Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor assembly is placed against an inside surface of a panel for sensing objects on an opposite side of the panel and includes an ultrasonic sensor, a preload structure, a coupling element, and a damping material. The preload structure applies a preload on the ultrasonic sensor toward the inside surface of the panel. The coupling element interfaces between the ultrasonic sensor and the inside surface of the panel. The damping material is placed against the inside surface but not where the coupling element interfaces between the ultrasonic sensor and the inside surface. The coupling element may include a matrix material that is reinforced with a filler.

Abstract: One embodiment described herein provides a photovoltaic roof module. The roof module can include at least a first photovoltaic roof tile, a second photovoltaic roof tile positioned adjacent to the first photovoltaic roof tile, and a spacer coupled to and positioned between the first and second photovoltaic roof tiles. The spacer is configured to facilitate a semi-rigid joint between the first and second photovoltaic roof tiles.

Abstract: One embodiment can provide a photovoltaic roof tile. The photovoltaic roof tile can include a plurality of photovoltaic structures positioned between a front cover and a back cover and at least one external conductive connector coupled to a busbar belonging to a photovoltaic structure. The external conductive connector is electrically and mechanically coupled to the busbar via an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) paste.

Abstract: Presented are systems and methods that allow for efficient data processing that reduce data latency and, thus, power consumption and data management cost. In various embodiments, this is accomplished by using a sequencer that identifies an address pointer of a first data block within a memory and a length of data that comprises that data block and is related to an input of a matrix processor. The sequencer then calculates, based on the block length, the input length, and a memory map, a block count representative of a number of data blocks that are to be retrieved from the memory. Using the address pointer, the sequencer may retrieve a number of data blocks from the memory in a number of cycles that depends on whether the data blocks are contiguous. In embodiments, based on the length of data, a formatter then maps the data blocks to the input of the matrix processor.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a first cable and a second cable that is arranged co-axial to the first cable. Proximal ends of the first and second cables are provided with a connector assembly. The connector assembly from each proximal end is adapted to connect with one another, or a pair of receptacle ports located within a PCB, the PCB being disposed alongside the co-axially arranged first and second cables.

Abstract: A wiring system for an automobile connecting a processor and a plurality of devices, using one or more backbone sections. The processor and devices are connected to one another to form a first loop and a second loop, such that data may be transmitted along the first loop and data may be transmitted along the second loop.

Abstract: A programmable microcontroller and a non-volatile memory are coupled to monitor and store operating parameters associated with operation of a power control system for a power generation system. The microcontroller is programmed to respond to a fault event (i.e., an anomalous condition that exceeds a threshold value) by storing the operating parameters before, during and after the fault event in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: Micro-structures and directional and multi-directional coatings for uniformly colored and directionally colored photovoltaic modules and roof tiles are described. The photovoltaic roof tiles include a glass cover with texture of a micro scale on a first side, and one or more layers of a transparent material adjoining the first side of the textured glass configured to reflect light of a color. A glass cover can have texture on a first side and a layer of sphere shaped metal nanoparticles adjoining the first side of the textured glass cover. Directionally colored solar modules can include a textured glass cover with texture on a first side and a coating layer covering one or more facets of the texture on the first side of the glass cover. The coating layer may be deposited by coating the textured glass cover in one or more directions.

Abstract: One embodiment can provide a non-flat photovoltaic roof tile. The non-flat photovoltaic roof tile can include a transparent front cover, a back cover, and a plurality of Si-based photovoltaic structures. The transparent front cover can include a first side and a second side, with the first side comprising at least one non-flat portion and the second side comprising a plurality of flat facets. The flat facets are arranged to follow the contour of the at least one non-flat portion. A respective Si-based photovoltaic structure is positioned between a flat facet of the transparent front cover and the back cover.

Abstract: Systems and methods for texturing substrates (e.g., glass, metal, and the like) and the textured substrates produced using such systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary textured substrate includes a surface having a portion with a root-mean-square roughness between 40 to 1000 microns and an autocorrelation function greater than 0.5 for distances less than 50 microns. An exemplary system for texturing a substrate includes a plunger with a textured surface, where a portion of the textured surface has a root-mean-square roughness between 40 to 1000 microns and an autocorrelation function greater than 0.5 for distances less than 50 microns. An exemplary method for texturing a substrate includes the steps of generating a pattern defining a texture, and 3-D printing the pattern on the substrate to form the texture.

Abstract: Exemplary antireflective coatings that have antireflective properties for light of non-normal angular incidence are disclosed. An exemplary antireflective coating includes a multilayer having alternating optical layers of high refractive index material and low refractive index material and a second layer directly contacting a first optical layer of the multilayer. The sum of the optical thickness of the second layer and the optical thickness of the first optical layer of the multilayer is between 146 nanometers and 190 nanometers.

