Abstract: A gastrointestinal device and methods of manufacturing said gastrointestinal device are described and include a flexible tubular structure including an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one microbe-promoting agent associated with at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface, the at least one microbe-promoting agent configured to promote attraction, colonization, and growth of at least one type of commensal microbe, and a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end and the distal end forming a flow conduit through the flexible tubular structure; and at least one anchor structure including one or more gastric wall-engaging components configured to engage a wall of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and a method. A system includes a surface evaluation circuit configured to determine a surface fraction characteristic of at least a portion of a driving surface of a possible collision avoidance path of a vehicle. The system includes a rating circuit configured to assign a risk value to the possible collision avoidance path responsive to the determined surface traction characteristic. The system includes a selector circuit having a rule-set configured to select a collision avoidance path from at least two possible collision avoidance paths in response to an evaluation of the respective assigned risk value for each of the at least two possible collision avoidance paths.

Abstract: A service unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a flight system, a status component, a navigation system, and a recovery component. The flight system is for flying the service UAV. The status component is configured to determine that a first UAV is disabled. The navigation system is configured to fly the service UAV to a landing location of the first UAV in response to the status component determining that the first UAV is disabled. The recovery component is configured to recover one or more of a payload of the first UAV and a portion of the first UAV.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, method, and article of manufacture. An environmental-data exchange system includes circuitry for receiving a data request originated by a requesting mobile apparatus, the data request including data indicative of a specified attribute of an operational environment of the requesting mobile apparatus. The system includes circuitry for receiving a data offer originated by a responding apparatus, the data offer including supplying the requested data indicative of the specified attribute of the operational environment of the requesting mobile apparatus. The system includes circuitry for forming an agreement between the requesting mobile apparatus and the responding apparatus, the agreement including the responding apparatus transmitting the requested data indicative of the specified attribute of the environment in exchange for compensation.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a mobile apparatus, article of manufacture, system, and method. A mobile apparatus includes circuitry for requesting data indicative of a specified attribute of an operational environment of the mobile apparatus. The mobile apparatus includes circuitry for selecting an offer submitted by a responding apparatus to supply the requested data indicative of the specified attribute of the operational environment of the mobile apparatus. The mobile apparatus includes circuitry for forming an agreement with the responding apparatus to supply the requested data. The mobile apparatus includes circuitry for receiving the requested data. In an embodiment, the mobile apparatus includes circuitry for selecting a potential responding apparatus. In an embodiment, the mobile apparatus includes circuitry for transmitting the request for the data indicative of the specified attribute of the operational environment of the mobile apparatus.

Abstract: A vacuum electronic device includes a multi-layer graphene grid that includes at least two layers of graphene, where the transmission of electrons through the multi-layer graphene grid can be tuned by varying the parameters of the vacuum electronic device such as the number of graphene layers, relative positions of the electrodes, voltage biases applied to the electrodes, and other device parameters.

Abstract: Graphene grids are configured for applications in vacuum electronic devices. A multilayer graphene grid is configured as a filter for electrons in a specific energy range, in a field emission device or other vacuum electronic device. A graphene grid can be deformable responsive to an input to vary electric fields proximate to the grid. A mesh can be configured to support a graphene grid.

Abstract: System and methods for identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems of interest and for enabling dynamic providing remote 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 providing remote access to one or more out-of-network camera systems, a request management system may receive a plurality of requests for accessing one or more camera systems, determine at least one selected request and corresponding selected requester from the plurality of requests, and provide access to the one or more camera systems to the selected requester.

Abstract: An adjunct for a gastrointestinal device and a system including said adjunct are described herein and include a substrate configured to attach to a gastrointestinal device, the substrate including a first surface and a second surface, and a plurality of at least one type of commensal microbe associated with at least a portion of at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for determining a property of an insurance policy includes receiving sensor data from a portable electronic device regarding a driving event involving a first vehicle. The sensor data is provided by the portable electronic device in response to a user initiating a command to report the driving event. The portable electronic device is external to the first vehicle. The method includes identifying, based on the sensor data, one or more of the first vehicle and a driver of the first vehicle. The method includes determining risk data associated with one or more of the first vehicle and the driver based on the driving event. The method further includes automatically updating an insurance property of an insurance policy associated with one or more of the first vehicle and the driver based on the risk data.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for indicating battery damage. A battery may comprise an odorant and/or visible indicator material configured to be released in response to battery damage. The battery may be configured to release the odorant and/or visible indicator in response to damage to the battery housing, a cell or cells in the battery, a seal of the battery, or any other specific component of the battery. The odorant and/or visible indicator may be stored in free space in the battery housing, a battery cell, or other battery component. The battery may be configured to emit an audible and/or visible indication of battery damage in addition to releasing the odorant and/or visible indicator.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, method, and vehicle. A vehicle includes a chassis and at least two controllable limbs coupled to the chassis. The vehicle includes a respective reconfigurable foot coupled to each limb of the at least two controllable limbs. Each reconfigurable foot has a footprint cross-section configured to expand from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration in response to a deployment-command signal. The vehicle includes a controller configured to issue the deployment-command signal to expand a reconfigurable foot of a limb of the at least two controllable limbs as the reconfigurable foot approaches a surface. In an embodiment, the vehicle includes a sensor configured to acquire data indicative of an aspect of the surface. In an embodiment, the vehicle includes a non-transitory computer readable storage device configured to store data indicative of an aspect of the surface.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a building having one or more microphones coupled to a telephone includes a detector configured to detect a triggering event within the building and transmit an activating signal when the triggering event is detected, and a control module configured to receive the activating signal from the detector. The control module is programmed to activate at least one of the one or more microphones to monitor sound when the activating signal is received.

