing a difference analysis on the first and second KPIs, correlating workplace productivity to the differences of the first and second KPIs, and optimizing employee work assignments based on productivity needs of the business. First KPIs may be for each employee of a plurality of employees. The second KPIs may be of one or more employee work groups associated with the plurality of employees. The analysis may be of difference correlations between the first KPIs and the second KPIs to determine synergistic relationships between specific employee groupings of the plurality of employees. The optimization of the employee work assignments may be an assignment given to each employee of the plurality of employees to optimized employee groupings based on the difference correlations of the first KPIs and the second KPIs.

Abstract: A table comprising a table base and a tabletop is disclosed. The table base comprises a top surface comprising a rotatable portion comprising one or more permanent magnets. The rotatable portion rotates independently from the table base. At least a portion of the tabletop comprises a ferromagnetic material. The tabletop further comprises a usable first side and a usable second side alternately mounted to the table base by an attractive force between the ferromagnetic material and the one or more permanent magnets. Rotation of the rotatable portion of the top surface, such that the one or more permanent magnets are oriented away from the ferromagnetic material, engages or disengages the attractive force.