Abstract: A data acquisition module is disclosed for use with electronic components such as superconductive magnets wherein the electronic components and the data acquisition module may reside inside a cryostat. The data acquisition module allows conventional electronic technologies to work inside cryostats at cryogenic temperatures as low as 4° K. This is achieved by management of heat inside the module to keep the module operating at a temperature above the cryogenic temperature. This approach avoids the difficulties that arise from changes in carrier mobility in semiconductors operating at deep cryogenic temperatures. A cryogenic system comprises a cryostat containing a cryogenic fluid and at least one sensor, and a data acquisition module located within the cryostat, the module in communication with the at least one sensor to acquire data, wherein the module comprises a thermal package, a conditioning and digitizing electronic module, a controller module, a power module, and a thermal management module.

Abstract: A system to increase the speed of alcohol fermentation and/or maturation by means of induced waves that can have its frequency and intensity matched to the target application. This system can be deployed using two different architectures. The first is by direct immersion of “self-powered” device into the target medium, which irradiate the fluid, its contents, and its storage container with vibratory and/or sonic energy. These devices can take several forms such as spheres, cubes or any other geometric shape and can be configured with sensors to detect the quality of the medium. Also, the devices can change its buoyancy depending on the conditions of the medium. This change of buoyancy can be utilized to optimize the delivery of vibratory and/or sonic energy to the medium, improve energy transfer from an external power source, or indicate the level of alcohol/content of the medium.

Abstract: A data acquisition module is disclosed for use with electronic components such as superconductive magnets wherein the electronic components and the data acquisition module may reside inside a cryostat. The data acquisition module allows conventional electronic technologies to work inside cryostats at cryogenic temperatures as low as 4° K. This is achieved by management of heat inside the module to keep the module operating at a temperature above the cryogenic temperature. This approach avoids the difficulties that arise from changes in carrier mobility in semiconductors operating at deep cryogenic temperatures. A cryogenic system comprises a cryostat containing a cryogenic fluid and at least one sensor, and a data acquisition module located within the cryostat, the module in communication with the at least one sensor to acquire data, wherein the module comprises a thermal package, a conditioning and digitizing electronic module, a controller module, a power module, and a thermal management module.

Abstract: A microphoning assembly having a plurality of individual, sound directing, substantially parabolic structures are adjacently arranged to form a single structured acoustic, hemispherically directed array. The parabolic structures' absorption factor is less than 0.3. MEMS microphones of less than 2 mm in size are situated at each focus to pick up sound reflected from the parabolic structures, wherein a 10 dB gain is experienced. A microprocessor, a signal conditioning module, and an analog-to-digital converter is embedded in the array. The microprocessor contains instructions to perform a statistical analysis of among random variables to automatically separate sound sources received by the microphones and automatically determine a distance and direction of a source of the incoming sound.

Abstract: A DC-DC step-up converter is described that uses opto-electric conversion to supply very low noise/ultra-low noise, high voltages using branch(es) of optical detectors. The optical detectors are series connected to form a large branch of photon-to-electron converters. The input voltage can be low, with the output voltage shown to be highly stable, low current (parallel branches can increase the output current), controllable and virtually free of any jitter. The described approach is very reliable and inexpensive.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a sound focusing apparatus and method that permits directional sensitivity and increased amplitude sensitivity in very compact form factor. Advanced detection, localization, and identification of sources of sound that are an extended distance away can be accomplished using systems whose form factor are small enough to be used in teleconferencing, while providing superior acoustic performance characteristics.

Abstract: A smart device “plug-in” radiation module(s) and/or methods are described wherein the bulk of non-sensor radiation circuitry is off-loaded to the smart device. By attaching the radiation module to the smart device via a power/communication port (for example, the smart device's headphone/microphone jack) robust attachment can be achieved as well as uniformity of attachment across different smart devices. A very small radiation module form factor is obtainable, not to mention a very significant cost reduction, allowing widespread adoption of radiation detectors as well as radiation geo-mapping. Power for the radiation module can be obtained from the smart device's headphone plug, utilizing the audio out (speaker) signal's power. Similarly, input to the smart device can be facilitated via the audio in (microphone) signal. Further, output of the radiation module can be visualized on the smart device, as well as control functions.

Abstract: A data acquisition and processing system and method includes one or more distributed and expandable data acquisition nodes for processing large amounts of data. Each data acquisition node includes a core group of primary boards electronically connected together via a vertical bus capable of providing intra-node communication between the primary boards. A secondary board horizontally connected in association with the primary board via a horizontal bus provides inter-node communication or instrumentation interfaces to sensors or other application specific instruments. A master control unit associated with a graphical user interface communicates with the data acquisition nodes via a communication protocol to permit high speed exchange of information and to display information reported from the acquisition system. A storage controller associated with a node controller controls storage of data associated with the data acquisition nodes on a database in a remote location.