Abstract: A thermal insulator includes a plurality of layers. At least some of the layers include phononic crystals having a phononic bandgap, wherein heat transporting phonons within a selected range of frequencies are substantially blocked by each phononic crystal layer. The plurality of layers thermally isolate a first region from a second region, wherein the first region is at one end of the plurality of layers and the second region is at the other end of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing solar cell strings by connecting at least two solar cells by a least one conductor ribbon of a first length, wherein the solar cells are respectively spaced from one another at a string cell spacing(s), until a desired number of solar cells for producing a first solar cell string is connected together, connecting a further solar cell with a last solar cell of the first solar string by at least another conductor ribbon which is longer than the at least one conductor ribbon, wherein the second solar cell is spaced from the last solar cell at a greater spacing than the string cell spacing(s) and wherein the second solar cell forms the first solar cell for a second solar string, and separating the at least another conductor ribbon for decoupling the first solar cell string.

Abstract: A system for directing a bird away from equipment includes an emitter configured to transmit a beam of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound. The beam of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound is configured to frequency down-convert in the atmosphere to produce a specified audible sound for a bird at a selected distance away from the emitter.

Abstract: A system for directing a bird away from equipment includes an item of equipment and a detector configured to detect a bird that could be harmed by or that could harm the equipment and to determine the proximity of the bird to the equipment. The system also includes an unmanned aerial vehicle and a pilot system configured to control the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a water storage material from a biomass input material using supercritical or subcritical fluid processing, the water storage material capable of absorbing a liquid and releasing the liquid. The apparatus utilizes supercritical fluid processing, subcritical fluid processing, charring, or a combination thereof. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control the apparatus. The apparatus further including a processing station configured to hold the biomass input material, and to use the biomass input material for processing into the water storage material.

Abstract: An electrochemical reactor for removing mining constituents from a fluid is disclosed. The electrochemical reactor includes a housing defining a flow path and a pump configured to continuously move fluid through the flow path at a flow rate. The electrochemical reactor also includes a power supply coupled to the housing, an anode and a cathode coupled to the power supply, and a controller configured to selectively engage the power supply power supply. The power supply applies an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode when engaged.

Abstract: Method and apparatus features are implemented in a visual display system to provide coordinated interaction between an independent light source and a proximate retroreflective display. The light rays output characteristics of the independent light source are adjusted (e.g., by a controller) based on predetermined and/or detected viewing parameters of the retroreflective display. The retroreflected rays are targeted back toward an eye of a user associated with the independent light source to provide improved brightness and contrast for screen viewing by the user. Some retroreflective display screen embodiments may also include a self-illuminating mode as well as other non-retroreflective illumination modes of operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus features are implemented in a visual display system to provide coordinated interaction between an independent light source and a proximate retroreflective display. The light rays output characteristics of the independent light source are adjusted (e.g., by a controller) based on predetermined and/or detected viewing parameters of the retroreflective display. The retroreflected rays are targeted back toward an eye of a user associated with the independent light source to provide improved brightness and contrast for screen viewing by the user. Some retroreflective display screen embodiments may also include a self-illuminating mode as well as other non-retroreflective illumination modes of operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus features are implemented in a visual display system to provide coordinated interaction between an independent light source and a proximate retroreflective display. The light rays output characteristics of the independent light source are adjusted (e.g., by a controller) based on predetermined and/or detected viewing parameters of the retroreflective display. The retroreflected rays are targeted back toward an eye of a user associated with the independent light source to provide improved brightness and contrast for screen viewing by the user. Some retroreflective display screen embodiments may also include a self-illuminating mode as well as other non-retroreflective illumination modes of operation.

Abstract: A system for detecting and responding to an intruding camera. The system includes an electronic media display device having a screen configured to display content, a sensor, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to obtain information from the sensor, analyze the information to determine a presence of a camera, and edit any displayed content in response to the presence of the camera.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing solar cell strings by connecting at least two solar cells by a least one conductor ribbon of a first length, wherein the solar cells are respectively spaced from one another at a string cell spacing(s), until a desired number of solar cells for producing a first solar cell string is connected together, connecting a further solar cell with a last solar cell of the first solar string by at least another conductor ribbon which is longer than the at least one conductor ribbon, wherein the second solar cell is spaced from the last solar cell at a greater spacing than the string cell spacing(s) and wherein the second solar cell forms the first solar cell for a second solar string, and separating the at least another conductor ribbon for decoupling the first solar cell string.

