Abstract:
A drill for excavating a bore in the earth includes a steerable primary boring tool, a secondary boring tool and a sensor. The steerable primary boring tool is configured to excavate a primary bore. The secondary boring tool is configured to excavate a plurality of side bores that extend outward from the primary bore at a plurality of azimuthal locations around the primary bore. The sensor is configured to detect a mineral property in the earth adjacent each of the side bores.
Abstract:
Methods and systems are described for monitoring patient speech to determine compliance of the patient with a prescribed regimen for treating for a brain-related disorder. Patient speech is detected with an audio sensor at the patient location, and speech data is transmitted to a monitoring location. The audio sensor and other components at the patient location may be incorporated into, or associated with, a cell phone, computing system, or stand-alone microprocessor-based device, for example. Patient speech is processed at the patient location and/or monitoring location to identify speech parameters and/or patterns that indicate whether the patient has complied with the prescribed treatment regimen. Patient identity may be determined through biometric identification or other authentication techniques. The system may provide a report to an interested party, for example a medical care provider, based on whether (and/or the extent to which) the patient has complied with the prescribed treatment regimen.
Abstract:
Systems are described for analyzing an environment. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a tag and a reader pair, the tag and the reader configured for individual positioning proximate a human appendage and an environmental object, wherein the reader is configured to identify the tag; a substrate configured to conform to the human appendage, the substrate coupled to at least one of the tag or the reader, the other of the tag or the reader configured to be coupled to the environmental object; a processor operably coupled to the reader and configured to receive one or more output signals from the reader, the one or more output signals corresponding to a threshold associated with the tag or the reader; and an output reporter operably coupled to the processor and configured to generate one or more communication signals responsive to instruction by the processor.
Abstract:
Machines, Processes, compositions of matter, and articles that include at least one input acceptance machine and at least one track data presentation device. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.
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.
Abstract:
A storage container includes a wall structure defining an interior, where the interior is configured to contain a fluid. A portion of the wall structure is formed by a composite material. The composite material includes frozen water and a fibrous additive.
Abstract:
Described embodiments include an electromagnetic beam steering apparatus. The apparatus includes a first planar refractive component including a first tangential refractive index gradient deflecting an electromagnetic beam at a first deflection angle. The apparatus includes a second planar refractive component including a second tangential refractive index gradient deflecting an electromagnetic beam at a second deflection angle. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic beam steering structure configured to independently rotate the first planar refractive component and the second planar refractive component about a coaxial axis such that an electromagnetic beam incident on the first planar refractive component exits the second planar refractive component as a steered electromagnetic beam.
Abstract:
A apparatus for controlling heat transfer between portions of a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate including at least part of a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit including a plurality of microconduits, the plurality of microconduits including a first microconduit and a second microconduit. The apparatus further includes a liquid metal flowing through the hydraulic circuit and a magnetic field configured to selectively direct the flow of the liquid metal between the plurality of microconduits. The flow of the liquid metal through the hydraulic circuit transfers heat between a first portion of the substrate and the liquid metal.
Abstract:
A storage system for storing hydrogen and providing controlled release of hydrogen gas includes a container having an outer wall defining an interior. The interior is configured to contain liquid lithium hydride, and a portion of the outer wall includes a thermally insulating layer. The storage system also includes a temperature control system configured to maintain the interior at a temperature such that the lithium hydride decomposes to produce hydrogen gas at a substantially equilibrium state.
Abstract:
A safety rail monitoring system, and associated methods of operation, for monitoring use of a safety rail that borders a footpath to help prevent injuries while the user traverses the footpath. The safety system includes a sensor system for detecting the presence of a user on the footpath and the presence of a contact by the user on the safety rail. A sensor observation system in communication with the sensor system receives signals indicating whether the user is present on the footpath and whether the user is holding on to the safety rail. If the user is not holding on to the safety rail, the sensor observation system generates an alert signal to the user to remind the user to hold the safety rail. In some embodiments, the safety system may include a barrier that prevents the user from continuing along the footpath without contacting the safety rail.