Abstract: The present invention may include a towable trailer being mechanically couplable to a vehicle, the towable trailer including an auxiliary battery housing unit, a wheel being rotatably connected to the towable trailer, an auxiliary battery disposed within the auxiliary battery housing unit of the towable trailer, the vehicle including a storage battery, the auxiliary battery of the towable trailer being electrically couplable with the storage battery of the vehicle via a bidirectional pathway, and a control system configured to control a transfer of electrical energy between the auxiliary battery of the towable trailer and the storage battery of the vehicle along the bidirectional pathway.

Abstract: Devices and systems are described including a walking aid including a linear rod having a first end and a second end, a hand grip disposed in proximity to the first end of the linear rod, two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet at the second end of the linear rod, at least one sensor configured to detect a parameter of a walking surface in proximity to the second end of the linear rod, and a controller including a microprocessor and circuitry, the controller operably coupled to the two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet and the at least one sensor, and including circuitry configured to receive information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface from the at least one sensor and circuitry configured to actuate at least one of the two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet in response to the information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface.

Abstract: A system for sealing a leak within a pipeline for transporting fluid includes a sealing device that is deployable to seal the leak. The sealing device includes a flexible wall formed into a substantially tubular shape defining an opening, and an internal frame coupled to the flexible wall and configured to control a movement of the flexible wall by applying a force to the flexible wall, wherein the movement of the flexible wall moves the sealing device through the pipeline. The system also includes a sensor assembly configured to monitor a pipeline condition and send a signal representing the pipeline condition, and a control module configured to receive the signal and control the force applied by the internal frame based on the signal.

Abstract: Devices and systems are described including a walking aid including a linear rod having a first end and a second end, a hand grip disposed in proximity to the first end of the linear rod, two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet at the second end of the linear rod, at least one sensor configured to detect a parameter of a walking surface in proximity to the second end of the linear rod, and a controller including a microprocessor and circuitry, the controller operably coupled to the two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet and the at least one sensor, and including circuitry configured to receive information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface from the at least one sensor and circuitry configured to actuate at least one of the two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet in response to the information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, article of manufacture, a system implemented in a machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, and computer-implemented method. A computer-implemented method includes electronically receiving a digital image of person observing a subject person. The method includes determining from the digital image an interest-level in the subject person by the imaged person. The method includes electronically outputting the determined interest-level. In an embodiment, the method includes storing at least one digital image of the monitored person in a non-transitory computer readable storage media.

Abstract: A computing device includes a memory; and a processing circuit coupled to the memory and configured to receive call data regarding a plurality of telephone calls placed to the computing device, each of the plurality of telephone calls being placed by a caller; prioritize each caller based on the call data and prioritization data stored in the memory, the prioritization data providing an indication of a relationship between each caller and a receiver associated with the computing device and including at least one of electronic contact data, electronic calendar data, and social media data; determine a future time for each caller to speak with the receiver based on the prioritization of each caller; and transmit a message to each caller providing an indication of the future time.

Abstract: A system and associated methods of operation for tracking vehicles, such as automobiles, aircraft, boats, unmanned aerial vehicles, and drones. The system includes a communication interface for receiving measurements and observations of a sighting location for each of one or more vehicles from a plurality of independent observers, which may include both human observers and equipment, such as cameras, phones, telescopes, and other automated tracking devices. Upon receiving the location information, a processor associates one or more measurements with a selected vehicle and computes a location of the selected vehicle based on the measurements. In some instances, the processor may also determine a flight path of the selected vehicle based on the measurements.