Abstract: A system for detecting intruding viewers of a display and responding to an intrusion by editing content. The system includes an electronic media display, a sensor, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to obtain information from the sensor, determine a visibility envelope of the electronic media display device, analyze the information from the sensor to determine a presence of an intruder within the visibility envelope, distinguish the intruder from an authorized user, and edit any displayed content.

Abstract: A system for layup of a solar cell string on a substrate includes a robotic arm having a pickbar attached to a free end thereof. The pickbar has an elongated body with a plurality of vacuum grippers spaced along the body each for gripping an individual solar cell of the solar cell string. A vacuum source applies a vacuum through the vacuum grippers to grip the solar cells and a controller connected to the robotic arm positioned the solar cell string gripped by the pickbar on a substrate. A pair of sensor assemblies mounted on the pickbar generates signals representing positions of portions of the solar cell string and features of the substrate. The controller responds to the signals for positioning the gripped solar cell string relative to the substrate.

Abstract: System and methods for identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems of interest and for enabling dynamic bidding for access to the one or more out-of-network camera systems are disclosed. In certain embodiments, identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems may include receiving a search query from a user, comparing search parameters included in the search query with information stored in a database and, based on the comparison, identify one or more camera systems satisfying the search query. In embodiments enabling bidding for access to one or more out-of-network camera systems, a bid management system may receive a plurality of bids for accessing one or more camera systems, determine at least one winning bid and corresponding winning bidder from the plurality of bids, and provide access to the one or more camera systems to the winning bidder.

Abstract: System and methods for identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems of interest and for enabling dynamic bidding for access to the one or more out-of-network camera systems are disclosed. In certain embodiments, identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems may include receiving a search query from a user, comparing search parameters included in the search query with information stored in a database and, based on the comparison, identify one or more camera systems satisfying the search query. In embodiments enabling bidding for access to one or more out-of-network camera systems, a bid management system may receive a plurality of bids for accessing one or more camera systems, determine at least one winning bid and corresponding winning bidder from the plurality of bids, and provide access to the one or more camera systems to the winning bidder.

Abstract: System and methods for identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems of interest and for enabling dynamic bidding for access to the one or more out-of-network camera systems are disclosed. In certain embodiments, identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems may include receiving a search query from a user, comparing search parameters included in the search query with information stored in a database and, based on the comparison, identify one or more camera systems satisfying the search query. In embodiments enabling bidding for access to one or more out-of-network camera systems, a bid management system may receive a plurality of bids for accessing one or more camera systems, determine at least one winning bid and corresponding winning bidder from the plurality of bids, and provide access to the one or more camera systems to the winning bidder.

Abstract: A graphene sheet is provided. The graphene sheet includes a carbon lattice and a spatial distribution of defects in the carbon lattice. The spatial distribution of defects is configured to tailor the buckling properties of the graphene sheet.

Abstract: A broiler plate assembly is disclosed wherein a broiler plate having a plurality of spaced patty molds is provided. The bottom of each of the patty molds is formed with intersecting grease drains to permit the escape of liquified grease to a grease pan during the cooking operation. After the hamburger patties have been cooked for a desired time, a flat plate is slid into place on the broiler plate to close the molds to permit inverting the broiler plate to release the cooked hamburger patties from the patty molds.

Abstract: A non lubricant-impregnated bearing for a metal shaft subjected to radial loads in an environment subjected to temperature changes and externally exposed to non-oleaginous liquids comprises a hard, extremely dense synthetic resin which is lubricated by a continuous film of the non-oleaginous liquid to which the bearing is externally exposed.

Abstract: An airtight steel stove having a dripless top or rear flue collar and cover plate assembly is disclosed. The stove is provided with similar openings in a top wall and a rear wall. Interchangeable flue collar and cover plate assemblies allow the stove to be used either as a top flue or rear flue type by placing the flue collar and cover plate assemblies as desired. The flue collar has an inside diameter sized to receive a stove pipe therewithin. This eliminates drippage of creosote and other similar products of combustion onto the outside of the stove. Instead, such materials are returned to the interior of the stove.