Abstract: A reel system may receive a leading edge of a flexible buoyant pad. The flexible buoyant pad may have a use configuration having a first outer vertical envelope and a storage configuration having a second outer vertical envelope that is smaller than the first outer vertical envelope. The reel system may comprise at least one base member, an arm rotatably coupled to the base member and a rotatable axle coupled to the arm. The rotatable axle may be rotatable relative to the arm and the rotatable axle may adapted to receive the flexible buoyant pad and support the flexible buoyant pad in the storage configuration. Further, an actuatable input may supported by the arm. The actuatable input may be configured to rotate the rotatable axle relative to the arm.

Abstract: The invention is a flywheel rotor that includes a number of adjacent laminations, stacked one on top of another, where each of the laminations has the same shape and is rotationally symmetric around a center axis, and where the shape is substantially circular and includes a plurality of protrusions exterior to the circumference, and each of the laminations includes at least one hole for a fastening bolt to pass through. The invention typically includes an endplate at each end of stack of laminations. One of the two endplates may attach to a stubshaft.

Abstract: A cognitive aid device is disclosed, including a shell configured as a plush toy and a management system located at least partially within the shell. The management system includes a control module, a position module, a communication module, a proximity module, and an audio/visual (A/V) module. The cognitive aid device is arranged and configured to execute the instructions, and executing the instructions includes the cognitive aid device prompting an individual using the cognitive aid to perform an exercise or other cognitive movement routine described by the cognitive aid device, monitoring the individual, processing data received, and providing responsive stimulus to the individual indicating successful completion of the exercise or other cognitive movement routine or further prompting the individual to perform the exercise or other cognitive movement routine. A method for assisting an individual with the exercise or other cognitive movement routine is disclosed including providing the cognitive aid device.

Abstract: The technology relates generally to an interactive avatar training system. The interactive avatar training system utilizes an interactive platform that allows at least two users, such as a trainer and a trainee, to be in interactive communication in a training program. The interactive avatar training system may assist generating a processed answer or response from the trainer to the trainee so that the answer presented to the trainee has high level of accuracy. Thus, the training efficiency and accuracy may be enhanced and improved.

Abstract: The invention is a flywheel rotor that includes a number of adjacent laminations, stacked one on top of another, where each of the laminations has the same shape and is rotationally symmetric around a center axis, and where the shape is substantially circular and includes a plurality of protrusions exterior to the circumference, and each of the laminations includes at least one hole for a fastening bolt to pass through. The invention typically includes an endplate at each end of stack of laminations. One of the two endplates may attach to a stubshaft.

Abstract: The invention is a flywheel rotor that includes a number of adjacent laminations, stacked one on top of another, where each of the laminations has the same shape and is rotationally symmetric around a center axis, and where the shape is substantially circular and includes a plurality of protrusions on the circumference, and each of the laminations includes at least one hole for at fastening bolts to pass through. The invention typically includes an endplate at each end of stack of laminations and one of the two endplates attaches to a stubshaft.

Abstract: A cognitive aid device is disclosed, including a shell configured as a plush toy and a management system located at least partially within the shell. The management system includes a control module, a position module, a communication module, a proximity module, and an audio/visual (A/V) module. The cognitive aid device is arranged and configured to execute the instructions, and executing the instructions includes the cognitive aid device prompting an individual using the cognitive aid to perform an exercise or other cognitive movement routine described by the cognitive aid device, monitoring the individual, processing data received, and providing responsive stimulus to the individual indicating successful completion of the exercise or other cognitive movement routine or further prompting the individual to perform the exercise or other cognitive movement routine. A method for assisting an individual with the exercise or other cognitive movement routine is disclosed including providing the cognitive aid device.

Abstract: The invention is an augmented energy storage system that includes an energy storage subsystem that stores and supplies energy to an electric grid, a load bank that dissipates energy, a power control system that controls the flow of energy into and out of the energy storage subsystem and into the load bank, and an inverter that converts DC current to AC current used by the grid.

Abstract: The invention is a flywheel rotor that includes a number of adjacent laminations, stacked one on top of another, where each of the laminations has the same shape and is rotationally symmetric around a center axis, and where the shape is substantially circular and includes a plurality of protrusions on the circumference, and each of the laminations includes at least one hole for at fastening bolts to pass through. The invention typically includes an endplate at each end of stack of laminations and one of the two endplates attaches to a stubshaft.

Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system includes a flywheel housing that encloses a flywheel rotor, a motor/alternator, and a power electronics unit. The power electronics unit includes a power electronics housing directly mounted on the flywheel housing, and one or more power electronic circuits enclosed by the power electronics housing. The direct mounting of the power electronics housing on the flywheel housing enables thermal distribution for passive cooling purposes. The design of the flywheel energy storage system also reduces the vibrational forces imparted by the power electronics housing on the flywheel housing.

