Abstract: This disclosure pertains to the use of black liquors from kraft pulp mills as a source of catalysts for the thermochemical conversion of organic matter feedstocks to bio oils.

Abstract: One variation of a method for detecting and characterizing force inputs on a surface includes: during a resistance scan cycle of a sampling period, driving a shield electrode arranged over a resistive touch sensor to a reference potential and reading resistance values across sense electrode and drive electrode pairs in the resistive touch sensor; during a processing cycle of the sampling period, transforming the resistance values into a position and a magnitude of a force applied to a tactile surface over the shield electrode, releasing the shield electrode from the reference potential, reading a capacitance value of the shield electrode, and detecting proximity of an object to the tactile surface based on the capacitance value; and generating a touch image representing the position and the magnitude of the force on the tactile surface based on the proximity of the object to the tactile surface.

Abstract: One variation of a method for detecting and characterizing force inputs on a surface includes: during a resistance scan cycle of a sampling period, driving a shield electrode arranged over a resistive touch sensor to a reference potential and reading resistance values across sense electrode and drive electrode pairs in the resistive touch sensor; during a processing cycle of the sampling period, transforming the resistance values into a position and a magnitude of a force applied to a tactile surface over the shield electrode, releasing the shield electrode from the reference potential, reading a capacitance value of the shield electrode, and detecting proximity of an object to the tactile surface based on the capacitance value; and generating a touch image representing the position and the magnitude of the force on the tactile surface based on the proximity of the object to the tactile surface.

Abstract: One variation of a method for interfacing a computer to a human includes: detecting application of a first input onto a touch sensor surface and a first force magnitude of the first input; in response to the first force magnitude exceeding a first threshold magnitude, actuating a vibrator coupled to the touch sensor surface during a first click cycle and triggering an audio driver proximal the touch sensor surface to output a click sound during the first click cycle; detecting retraction of the first input from the touch sensor surface and a second force magnitude of the first input; and, in response to the second force magnitude falling below a second threshold magnitude less than the first threshold magnitude, actuating the vibrator during a second click cycle distinct from the first click cycle and triggering the audio driver to output the click sound during the second click cycle.

Abstract: A system in a residential setting that carries dialysis waste to a sewer line safely, so as not to contaminate other areas, and is easily removed when dialysis is no longer needed in the residence.

Abstract: One variation of a method for interfacing a computer to a human includes: detecting application of a first input onto a touch sensor surface and a first force magnitude of the first input; in response to the first force magnitude exceeding a first threshold magnitude, actuating a vibrator coupled to the touch sensor surface during a first click cycle and triggering an audio driver proximal the touch sensor surface to output a click sound during the first click cycle; detecting retraction of the first input from the touch sensor surface and a second force magnitude of the first input; and, in response to the second force magnitude falling below a second threshold magnitude less than the first threshold magnitude, actuating the vibrator during a second click cycle distinct from the first click cycle and triggering the audio driver to output the click sound during the second click cycle.

Abstract: A method of blocking apps and/or features on a smart device is provided. The smart device may include a GPS receiver and one or more wireless receiver devices. The method may include: detecting, by a control app running on the smart device, movement of the smart device into or out of a predetermined region based on data received by the GPS receiver and/or one or more of the wireless receiver devices; and blocking one or more apps and/or features on the smart device when the smart device is within the predetermined region. The method may include determining a current time; and wherein the one or more apps and/or features is blocked when both the smart device is within the predetermined region and the current time is within a predetermined time period. Also provided is a smart device, a server, and a system including a smart device and a server.

Abstract: One variation of a method for detecting and characterizing force inputs on a surface includes: during a resistance scan cycle of a sampling period, driving a shield electrode arranged over a resistive touch sensor to a reference potential and reading resistance values across sense electrode and drive electrode pairs in the resistive touch sensor; during a processing cycle of the sampling period, transforming the resistance values into a position and a magnitude of a force applied to a tactile surface over the shield electrode, releasing the shield electrode from the reference potential, reading a capacitance value of the shield electrode, and detecting proximity of an object to the tactile surface based on the capacitance value; and generating a touch image representing the position and the magnitude of the force on the tactile surface based on the proximity of the object to the tactile surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a novel fifth-wheel towing apparatus. More specifically, the invention relates to a fifth-wheel towing apparatus that allows a single individual to more easily tow a semi-truck with another semi-truck by utilizing the fifth wheel attachment points of both trucks. The fifth-wheel towing apparatus is also a cost-effective device that can be easily operated, attached/detached, and stored by a single individual.