Abstract: A system for thermally servicing a solvent-refining column includes: a first solvent-refining column, a closed-loop water-steam system; a first heat-exchanger thermally coupling the closed-loop water-steam system to the top of the first solvent-refining column, a second heat-exchanger thermally coupling the closed-loop water-steam system to a bottom of the first solvent-refining column, and a compressor positioned between the first heat-exchanger and the second heat-exchanger. The first heat-exchanger boils pressurized water to steam by transferring first heat from the top of the first solvent-refining column to the closed-loop water- steam system. The compressor compresses the steam in the closed-loop water-steam system to a higher temperature. The second heat-exchanger provides second heat to the first solvent-refining column by condensing the steam at the bottom of the first solvent-refining column after compression by the compressor.

Abstract: A self-healing polymer is described herein, including a first carbon nanotube filled with at least a first healing agent, wherein the first carbon nanotube has first and second ends, wherein a first end cap is closed on the first end of the first carbon nanotube and a second end cap is closed on the second end of the first carbon nanotube, and a second carbon nanotube filled with at least a second healing agent, wherein the second carbon nanotube has first and second ends, wherein a first end cap is closed on the first end of the second carbon nanotube and a second end cap is closed on the second end of the second carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A cartridge-based gas drying device for external electrical boxes. The device attaches to the box via box connector fitted through an existing knock-out in a wall of the box. The device includes an indicating molecular sieve filled with hydroscopic desiccant that absorbs water vapor in the box to maintain the humidity below ambient outside humidity levels. A two-piece design allows the device to be serviced without requiring subsequent access to the inside of the electrical box.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes: a door; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the door; a push-open actuator mounted at a rear of the door, the push-open actuator configured for pushing against a body of the vehicle; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle. A system for a vehicle includes: a front door; a rear door behind the front door, the rear door having a dual-hinge design that opens and closes in a substantially vertical direction; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the front door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the front door; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle.

Abstract: A new wiring and power and communications system for an automobile that includes a plurality of devices, wherein the devices are connected to a backbone section that has an outer sheathing, a first conductor disposed within the outer sheathing, a second conductor disposed within the outer sheathing, a pair of inner sheathing members disposed within the outer sheathing and located on opposing sides of the at least one conductor, the inner sheathing members configured to electrically insulate the first conductor from the second conductor, and a shield member disposed within the outer sheathing.

Abstract: A valve includes a holder having an expandable material. The valve includes a retainer coupled to the holder. The valve further includes an umbrella member with a stem coupled to the holder. The expandable material is adapted to expand in size when absorbing a fluid and translate the umbrella member along an axis of the stem.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method to respond to an exceptional charge event including an overdischarge in an energy storage system having a plurality of series-connected battery elements. The method includes monitoring, using the microprocessor, the energy storage system for a charge imbalance using a first detection modality; initiating a reduction of said charge imbalance using a first response modality; monitoring, using the microprocessor, the energy storage system for the overdischarge of a particular one battery element of the plurality of battery elements using a second detection modality different from said first detection modality; and initiating a response to said exceptional charge event using a second response modality different from said first response modality, said response decreasing a risk associated with said overdischarge.

Abstract: A method for forming a skin-foam architecture for a seat. The method includes loading a backing cover into a first portion of the tool. The method includes applying and curing a skin on a second portion of the tool, the skin including a first layer, and a second layer under the first layer. The method includes laminating a mesh under the skin. The method includes attaching and curing a foam layer under the mesh and the skin. The method includes mating the first and second portions of the tool. The method includes introducing foam between the mated first and second portions of the tool.

Abstract: A cable includes a plurality of differential conductors and a plurality of drain conductors. The differential conductors and the drain conductors are arranged in the form of groups such that each group comprises a pair of differential conductors and a pair of drain conductors and defines a communication pathway for communicating signals. The cable includes a body formed around the plurality of differential conductors and the plurality of drain conductors.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a module housing and multiple battery cells positioned inside the module housing. Each of the battery cells has a first end and a second end. Further, each of the battery cells has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The energy storage system includes a first interconnect and a second interconnect positioned over the battery cells. Multiple first cell connectors connect the positive terminals of the battery cells to the first interconnect. Multiple second cell connectors connect the negative terminals of the battery cells to the second interconnect. A top plate having an interior side and an exterior side is positioned over the first interconnect and the second interconnect. The top plate includes one or more weak areas positioned above one or more battery cell.

