Abstract: Solar power collection systems characterized by using a collimated or otherwise concentrated beam of solar radiation to directly heat a porcelain or other high-heat capacity ceramic heating element by contact with an absorption surface on the element, which element in turn heats a thermal storage medium by conduction, methods of using the systems for collecting solar energy, and applications of the systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Solar power collection systems characterized by using a collimated or otherwise concentrated beam of solar radiation to directly heat a porcelain or other high-heat capacity ceramic heating element by contact with an absorption surface on the element, which element in turn heats a thermal storage medium by conduction, methods of using the systems for collecting solar energy, and applications of the systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Solar power collection systems characterized by using a collimated or otherwise concentrated beam (201) of solar radiation to directly heat a porcelain or other high-heat capacity ceramic heating element (202) by contact with an absorption surface on the element, which element in turn heats a thermal storage medium (205) by conduction, methods of using the systems for collecting solar energy, and applications of the systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Abstract: A device for providing tactile feedback of an environment using a haptic device to allow the physical sensing of objects in an environment. The device uses a plurality of vibrational elements laid out in a grid pattern on a portion of the user's body, and activates various subsets of the vibrational elements in response to the shape of objects in proximity to the user. The strength of the vibration represents distance to the object or various portions of an object.

Abstract: Systems and computer-implemented methods are provided for publicly verifiable authorization using a distributed public data structure. A central authorization system may include a database storing authorization records and may be configured to receive a first grant request from an origin device. The grant request may include contact information for a second user. The central authorization system may publish an encrypted message documenting the first grant request for incorporation into the distributed public data structure. The central authorization system may also provide a perfection code for decrypting the message to the second user. The central authorization system may receive a request to perfect the first grant request from a destination device. The central authorization system may publish a message documenting perfection of the first grant request for incorporation into the distributed public data structure. The central authorization system may grant the authorization to the second user.

Abstract: Solar power collection systems characterized by using a collimated or otherwise concentrated beam (201) of solar radiation to directly heat a porcelain or other high-heat capacity ceramic heating element (202) by contact with an absorption surface on the element, which element in turn heats a thermal storage medium (205) by conduction, methods of using the systems for collecting solar energy, and applications of the systems are disclosed.