Abstract: Disclosed herein are earthquake detection devices capable of initiating a safety response in the event of an earthquake. The earthquake detection devices comprise a plurality of three-component accelerometers for measuring acceleration in three directions; and a processing unit for: receiving acceleration measurements from each of the plurality of accelerometers, determining if the acceleration measurements meet or exceed a predetermined threshold value and sending a signal to one or more transducers.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle capable of vertical takeoff and landing carries a remote sensing platform to a high altitude cruising altitude and flies over a target area, collecting remote sensing imagery before returning to earth. Instead of being piloted remotely, the vehicle employs an autonomous flight control system.

Abstract: A system for powering 100% of an oil and gas workover rig's operations with a battery energy storage system (“BESS”). The system consists of three major interconnected components: a BESS, a power conversion system (“PCS”), and a workover rig. The power system is specifically designed for a retrofitted electro-mechanical workover rig (with either an alternating current or direct current electric drive) which is compatible with the BESS. Unlike other emerging industrial applications, a battery cannot be mounted on the workover rig due to logistical and size constraints, thus requiring a novel modular and mobile system design.

Abstract: A system for airborne remote sensing comprises an array of remote sensing devices configured for being towed by an aircraft. Each of the array of remote sensing devices is configured for lateral separation in flight, to provide a large coverage area than any of the array of remote sensing devices can cover by itself. Onboard electronics comprise sensors, such as a forward imaging infrared camera for capturing data in flight. By analyzing the data collected by the remote sensing system, various types of information can be generated, such as hydrocarbon leak detection.

Abstract: A UAV-carried surveillance and remote sensing platform is launched from a high altitude and flies over a target area, collecting remote sensing imagery before returning to earth. The UAV may be towed to a desired altitude by a powered aircraft or a balloon and then launched for cruising over a target area while capturing data. Instead of being piloted remotely, the UAV employs an autonomous flight control system.

Abstract: A system for airborne remote sensing comprises an array of remote imaging sensors and supporting equipment configured for a combined larger field of view and provided by any of the array of remote imaging sensors alone. The array is mounted in a housing for attachment to a wing or elsewhere on an aircraft. Data collected by the array may be stitched together to provide an image of a larger area than can be acquired by any one of the remote imaging sensors. The data may be stored onboard the aircraft or transmitted to a ground receiver for analysis. The array of remote imaging sensors thus allows for more effective use of an aircraft for activities such as hydrocarbon leak detection and pipeline right-of-way monitoring.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are earthquake detection devices capable of initiating a safety response in the event of an earthquake. The earthquake detection devices comprise a plurality of three-component accelerometers for measuring acceleration in three directions; and a processing unit for: receiving acceleration measurements from each of the plurality of accelerometers, determining if the acceleration measurements meet or exceed a predetermined threshold value and sending a signal to one or more transducers.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing massaging stimulation and relaxation effects on back muscles by using the weight of the human body on a supportive structure of tennis balls that are allowed to move freely as a result of the motion of the body.

Abstract: This invention relates to an instant roux comprising co-processed modified starch and flour and fat. In addition, the invention relates to the process for providing such “ready-for-use” compositions and the improved food products prepared from the co-processed compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an instant roux comprising co-processed modified starch and flour and fat. In addition, the invention relates to the process for providing such “ready-for-use” compositions and the improved food products prepared from the co-processed compositions.

Abstract: An interactive vacation destination selection system operates through a back and front ends. The back end identifies criteria which may be important to a consumer, and categorizes and assigns images to the criteria. The front end to the system assesses what a consumer wants in a vacation destination, identifies vacation destinations having the attributes that satisfy those wants, and then displays comparative data on those vacation destinations. By providing to the system basic information on the consumer and his or her travel companions, general information on how far the consumer is willing to travel, preferred weather conditions, a budget range, and the consumer's selection of criteria from one or more categories, the system is capable of determining a suitable vacation destination and accommodation for the consumer and the travel companions, even without being provided information on to where the consumer wants to travel.