Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for monitoring objects. A sensor positioned on an object (e.g., a door) is configured to measure a strength of a magnetic field of a magnet positioned on an associated object (e.g., the door frame). The measurements of the strength of the magnetic field made by the sensor may change over time (e.g., may decrease) due to changes in the positioning or alignment of the sensor or magnet. The positioning or alignment of the sensor or magnet may change due to use of the object (e.g., use of the door). One or more thresholds used by the sensor to determine the status of an object (e.g., to determine whether the door is open or closed) may be adjusted based on changes to the measurements over time.

Abstract: Propulsion systems that generate thrust from pressure generated by thermally decomposing a chemical blowing agent (CBA). In some embodiments, the CBA decomposes exothermically such that once thermal decomposition has been initiated, the thermal decomposition continues without additional energy input. In some embodiments, the CBA is utilized in a digital-microthruster array containing microthrusters that can be individually activated to provide thrust. In some embodiments, a CBA may be stored in one or more CBA-storage chambers that can be individually activated to charge and/or recharge a pressure tank that stores gas from the CBA decomposition under pressure for providing thrust. These and other embodiments are disclosed. Such propulsion systems can be used for any of a variety of spacecraft, including micro- and nano-satellites. Corresponding methods of generating thrust are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hardwired and wirelessly controlled motorized window shade system is presented that includes a plurality of motorized window shades that are connected by a cable, such as Ethernet cable, to a power panel and a hardwired control. Motorized window shades are also wirelessly connected to a wireless control through a gateway. This arrangement provides the motorized window shades with the advantage of receiving power and control signals through the cable, as well as giving the flexibility of being controlled through a wireless control.

Abstract: A hardwired and wirelessly controlled motorized window shade system is presented that includes a plurality of motorized window shades that are connected by a cable, such as Ethernet cable, to a power panel and a hardwired control. Motorized window shades are also wirelessly connected to a wireless control through a gateway. This arrangement provides the motorized window shades with the advantage of receiving power and control signals through the cable, as well as giving the flexibility of being controlled through a wireless control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for field data gathering and which provide flexible configuration options for a central office. The system, run from, mobile computing devices, provides a free-flowing data gathering experience while only requiring what the central office needs from the field. The central office can configure the system to accept different types of data by way of different data input means available to the mobile computing device. Only the data needed by the central office need be collected by the mobile device operator. The data format is defined by the central office and is uploaded to each of the relevant mobile computing devices for use by the operators. Once each data set has been collected by an operator, the data package with the data set is scheduled for transmission to the central office once a connection with the central office can be made.

Abstract: Systems and methods for field data gathering and which provide flexible configuration options for a central office. The system, run from, mobile computing devices, provides a free-flowing data gathering experience while only requiring what the central office needs from the field. The central office can configure the system to accept different types of data by way of different data input means available to the mobile computing device. Only the data needed by the central office need be collected by the mobile device operator. The data format is defined by the central office and is uploaded to each of the relevant mobile computing devices for use by the operators. Once each data set has been collected by an operator, the data package with the data set is scheduled for transmission to the central office once a connection with the central office can be made.