Abstract: A heat-retention material for a garment is provided having a solar-transmitting shell fabric, a solar-transmitting insulation layer, and a solar-absorbing lining fabric. The solar-absorbing lining fabric includes a plurality of heat-retention elements coupled to a lining fabric, such as having a weighted average thermal emittance of less than 0.8 (or 80%). The heat-retention elements include a low thermal emittance layer and a high solar absorptance layer.

Abstract: A novel water-borne debris collection system integrated into a waterborne vessel for collecting surface and near surface debris in a body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. The apparatus may include a solid collection boom that projects laterally from a vessel and is partially submerged to act as a collection mechanism. The boom also facilitates the propulsion of the vessel by providing a barrier across which a differential water surface level may be created to drive the vessel forward. The apparatus may include a pumping system that draws water from the anterior side of the screen and for multiple purposes, including processing the collected water to remove plastics and other pollutant and debris material therefrom, and to transfer the water to the posterior side of the screen to create the differential water level for driving the vessel forward.

Abstract: A novel water-borne debris collection system integrated into a waterborne vessel for collecting surface and near surface debris in a body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. The apparatus may include a solid collection boom that projects laterally from a vessel and is partially submerged to act as a collection mechanism. The boom also facilitates the propulsion of the vessel by providing a barrier across which a differential water surface level may be created to drive the vessel forward. The apparatus may include a pumping system that draws water from the anterior side of the screen and for multiple purposes, including processing the collected water to remove plastics and other pollutant and debris material therefrom, and to transfer the water to the posterior side of the screen to create the differential water level for driving the vessel forward.

Abstract: A novel water-borne debris collection system integrated into a waterborne vessel for collecting surface and near surface debris in a body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. The apparatus may include a solid collection boom that projects laterally from a vessel and is partially submerged to act as a collection mechanism. The boom also facilitates the propulsion of the vessel by providing a barrier across which a differential water surface level may be created to drive the vessel forward. The apparatus may include a pumping system that draws water from the anterior side of the screen and for multiple purposes, including processing the collected water to remove plastics and other pollutant and debris material therefrom, and to transfer the water to the posterior side of the screen to create the differential water level for driving the vessel forward.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an electroactuated adhesion system containing a dry adhesive material and at least two patterned electrodes. The two or more patterned electrodes may be capable of promoting or increasing adhesion of the electroactuated adhesion system while simultaneously preventing or mitigating the accumulation of dust, contaminants, or particulates on the surface of the adhesive material.

Abstract: A multi-sensor system can be attached to a high voltage power line, draw power from the power line inductively, and convert the power to lower voltages and direct currents for operating cameras, sensors, a processor, and communications equipment that provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The multi-sensor system can detect and track targets in detection regions and transmit such detection data and other data from the camera and sensors to a remote operator who can initiate response actions and send control instructions to the multi-sensor system from the remote location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.

Abstract: A bird feeder that includes a container having top and bottom ends spaced apart in a first direction, and a cylindrical wall surrounding a central region between the top and bottom ends to hold bird feed. The container also includes a plurality of feeding openings in the wall to provide access to the bird feed in the container. The plurality of feeding openings are spaced at a respective distance from the top end toward the bottom end. The bird feeder also includes a generally helical member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The helical member is wound around the container in a spiral manner along a generally helical path between the top and bottom ends. Top and bottom caps are also provided to close the top and bottom ends of the bird feed container. Both the top and bottom caps can be removed from the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.

Abstract: A tracheotomy tube water blocking system including a strap adapted for securement around a neck of a wearer. The strap has an aperture through a front portion thereof. The aperture has a cylindrical collar secured therein. The cylindrical collar has an open inner end and an open outer end. The open inner end is dimensioned for coupling with an existing tracheotomy tube of the wearer. An air flow tube is provided having a generally inverted L-shaped configuration. The air flow tube has an upper horizontal portion with an open inner end coupling with the open outer end of the cylindrical collar. The air flow tube includes a lower vertical portion extending downwardly from the upper horizontal portion. The lower vertical portion having an open lower end.