Abstract: Systems and related methods for controlling delivery of a stimulus to a pinna of a subject with a stimulator worn on the pinna are described. A wearable stimulation device includes a mechanical, electrical, or other type of stimulator secured to a pinna of a subject. A personal computing device in communication with the wearable stimulation device controls delivery of stimuli and other aspects of operation of the device.

Abstract: A three-dimensional map of an environment with buildings is used to computationally predict locations and times of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) transmission quality. A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver can reconcile received satellite transmissions with these predicted satellite transmissions. By comparing actual transmission quality with predicted transmission quality, a system can determine unmodeled obstructions, temporary obstructions, jamming, spoofing or other origins of interference with predicted transmission quality of a satellite in a GNSS.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for controlling delivery of a stimulus to the ear of a subject with an external neural stimulator are described. An external neural stimulation device includes a stimulator carried on an ear of a subject. A recommendation for a treatment regimen including neural stimulation delivered with the external neural stimulation device is transmitted to a personal computing device used by the subject. In some aspects recommendations regarding neural stimuli and other stimuli or experiences to be delivered in association with the neural stimuli are provided with a computing system in communication with the personal computing device or the wearable stimulation device.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for controlling delivery of a stimulus to a pinna of a subject with a stimulator worn on the pinna are described. A wearable stimulation device includes a mechanical, electrical, or other type of stimulator secured to a pinna of a subject. A personal computing device in communication with the wearable stimulation device controls delivery of stimuli and other aspects of operation of the device. The personal computing device also controls delivery of a sound signal (for example, music) to the user of the stimulation device in association with the neural stimulus. In some aspects recommendations regarding neural stimuli and other stimuli or experiences to be delivered in association with the neural stimuli are provided via a computing system in communication with the personal computing device or the wearable stimulation device.

Abstract: A three-dimensional map of an environment with buildings is used to computationally predict locations and times of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) blockages. For example, in urban environments some of the GNSS satellites are occluded by buildings. These blockages can be modeled. A computing system can make a map showing which satellites are or are not visible as a function both of location and time. The map can be used by a mobile GNSS receiver to determine which satellites to use or whether to use a backup system for navigation. The system can determine when a given satellite will enter or leave a GNSS receiver view during a route. The map can be stored in the GNSS receiver (or a host of the GNSS) or can be stored by a network service. This mapping can be used to predict multi-path effects of a satellite transmission at a location.

Abstract: An airbag inflation system includes a processing circuit configured to receive object data including positional data regarding an object and at least one of a relative velocity and a relative acceleration of the object relative to a first helmet and control operation of an inflation device to inflate an airbag based on the object data.

Abstract: A system for activity monitoring includes a tracking component, an activity identification component, a procedural component, and a notification component. The tracking component tracks an individual and one or more objects in a work area using a three-dimensional tracking system. The activity identification component identifies an activity of the individual and any of the one or more objects that are affected by the activity. The procedural component determines whether the activity violates one or more procedural rules pertaining to one or more of the individual, the work area, and the one or more objects. The notification component provides a notification of a violation.

Abstract: Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical instrument includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical staples by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one actuation mechanism adapted to deliver surgical fasteners, the actuation mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical fasteners containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body organ/tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include accepting at least one attribute of at least one individual, querying at least one database at least partly based on the at least one attribute, selecting from the at least one database at least one prescription medication and at least one artificial sensory experience to address the at least one attribute of at least one individual, and/or presenting an indication of the at least one prescription medication and the at least one artificial sensory experience at least partly based on the selecting from the at least one database at least one prescription medication and at least one artificial sensory experience to address the at least one attribute of at least one individual.

Abstract: A system for predicting and warning of impacts includes a sensor located remote from a user and configured to acquire user data regarding motion of the user and object data regarding motion of the object; and a processing circuit configured to predict a potential impact between the user and the object based on the user data and the object data; and control operation of a user-wearable warning device to provide a warning output to the user in advance of a predicted time of the potential impact.

Abstract: A nuclear fission reactor fuel assembly and system configured for controlled removal of a volatile fission product and heat released by a burn wave in a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor and method for same. The fuel assembly comprises an enclosure adapted to enclose a porous nuclear fuel body having the volatile fission product therein. A fluid control subassembly is coupled to the enclosure and adapted to control removal of at least a portion of the volatile fission product from the porous nuclear fuel body. In addition, the fluid control subassembly is capable of circulating a heat removal fluid through the porous nuclear fuel body in order to remove heat generated by the nuclear fuel body.

