Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to processes and apparatus for carbon nanotube formation, and more specifically, to processes and apparatus for carbon nanotube alignment. In an embodiment, a process for aligning carbon nanotubes is provided. The process includes introducing an aqueous solution to a pressure-controlled system that includes a silanated glass element, a porous membrane, and a container. The process further includes applying a pressure differential across the porous membrane to draw the aqueous solution from the silanated glass element, through the porous membrane, and to the container at a flow rate to form a filtrate disposed within the container and a retentate disposed above the porous membrane, the retentate comprising carbon nanotubes. The process further includes optically detecting a position of a meniscus of the aqueous solution in the silanated glass element. Apparatus for forming and aligning carbon nanotubes are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an optical ice detection method is provided. The method includes contacting a multilayer structure with water under conditions effective to form ice, the multilayer structure comprising an optically transparent or semi-transparent material disposed over at least a portion of a material probe. The method further includes performing Raman spectroscopy on one or more of the material probe, water, or ice to obtain Raman spectra, detecting a shift in the Raman spectra, and calculating ice-induced strain in the material probe. Apparatus for optically detecting ice are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus for and methods of detecting light utilizing the spin Seebeck effect (SSE). In an embodiment, a method for detecting broadband light is provided. The method includes generating a SSE in a device by illuminating the device with light, the device comprising a bilayer structure disposed over a substrate, the bilayer structure comprising a non-magnetic metal layer and a magnetic insulator layer. The method further includes measuring the SSE based on a field modulation method, determining, based on the measuring, an optically-created thermal gradient of the device, and detecting a wavelength range of the light. Apparatus for detecting broadband light are also described.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an optical ice detection method is provided. The method includes contacting a multilayer structure with water under conditions effective to form ice, the multilayer structure comprising an optically transparent or semi-transparent material disposed over at least a portion of a material probe. The method further includes performing Raman spectroscopy on one or more of the material probe, water, or ice to obtain Raman spectra, detecting a shift in the Raman spectra, and calculating ice-induced strain in the material probe. Apparatus for optically detecting ice are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to processes and apparatus for carbon nanotube formation, and more specifically, to processes and apparatus for carbon nanotube alignment. In an embodiment, a process for aligning carbon nanotubes is provided. The process includes introducing an aqueous solution to a pressure-controlled system that includes a silanated glass element, a porous membrane, and a container. The process further includes applying a pressure differential across the porous membrane to draw the aqueous solution from the silanated glass element, through the porous membrane, and to the container at a flow rate to form a filtrate disposed within the container and a retentate disposed above the porous membrane, the retentate comprising carbon nanotubes. The process further includes optically detecting a position of a meniscus of the aqueous solution in the silanated glass element. Apparatus for forming and aligning carbon nanotubes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus for and methods of detecting light utilizing the spin Seebeck effect (SSE). In an embodiment, a method for detecting broadband light is provided. The method includes generating a SSE in a device by illuminating the device with light, the device comprising a bilayer structure disposed over a substrate, the bilayer structure comprising a non-magnetic metal layer and a magnetic insulator layer. The method further includes measuring the SSE based on a field modulation method, determining, based on the measuring, an optically-created thermal gradient of the device, and detecting a wavelength range of the light. Apparatus for detecting broadband light are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to rest on a wearer's neck or shoulders, and has a first microphone positioned at a first position located on the right side of the wearer, when the apparatus is worn, and a second microphone positioned at a second position located on the left side of the wearer. A processor receives audio signals output by the first and second microphones, and compares the audio signals from the first microphone to the audio signals from the second microphone. Based on the comparison, the processor determines whether the wearer's head is rotated to the right, left, or center, during an instance of the user speaking. Based on the determination, the processor selects a first one of at least two audio signal destinations, and provides the audio signal from at least one of the microphones to the first selected audio signal destination.

Abstract: Various aspects include approaches for controlling acoustic beams. In some particular aspects, a system includes: a microphone array; a camera system for detecting a visual characteristic of a user; and a control system coupled with the microphone array and the camera system, the control system programmed to control the microphone array by: receiving a camera signal from the camera system; and focusing the microphone array in response to the camera signal indicating the visual characteristic of the user, prior to receiving an audio input from the user at the microphone array.

