Abstract: A system and method configured to measure applied force and pressure on a load cell. The system includes an axial force pressure transducer having a hollow cross section having at least two strain sensitive regions, and a plurality of strain sensors connected to the at least two strain sensitive regions, wherein applied force and pressure is calculated based on strain measurements using mathematical formulae. A method of calibration of the axial force pressure transducer uses known applied force and pressure measurements to calculate a calibration matrix reflecting the strain sensitivities of the at least two strain sensitive regions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments for processing a user interface (UI) using one or more parameters to capture user feedback. Embodiments operate by identifying one or more UI element codes in an information screen based on a parameter data structure. The embodiments request a set of responses from a database based on the parameter data structure. The embodiments generate a set of UI elements that capture user feedback based on the set of responses. The embodiments then present the information screen with the generated set of UI elements to capture user feedback.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an optically transparent visual display system that superimposes information onto the field of vision of a pilot or vehicle operator utilizing multiple wavelengths in order to extend the operator's range of vision. The display format may be presented on a head-up display (HUD) in a covert manner using near infra-red (NIR) light that is viewable with standard issue night vision goggles (NVGs) such as the AN/PVS-7, but not viewable to the unaided eye. Display information may originate from multiple wavelength sensors and illuminators for enhanced environmental and situational awareness that extend beyond the five human senses. Direct view displays, such as LCDs and instrument or vehicle lighting systems, may utilize NIR wavelengths that are viewable with NVGs but are not viewable to the unaided eye.

Abstract: Tools are provided that communicate to a pattern designer how much yarn is being used on every needle for a given tuft height pattern and permit the designer to adjust the pattern accordingly to balance the yarn usage on the needles. An electronic representation of a pattern design is received for controlling a carpet tufting operation. The pattern design includes a pile height per tuft. A grid is provided for representing the pattern design using different visual cues to represent different pile heights. A graph depicting use-of-yarn per needle for the carpet tufting operation is generated. The grid and the graph can be on a common user interface and can be viewable at the same time on a display device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating manufacturing and, in particular, methods and systems that run at least one driver on at least one containerized processing unit to provide communication with at least one piece of machinery. By interfacing with existing machinery and running the driver(s) on a containerized processing unit, an operator is able to modify at least one operational parameter related to the at least one piece of machinery without risk of affecting the stability of other parts of the system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses relating to augmented-reality interfaces. Features of the present invention rely on robust touch detection methods, touch detection methods, calibration methods, and integrated projector and sensor apparatuses.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring tool device usage and, in particular, methods and systems including at least one sensor mechanism configured to detect at least one operational parameter of the tool device. Information regarding usage of the tool device may be communicated to a processing unit and further communicated to a network-connected storage and/or to a display device.

Abstract: An operator defines a process, such as a process for the manufacturing of a product, using templates that may be edited graphically. Each process includes a set of steps that a user must perform in order to accomplish the process. Each step in the process may be associated with one or more pieces of machinery on the floor to achieve the execution of the process, either in advance or at execution time. Each step may also provide various forms of instruction, monitoring, and feedback to aid the user of the associated machinery in performing the process. Data may be collected regarding the user's performance, analyzed, and used to inform the operator who may in turn edit the process with the goal of improving its execution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments for processing a user interface (UI) using one or more parameters to capture user feedback. Embodiments operate by identifying one or more UI element codes in an information screen based on a parameter data structure. The embodiments request a set of responses from a database based on the parameter data structure. The embodiments generate a set of UI elements that capture user feedback based on the set of responses. The embodiments then present the information screen with the generated set of UI elements to capture user feedback.

Abstract: Tools are provided that communicate to a pattern designer how much yarn is being used on every needle for a given tuft height pattern and permit the designer to adjust the pattern accordingly to balance the yarn usage on the needles. An electronic representation of a pattern design is received for controlling a carpet tufting operation. The pattern design includes a pile height per tuft. A grid is provided for representing the pattern design using different visual cues to represent different pile heights. A graph depicting use-of-yarn per needle for the carpet tufting operation is generated. The grid and the graph are on a common user interface and are viewable at the same time on a display device.

Abstract: A floor covering system can include sensors below a top surface of a floor covering and that can communicate data to a controller for monitoring events occurring in the room with the floor covering. The sensors can include a wireless transmitter associated with a tile connector, a pressure sensor, and a force sensor. The tile connector is positioned between a floor and a floor covering to connect tiles of the floor covering together. The pressure sensor is positioned between the floor and the floor covering. The force sensor is positioned between the floor and the floor covering. The controller is configured for receiving data from the pressure sensor, the wireless transmitter, and the force sensor.

Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that “floats” on the underlying floor surface.

Abstract: Low weight and non-square carpet tile suitable for use in mass transit vehicles, particularly passenger aircraft. The carpet tile preferably weighs less than about 82 ounces per square yard. The carpet tile of this invention may have a carpet pile and at least one backing layer. The backing layer may use a low weight filler material. The carpet tiles satisfy transportation industry standards for flame, smoke and toxicity.

Abstract: Header assemblies generally used to handle yarns, for example, to facilitate connection of yarns feeding into a tufting machine or other device. In some embodiments, the improved header assembly includes at least a detachable header and a collector plate. The improved header assembly simplifies the process of loading yarn through a detachable header by positioning the detachable header so that it abuts the collectable plate so that individual yarns can be blown through the collector plate through the appropriate holes in the detachable header. In some embodiments, the header assemblies are configured for use with varying gauges, different alignment requirements, different devices, and/or to otherwise be more universal in nature.

Abstract: Design and manufacture of tufted articles, carpet tile webs and carpet tiles, and installation of carpet tiles, having different color, pile height, pile texture or other characteristics that, together with similar other such tiles, may be installed to create borders, edges or other multiple-tile designs, usually without any of the tiles looking out of place or improperly oriented relative to nap or the direction the tile is “facing.

Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on an underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the creation and harvesting of algae using tufted products. One exemplary tufted product comprises a substrate and tufts tufted through the substrate. The use of a tufted product provides various advantages with respect to the creation and harvesting of algae. Among other things, such products can be configured to improve the amount of algal-growing surface area provided and other growing environment characteristics and to facilitate the harvesting of the algae from the tufted product by facilitating the release of all or most of the algae from attachment to the tufted product.

Abstract: Creels having frames configured to receive one or more trays of yarn packages. The trays of yarn packages are removable from the frame and can be loaded with packages of yarn when not inserted into the frame. Separately loading trays with yarns can simplify and provide other benefits with respect to the process of loading a creel with yarn packages. Also disclosed is an assembly that is positioned with respect to a detachable header and a stationary header on a creel and that comprises an air flow unit that causes yarns to move through to an alignment mechanism that aligns the yarns for attachment to yarns already feeding into a tufting machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the creation and harvesting of algae using tufted products. One exemplary tufted product comprises a substrate and tufts tufted through the substrate. The use of a tufted product provides various advantages with respect to the creation and harvesting of algae. Among other things, such products can be configured to improve the amount of algal-growing surface area provided and other growing environment characteristics and to facilitate the harvesting of the algae from the tufted product by facilitating the release of all or most of the algae from attachment to the tufted product.