Abstract: A system and associated methods of operation for regulating an environmental variable (such as ambient room temperature) within a target zone. The system includes an occupancy sensor configured to monitor the target zone and determine a number of inhabitants present within the zone. The occupancy sensor generates an occupancy signal communicating the number of detected inhabitants to an environmental control system. Upon receiving the occupancy signal, the environmental control system regulates an environmental variable within the zone based on the number of inhabitants present in the zone.

Abstract: A system and associated methods of operation for regulating an environmental variable (such as ambient room temperature) within a target zone. The system includes a sensor system configured to monitor the target zone, detect one or more inhabitants present within the zone, and identify an alpha person from the one or more inhabitants. Once the alpha person is identified, a measurement sensor measures a skin parameter from the identified alpha person and generates a sensor signal communicating the measured skin parameter to an environmental control system. Upon receiving the sensor signal, the environmental control system regulates an environmental variable within the zone based on the measured skin parameter from the alpha person.

Abstract: A system and associated methods of operation for regulating an environmental variable (such as ambient room temperature) within a target zone. The system includes a sensor system configured to monitor the target zone and measure a skin parameter (such as skin temperature and/or sweat) from an inhabitant occupying the target zone. A processor in operative communication with the sensor system receives the measured skin parameter and queries a storage medium to obtain a threshold setpoint relating to measured skin parameter. The processor compares the measured skin parameter to the threshold setpoint and generates an operation mode signal based on the comparison. An environmental control system receives the operation mode signal and determines whether and how to regulate an environmental variable within the target zone based on the signal.

Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain includes a magnetic bearing. The vehicle drivetrain includes a motor configured to provide a rotational driving force. The rotational driving force is received by a shaft, and the magnetic bearing is configured to support the shaft. The shaft is configured to drive a wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for using two imaging modalities for imaging an object at two different resolutions. For example, the system may utilize a first modality (e.g., ultrasound or electromagnetic radiation) to generate image data at a first resolution. The system may then utilize the other modality to generate image data of portions of interest at a second resolution that is higher than the first resolution. In another embodiment, one imaging modality may be used to resolve an ambiguity, such as ghost images, in image data generated using another imaging modality.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device includes at least one sensor, a determiner, and a notifier. The at least one sensor is configured to be located on a body portion of a subject and to sense an object. The determiner is configured to determine, in response to the sensor, whether the body portion may contact the object. The notifier is configured to notify the subject in response to the determiner determining that the body portion may contact the object. Such a device (e.g., attached to, or part of, a shoe) may be useful to warn a subject of a potential collision between an object (e.g., stairs, furniture, door jamb, curb, toy) and a body part (e.g., foot, toes) in which the subject has lost feeling, the ability to feel pain, or proprioception. And such a warning may help the subject to avoid inadvertently and repeatedly injuring the body part.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device includes an image-capture sensor, a determiner, and a notifier. The image-capture sensor is configured to be located on a subject having a body portion and to capture data representative of an image of an object. The determiner is configured to determine, in response to the data, whether the body portion may contact the object. The notifier is configured to warn, or otherwise notify, the subject in response to the determiner determining that the body portion may contact the object. Such a device (e.g., attached to, or part of, a shoe) may be useful to warn a subject of a potential collision between an object (e.g., stairs, furniture, door jamb, curb, toy) and a body part (e.g., foot, toes) in which the subject has lost feeling, the ability to feel pain, or proprioception. And such a warning may help the subject to avoid inadvertently and repeatedly injuring the body part.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device includes a sensor and a communicator. The sensor is configured to be attached to a body portion of a subject, to sense an object, and to generate information related to the object. The communicator is configured to provide the information to a determiner-notifier that is configured to determine, in response to the information, if the body portion may contact the object, and to generate a notification in response to determining that the body portion may contact the object. Such a device (e.g., attached to, or part of, a shoe) may be useful to warn a subject of a potential collision between an object (e.g., stairs, furniture, door jamb, curb, toy) and a body part (e.g., foot, toes) in which the subject has lost feeling, the ability to feel pain, or proprioception. And such a warning may help the subject to avoid inadvertently and repeatedly injuring the body part.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and method. The system includes a controller configured to generate a nitrogen reduction control signal responsive to a received input. The system includes a nitrogen depletion apparatus configured to receive ambient air and in response to the control signal output combustion air having a nitrogen content reduced. The system includes a burner configured to receive ambient air and the combustion air having the reduced nitrogen content.