Abstract: A multi-port, multi-mode valve includes: a valve housing; multiple ports on the valve housing, a spacing between first and second ports being smaller than a spacing between third and fourth ports; and a stemshell positioned at least partly inside the valve housing, the stemshell having at least two channels configured for selectively coupling one or more of the ports to a selected at least other one of the ports.

Abstract: A parallel processing system includes at least three processors operating in parallel, state monitoring circuitry, and state reload circuitry. The state monitoring circuitry couples to the at least three parallel processors and is configured to monitor runtime states of the at least three parallel processors and identify a first processor of the at least three parallel processors having at least one runtime state error. The state reload circuitry couples to the at least three parallel processors and is configured to select a second processor of the at least three parallel processors for state reload, access a runtime state of the second processor, and load the runtime state of the second processor into the first processor. Monitoring and reload may be performed only on sub-systems of the at least three parallel processors. During reload, clocks and supply voltages of the processors may be altered. The state reload may relate to sub-systems.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that utilize a novel hardware-based pooling architecture to process the output of a convolution engine representing an output channel of a convolution layer in a convolutional neural network (CNN). The pooling system converts the output into a set of arrays and aligns them according to a pooling operation to generate a pooling result. In certain embodiments, this is accomplished by using an aligner that aligns, e.g., over a number of arithmetic cycles, an array of data in the output into rows and shifts the rows relative to each other. A pooler applies a pooling operation to a combination of a subset of data from each row to generate the pooling result.

Abstract: A System-on-a-Chip includes a plurality of processing systems and channel circuitry servicing the plurality of processing systems. The channel circuitry includes a clock sprinkler circuit, a clock source, first direction data path circuitry and second direction data path circuitry. A clock sprinkler is a clock signal that propagates in a first direction only, from a source to all destinations. The first direction data path circuitry includes a plurality of first direction data flip flops and first direction combinational logic that service data flow in the first direction. The second direction data path circuitry includes a plurality of second direction data flip flops and second direction combinational logic that service data flow in the second direction.

Abstract: The proposed method relates to the field of providing physical feedback to a user from a virtual application, particularly a computer game or other software applications. The method for interactive physiological and technological synchronization of a user with a virtual environment includes taking the user's biometric and/or kinematic parameters, transferring the user's biometric and/or kinematic parameters to an application program, generating feedback signals in the application program, transmitting the feedback signals to a computing device, processing the feedback signals and supplying feedback pulses which invoke physical sensations in the nervous system of the user through contact with the user's skin, wherein the feedback pulses are supplied using the principle of cascaded distribution of electrical pulses. Also claimed are variants of a wearable apparatus for implementation of the proposed method. The proposed method and apparatus allow for creating a deep-sense reality for the user.

Abstract: A self-healing polymer is described herein, including a first carbon nanotube filled with at least a first healing agent, wherein the first carbon nanotube has first and second ends, wherein a first end cap is closed on the first end of the first carbon nanotube and a second end cap is closed on the second end of the first carbon nanotube, and a second carbon nanotube filled with at least a second healing agent, wherein the second carbon nanotube has first and second ends, wherein a first end cap is closed on the first end of the second carbon nanotube and a second end cap is closed on the second end of the second carbon nanotube.

Abstract: One or more techniques are disclosed for a method for functionalized a graphitic material comprising the steps of: 1) providing a graphitic material; 2) providing a first molecule comprising a first group, a spacer, and a second group; 3) providing a second molecule comprising a third group, a spacer, and a fourth group, wherein the third group is a different group from the first group; and 4) bonding the first molecule and the second molecule to the graphitic material. Also disclosed is a tunable material composition comprising the functionalized carbon nanotubes or functionalized graphene prepared by the methods described herein.

Abstract: Presented are systems and methods that accelerate the convolution of an image and similar arithmetic operations by utilizing hardware-specific circuitry that enables a large number of operations to be performed in parallel across a large set of data. In various embodiments, arithmetic operations are further enhanced by reusing data and eliminating redundant steps of storing and fetching intermediate results from registers and memory when performing arithmetic operations.

Abstract: A personalization system for a vehicle includes an image-capture device configured to capture a plurality of images of one or more occupants in the vehicle and control circuitry configured to estimate a plurality of Z-heights of a plurality of body portions of each of the one or more occupants from a reference position in the vehicle, based on the plurality of images captured from the image-capture device, determine an associative relationship between the plurality of Z-heights of the plurality of body portions of each of the one or more occupants in the vehicle and a plurality of in-vehicle systems, based on defined user-preferences, and control the plurality of in-vehicle systems to direct an output from a corresponding in-vehicle system to a specific body portion of each of the one or more occupants in the vehicle, based on the estimated plurality of Z-heights and the determined associative relationship.