Abstract: A flywheel device includes an enclosure that surrounds an interior chamber that includes a rotor, which during normal operation is maintained in a vacuum state and spinning, the enclosure includes a first opening, and a valve that attaches to the enclosure, configured to enable, when actuated, ambient air to flow from the exterior of the enclosure into the chamber through the first opening, thus allowing the internal air pressure to rapidly approach ambient air pressure and thereby increase the air drag which acts as a brake on the spinning rotor.

Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system includes a flywheel housing that encloses a flywheel rotor, a motor/alternator, and a power electronics unit. The power electronics unit includes a power electronics housing directly mounted on the flywheel housing, and one or more power electronic circuits enclosed by the power electronics housing. The direct mounting of the power electronics housing on the flywheel housing enables thermal distribution for passive cooling purposes. The design of the flywheel energy storage system also reduces the vibrational forces imparted by the power electronics housing on the flywheel housing.

Abstract: A fluid flow device that includes a backing structure, a compression element, and at least one actuator element adjacent the compression element such that the at least one actuator element is configured to compress the compression element towards the backing structure when the at least one actuator element is in a first state and the at least one actuator element is configured to allow a fluid to flow from an inlet to an outlet of a fluid passage based on deflection of the at least one actuator element.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for providing an adaptive interactive media experience are described. Aspects of the invention provide instruction for an actor performing in a virtual studio. The actor and a video capture device are directed using one or more specified video templates. The templates may be associated with a particular clip, such that the actor is inserted into the particular clip upon completion of the performance. Additional aspects of the invention provide for an adaptive media device for capturing the video and providing instructions, and a method for generating one or more templates.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved harness for a quadruped animal, comprising a length of material forming a first and second closed loop, along with a connector means for forming the loops into a figure eight shape. The animal's forelegs are places through the first and second loops of the figure eight, while the intersecting connector is positioned centrally against the animal's chest. The outer ends of each loop are wrapped around the animal's shoulders and secured along the animal's back via a securing means such as a leash clasp. A leading strap can be attached to the harness for use when walking the animal, wherein the connector bears against the animal's chest and the position of the loops provides improved control over the actions of the animal. The harness prevents choking or twisting of the animal's neck, while allowing the user to have better over control.

Abstract: A dent resistant laminated steel application is provided for a laminated appliance wall, including: an exterior cover having a first outer skin layer and at least a second substrate layer laminated thereto, wherein the first outer skin layer is stainless steel and overlays the second substrate layer. The second substrate layer can be bonded to the first outer skin layer, wherein the bonding material is disposed in the interspace between the first outer skin layer and the second substrate layer. The laminated wall can further include a first outer skin layer having a material thickness from about 0.014 to about 0.022 inches. The second substrate layer can be selected from the group consisting of fiberboard, galvanized steel, and polyester.

Abstract: An improved bulkhead and partition system in which at least two panels are independently attached to mounting members such that each panel can be moved independently. In a preferred embodiment, two bulkheads or panels are slidably attached to separate pairs of ceiling-mounted rails in a refrigerated trailer such that each bulkhead or panel can be independently slid toward the front of a trailer or toward the rear of a trailer to define, in cooperation with a removable center partition wall, a plurality of different cargo areas to be maintained at different temperatures. Alternatively, two bulkheads or panels may advantageously operate without a partition wall such that the panels may be placed side-by-side and fastened together to make a full-width bulkhead.

Abstract: An improved bulkhead and partition system in which at least two panels are independently attached to mounting members such that each panel can be moved independently. In a preferred embodiment, two bulkheads or panels are slidably attached to separate pairs of ceiling-mounted rails in a refrigerated trailer such that each bulkhead or panel can be independently slid toward the front of a trailer or toward the rear of a trailer to define, in cooperation with a removable center partition wall, a plurality of different cargo areas to be maintained at different temperatures. Alternatively, two bulkheads or panels may advantageously operate without a partition wall such that the panels may be placed side-by-side and fastened together to make a full-width bulkhead.

Abstract: An improved bulkhead and partition system in which at least two panels are independently attached to mounting members such that each panel can be moved independently. In a preferred embodiment, two bulkheads or panels are slidably attached to separate pairs of ceiling-mounted rails in a refrigerated trailer such that each bulkhead or panel can be independently slid toward the front of a trailer or toward the rear of a trailer to define, in cooperation with a removable center partition wall, a plurality of different cargo areas to be maintained at different temperatures. Alternatively, two bulkheads or panels may advantageously operate without a partition wall such that the panels may be placed side-by-side and fastened together to make a full-width bulkhead.