Abstract: Various aspects include approaches for controlling acoustic beams. In some particular aspects, a system includes: a microphone array; and a control system coupled with the microphone array, the control system programmed to control the microphone array by: processing a signal from a beacon device to identify a physical location of the beacon device relative to the microphone array; and focusing the microphone array in a direction based upon the physical location of the beacon device prior to receiving an audio input at the microphone array.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to rest on a wearer's neck or shoulders, and has a first microphone positioned at a first position located on the right side of the wearer, when the apparatus is worn, and a second microphone positioned at a second position located on the left side of the wearer. A processor receives audio signals output by the first and second microphones, and compares the audio signals from the first microphone to the audio signals from the second microphone. Based on the comparison, the processor determines whether the wearer's head is rotated to the right, left, or center, during an instance of the user speaking. Based on the determination, the processor selects a first one of at least two audio signal destinations, and provides the audio signal from at least one of the microphones to the first selected audio signal destination.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to rest on a wearer's neck or shoulders, and has a first microphone positioned at a first position located on the right side of the wearer, when the apparatus is worn, and a second microphone positioned at a second position located on the left side of the wearer. A processor receives audio signals output by the first and second microphones, and compares the audio signals from the first microphone to the audio signals from the second microphone. Based on the comparison, the processor determines whether the wearer's head is rotated to the right, left, or center, during an instance of the user speaking. Based on the determination, the processor selects a first one of at least two audio signal destinations, and provides the audio signal from at least one of the microphones to the first selected audio signal destination.

Abstract: Various aspects include approaches for controlling acoustic beams. In some particular aspects, a system includes: a microphone array; and a control system coupled with the microphone array, the control system programmed to control the microphone array by: processing a signal from a beacon device to identify a physical location of the beacon device relative to the microphone array; and focusing the microphone array in a direction based upon the physical location of the beacon device prior to receiving an audio input at the microphone array.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to rest on a wearer's neck or shoulders, and has a first microphone positioned at a first position located on the right side of the wearer, when the apparatus is worn, and a second microphone positioned at a second position located on the left side of the wearer. A processor receives audio signals output by the first and second microphones, and compares the audio signals from the first microphone to the audio signals from the second microphone. Based on the comparison, the processor determines whether the wearer's head is rotated to the right, left, or center, during an instance of the user speaking. Based on the determination, the processor selects a first one of at least two audio signal destinations, and provides the audio signal from at least one of the microphones to the first selected audio signal destination.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for configuring an automation system. A parameter for a building in which an automation system is to be installed is obtained. Configuration information is obtained for properly configuring components of the automation system in accordance with a parameter for the building. It is determined whether or not each of the components of the automation system being installed within the building is properly configured based on the obtained configuration information and input received from a user indicating the locations of the respective components within the building. A notification is provided to the user, which indicates the results of the determination for one or more of the components, and the user is presented with options for modifying configuration settings for one or more of the components.

Abstract: Automation systems and methods of use thereof are generally disclosed. The systems may control devices, and may monitor use of a utility and provide feedback related to the utility usage. More particularly, the present disclosure includes systems including personalized incentives to encourage responsible usage of a utility.

Abstract: An apparatus that is capable of detecting the presence of a plug comprising: a plurality of receptacles configured to receive a plurality of prongs from a plug, wherein the plurality of receptacles includes a first receptacle and a second receptacle; a controller configured to detect whether a first prong of the plurality of prongs is present in the first receptacle; and a switch configured to provide power to the second receptacle. The switch provides power to the second receptacle when the controller detects that the first prong of the plurality of prongs is present in the first receptacle and the switch does not provide power to the second receptacle when the controller does not detect that the first prong is present in the first receptacle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to automation systems and methods of use thereof to control devices. More particularly, the present disclosure includes systems including function-based controls and methods of assigning function-based controls to allow a user to add, relocate, and/or remove a device without requiring the user to reprogram the system.

Abstract: An electrically operated random number selector has a main housing with top and bottom walls. A number selection turntable assembly is mounted at the top wall of the housing which contains a power source for rotating the turntable assembly and a power control member at the bottom wall of the housing. When the selector is resting on a support surface the power control member is held in a power off position at the bottom wall of the housing and when the selector is lifted off of the support surface, the power control member is automatically movable to a power on position extending downwardly from the bottom wall of the selector.