Abstract: A monopost for a free-standing seat of a vehicle comprises: an inner subassembly of first clamshell components attached to each other; an outer subassembly of second clamshell components attached to each other around the inner subassembly, the outer subassembly forming a wing portion at one end; and a wing clamshell attached to the first clamshell components and to the wing portion.

Abstract: A system for detecting improper usage of a seatbelt of a vehicle includes a vehicle seat having a seat cushion and a seat back. A shoulder belt and a lap belt are intended to restrain an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. The system includes a sensor module associated with the shoulder belt and the lap belt. The sensor module generates signals indicative of at least one parameter associated with the vehicle seat, the shoulder belt, and the lap belt when the occupant is sitting on the vehicle seat. The system also includes a controller that receives the signals indicative of the at least one parameter associated with the seat back, the shoulder belt, and the lap belt. The controller analyzes the received one or more signals, and determines whether the seatbelt is being used improperly by the occupant, based on the analysis.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a concentration of a component of an electrolyte in a lithium-ion or for a lithium-ion cell is provided. The method includes providing, to a spectrometer, instructions to capture a spectrum of a sample solution of the electrolyte and generate a signal. The method includes analyzing the signal to determine one or more spectral features of the spectrum. The method includes preparing a database of spectra corresponding to solutions having predetermined concentrations of the component of the electrolyte wherein the database includes a plurality for spectral features for each solution. The method further includes determining a machine learning (ML) model using the database of spectra. The method includes determining the concentration of the component of the electrolyte in the sample solution using the machine learning model.

Abstract: A load-bearing fabric architecture including a soft surface material, a support system provided in contact with the soft surface material. The support system comprises a frame and structural surface material connected to the frame. The soft surface material is at least partially disposed above the support system, and the support system is configured to support an applied load.

Abstract: A wafer carrier for carrying solar cell wafers during a deposition process is described. The carrier is coated with pyrolytic carbon, silicon carbide, or a ceramic material, and is adapted to receive and support the wafers.

Abstract: A system for exchanging an electrical energy storage system (EESS) of an electric vehicle includes. An EESS station is configured to position an electric vehicle in x and y directions. A vehicle lift raises the electric vehicle to a predetermined height. An EESS lift supports and lowers the EESS and replaces the EESS with a differing EESS. The vehicle lift may be an inboard lift and the EESS lift may be an outboard lift. The system may also include one or more rollers configured to guide the electric vehicle. The system may include a horizontal door having at least one tube positioned thereon for guiding the electric vehicle and/or at least one vehicle chock for positioning the electric vehicle in at least one of the x and y directions. The vehicle lift may include lifting arms to engage jack pads of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes housing, a substrate, a first semiconductor die, a second semiconductor die, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The first terminal in a first terminal plane couples to the first semiconductor die. The second terminal has a contact portion in a contact portion plane within the housing that couples to the second semiconductor die, a main portion in a main portion plane partially within the housing, the main portion plane substantially parallel to and offset from the first terminal plane, and the main portion plane substantially parallel to and offset from the contact portion plane, and an offsetting portion within the housing and that connects the contact portion to the main portion. At least some of the main portion of the second terminal overlaps the first terminal and the first terminal and the main portion of the second terminal extend from the housing in a same direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring battery cell DC impedance by controlling charging of the battery cell. The method includes real-time characterization of a battery, (a) measuring periodically a DC impedance of the battery to determine a measured DC impedance; (b) ratioing the measured DC impedance to a reference DC impedance for the battery to establish an impedance degradation factor; (c) obtaining, during use of the battery and responsive to a set of attributes of the battery, an operational reference impedance for the battery; and (d) applying the impedance degradation factor to the operational reference impedance to obtain a real-time effective impedance for the battery.

Abstract: A system for handling errors in a neural network includes a neural network processor for executing a neural network associated with use of a vehicle. The neural network processor includes an error detector configured to detect a data error associated with execution of the neural network and a neural network controller configured to receive a report of the data error from the error detector. In response to receiving the report, the neural network controller is further configured to signal that a pending result of the neural network is tainted without terminating execution of the neural network.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving information corresponding at least to (i) a state of charge of an energy storage of a vehicle, (ii) route information corresponding to a planned driving route for the vehicle, and (iii) a predicted driver characteristic; determining using the received information, and presenting to a driver of the vehicle, a first energy-versus-distance measure for the planned driving route; receiving a user input indicating a proposed change in at least the driver characteristics, and determining using the received information and the user input, and presenting to the driver, a second energy-versus-distance measure for the planned driving route that takes into account the proposed change.