Abstract: Systems, methods and software merge a Virtual World, Live Event and Entertainment Channel, thus creating “The Perfect Storm” of gaming and entertainment whereby the characters of a social network game (e.g., an online fantasy sports league) are represented by human beings who register to be avatars of characters supported by a “Character Service Center,” while players compete to bring avatars to life in a Real World event (e.g., a Real World sports league), where the human beings behind the avatars compete for prizes while staying in character, as these competitors and players are incentivized by a “Collaboration Incentive Platform.

Abstract: An electric starter-generator is described. The generator may comprise a rotor, a housing, two bearings, a stator, and a cooling-fluid flowpath. The cooling-fluid flowpath may comprise a cooling-fluid entrance and exit, and a cooling-fluid channel in fluid communication with the entrance and exit. At least a portion of the channel may be defined by a fluid-tight coupling of the housing and a sleeve radially surrounding the outer race of either the bearings. The portion may form an annulus about the axis. The portion may comprise a radially inner surface defined by the sleeve, a radially outer surface define by said housing, and two axial surfaces. The two axial surfaces may extend a distance from the radially inner to outer surfaces that is less than a distance from one of the two axial surfaces to the other of the two axial surfaces.

Abstract: A method of treating an enclosed space, in particular a room in a hospital, is provided, for example by disinfecting same, using a robotic mobile apparatus emitting ultraviolet (UV-C) radiation or hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV). The robotic, mobile apparatus (1) comprises a wheeled carriage (3) on which a treatment device (2) is mounted and a controller (14) is provided that is configured to control operation of the wheels (12) of the carriage (3) and to operate the treatment device (2). A human-machine interface (HMI) (5) is also provided that is in communication with the controller (14) and is operable to start and stop a treatment procedure. A route around the enclosed space is recorded in the computer memory from a start position to an end position.

Abstract: A robotic, mobile apparatus (1) for treating an enclosed space (53) comprises a wheeled carriage (3) on which a treatment device (2) is mounted. A controller (14) is provided that is configured to control operation of the wheels (12) of the carriage (3) and to operate the treatment device (2). A human-machine interface (HMI) (5) is also provided that is in communication with the controller (14) and is operable to start and stop a treatment procedure. When a treatment procedure is started, the human-machine interface (5) initiates operation of the controller (14), which controls operation of the wheels (12) of the carriage (3) so that the wheeled carriage (3) robotically tracks along a predetermined route around the enclosed space (53) and which controls operation of the treatment device (2) during its track along said route. The treatment device (2) may comprise a disinfection device such as one comprising a plurality of UV-C emitting lamps (10).

Abstract: A robotic, mobile apparatus (1) for treating an enclosed space (53) comprises a wheeled carriage (3) on which a treatment device (2) is mounted. A controller (14) is provided that is configured to control operation of the wheels (12) of the carriage (3) and to operate the treatment device (2). A human-machine interface (HMI) (5) is also provided that is in communication with the controller (14) and is operable to start and stop a treatment procedure. The treatment device (2) is electrically powered via a mains supply using an electrical cable (30) and a management system (31, 37) is provided that controls the tension of the electrical cable (30) in order to prevent the wheeled carriage (3) from becoming tangled in the electrical cable (30) when it moves robotically. Preferably, a pivotally mounted arm (35) extends from the wheeled carriage (3) and the electrical cable is threaded around an end of the pivotally mounted arm (35) whereby the cable (30) is guided around the exterior of the wheeled carriage (3).

Abstract: An electric starter-generator is described. The generator may comprise a rotor, a housing, two bearings, a stator, and a cooling-fluid flowpath. The cooling-fluid flowpath may comprise a cooling-fluid entrance and exit, and a cooling-fluid channel in fluid communication with the entrance and exit. At least a portion of the channel may be defined by a fluid-tight coupling of the housing and a sleeve radially surrounding the outer race of either the bearings. The portion may form an annulus about the axis. The portion may comprise a radially inner surface defined by the sleeve, a radially outer surface define by said housing, and two axial surfaces. The two axial surfaces may extend a distance from the radially inner to outer surfaces that is less than a distance from one of the two axial surfaces to the other of the two axial surfaces.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a device comprising a vacuum package housing. The vacuum package housing comprises a base and a plurality of walls connected to the base and defining an interior cavity adapted to receive a focal plane array, wherein at least two of the walls meet to define a corner of the vacuum package housing. The vacuum package housing further comprises an aperture formed at the corner, wherein the aperture extends through the at least two of the walls to provide a channel between the interior cavity of the vacuum package and an external environment, and wherein the aperture is adapted to receive a tip-off tube configured to be changed from an open state to a closed state to maintain a vacuum within the interior cavity.

Abstract: A device includes a controller. An input is coupled to the controller, the input having a set of wires to couple to a doorbell to receive an AC signal when the doorbell is actuated. An analog to digital converter is coupled to the input to convert the received AC signal to a digital signal and coupled to the controller to provide the digital signal to the controller. A transmitter is coupled to the controller to wirelessly transmit signals from the controller representative to actuation of the doorbell. An enclosure contains the controller, input, analog to digital converter and transmitter and has an opening to provide a passage outside the enclosure for the set of wires. The controller may be programmable via an optical signal and may provide alerts responsive to a temperature sensor.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a device comprising a vacuum package housing. The vacuum package housing comprises a base and a plurality of walls connected to the base and defining an interior cavity adapted to receive a focal plane array, wherein at least two of the walls meet to define a corner of the vacuum package housing. The vacuum package housing further comprises an aperture formed at the corner, wherein the aperture extends through the at least two of the walls to provide a channel between the interior cavity of the vacuum package and an external environment, and wherein the aperture is adapted to receive a tip-off tube configured to be changed from an open state to a closed state to maintain a vacuum within the interior cavity.

Abstract: A security sensor includes a wall mount having features for fixing the wall mount to a wall to monitor an area for security. A cover is adapted to attach to the wall mount. The cover includes a base to couple to the wall mount, connectors to couple to a power source, a circuit board supported proximate the base and coupled to the connectors, the circuit board having a transmitter to receive signals from a sensor and wirelessly transmit the signals, and an antenna coupled to the circuit board and spaced from the wall to reduce electromagnetic interference from the wall.

Abstract: A security sensor includes a wall mount having features for fixing the wall mount to a wall to monitor an area for security. A cover is adapted to attach to the wall mount. The cover includes a base to couple to the wall mount, connectors to couple to a power source, a circuit board supported proximate the base and coupled to the connectors, the circuit board having a transmitter to receive signals from a sensor and wirelessly transmit the signals, and an antenna coupled to the circuit board and spaced from the wall to reduce electromagnetic interference from the wall.

Abstract: A system for controlling traffic for allowing passage of an emergency vehicle through an intersection controlled by traffic signals includes an intersection module for transmitting signals for preempting the traffic signals and one or more circuit cards coupled to the intersection module. Each expansion card includes a plurality of contact closures for outputting one or more of the signals for preempting the traffic signals. The intersection module selects an expansion card based on a type of output desired, and further selects one or more contact closures of the selected card for the desired output. The expansion cards allow preempt or vehicle outputs beyond the output that a single card can provide. According to another embodiment, the output expansion is achieved by emulating the communication interface between the intersection module and the traffic signal controller.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for identifying defective communications lines. The method generally involves passively detecting signals symptomatic of and generated by a defective communications line rather than by a user accessing a communication network via the line. One alternative involves monitoring calls to a selected number having low digit and set values. Analysis of the pattern of calls to the selected number, or directly monitoring the frequencies upon the communications line, identify calls that are effectively generated by defects in a communications line rather than legitimate calls generated by network users. Spurious calls are associated with the originating communications line. The line can then be automatically tested or service dispatched. More automated alternatives are also disclosed that make use of switch reconfigurations. Central office switches may be programmed to detect a variety of events that indicate a spurious pulse or seizure is being generated by a communication line.

Abstract: A telephone system including circuitry for monitoring the "on hook" and "off hook" conditions of telephone handsets coupled to a system controller and disconnecting all off hook handsets from the telephone line. With the detection of an alarm condition at a security alarm system that requires a communication link, line seizure is effected via an SCR controlled seizure circuit serially connected between each distributed handset and the telephone line. The seizure circuit normally conducts when a connected telephone is off hook. Upon detecting an alarm, a line monitor momentarily shorts the telephone line to drive any conducting line seizure circuits into a non-conducting condition that is maintained sufficiently long to permit the system controller to gain control of the line. During controller communications, the handsets are also isolated from the telephone line. A local phone is also coupled to permit reprogramming if an inoperative line is detected.

Abstract: Negative-resistance resonant tunnel diodes (RTDs) perform a complete set of logic functions with a single basic configuration. Inputs feed through Schottky diodes to a transfer RTD coupled to a clocked latch having two RTDs in series. Cascaded gates are driven synchronously by multiple clock phases or by asynchronous event signals. An XOR configuration also provides logical inversion.

Abstract: An improved automatic gain control circuit for a telephonic headset having a gain control stage in the audio signal path to attenuate tones, in which the gain is controlled by a control signal. A peak filter and an average filter generate signals proportional to the peak and average levels of the input signal, respectively. The signals are compared and a control signal is generated based on the relative signal levels. When the average signal exceeds a predetermined fraction of the peak signal, the circuit recognizes the signal as a tone and generates a control signal that causes the gain control stage to increase attenuation of the input signal.