Abstract: One variation of a method for detecting and characterizing force inputs on a surface includes: during a resistance scan cycle of a sampling period, driving a shield electrode arranged over a resistive touch sensor to a reference potential and reading resistance values across sense electrode and drive electrode pairs in the resistive touch sensor; during a processing cycle of the sampling period, transforming the resistance values into a position and a magnitude of a force applied to a tactile surface over the shield electrode, releasing the shield electrode from the reference potential, reading a capacitance value of the shield electrode, and detecting proximity of an object to the tactile surface based on the capacitance value; and generating a touch image representing the position and the magnitude of the force on the tactile surface based on the proximity of the object to the tactile surface.

Abstract: A vehicle sensor calibration system can detect an SDV on a turntable surrounded by a plurality of fiducial targets, and rotate the turntable using a control mechanism to provide the sensor system of the SDV with a sensor view of the plurality of fiducial targets. The vehicle sensor calibration system can receive, over a communication link with the SDV, a data log corresponding to the sensor view from the sensor system of the SDV recorded as the SDV rotates on the turntable. Thereafter, the vehicle sensor calibration system can analyze the sensor data to determine a set of calibration parameters to calibrate the sensor system of the SDV.

Abstract: A vehicle sensor calibration system for self-driving vehicles can include a turntable on which a sensor system including a LIDAR sensor is positioned. A plurality of fiducial targets can be positioned around the turntable to enable calibration of the sensor system, and a control mechanism can automatically rotate the turntable when the sensor system is positioned on the turntable. The system can include one or more computing systems that receive a data log corresponding to sensor data recorded by the sensor system as the sensor system rotates on the turntable, and analyze the sensor data to determine a set of calibration parameters to calibrate the sensor system.

Abstract: One variation of a method for interfacing a computer to a human includes: detecting application of a first input onto a touch sensor surface and a first force magnitude of the first input; in response to the first force magnitude exceeding a first threshold magnitude, actuating a vibrator coupled to the touch sensor surface during a first click cycle and triggering an audio driver proximal the touch sensor surface to output a click sound during the first click cycle; detecting retraction of the first input from the touch sensor surface and a second force magnitude of the first input; and, in response to the second force magnitude falling below a second threshold magnitude less than the first threshold magnitude, actuating the vibrator during a second click cycle distinct from the first click cycle and triggering the audio driver to output the click sound during the second click cycle.

Abstract: Features are disclosed for sealing system which is dynamically activated based on a vehicle's location within a geofence via a custom access application. Mobile application features are provided to securely adjust the seal state. Requests to change state are verified against location permissions indicating time or place where the seal may be disabled. The requests may also include specific a code known only to system users for authenticating requests.

Abstract: One variation of a method for interfacing a computer to a human includes: detecting application of a first input onto a touch sensor surface and a first force magnitude of the first input; in response to the first force magnitude exceeding a first threshold magnitude, actuating a vibrator coupled to the touch sensor surface during a first click cycle and triggering an audio driver proximal the touch sensor surface to output a click sound during the first click cycle; detecting retraction of the first input from the touch sensor surface and a second force magnitude of the first input; and, in response to the second force magnitude falling below a second threshold magnitude less than the first threshold magnitude, actuating the vibrator during a second click cycle distinct from the first click cycle and triggering the audio driver to output the click sound during the second click cycle.

Abstract: A vehicle sensor calibration system for self-driving vehicles can include a turntable on which a sensor system including a LIDAR sensor is positioned. A plurality of fiducial targets can be positioned around the turntable to enable calibration of the sensor system, and a control mechanism can automatically rotate the turntable when the sensor system is positioned on the turntable. The system can include one or more computing systems that receive a data log corresponding to sensor data recorded by the sensor system as the sensor system rotates on the turntable, and analyze the sensor data to determine a set of calibration parameters to calibrate the sensor system.

Abstract: Features are disclosed for sealing system which is dynamically activated based on a vehicle's location within a geofence via a custom access application. The seal generates current location information. The current location information is compared to location permissions indicating time or place where the seal may be disabled. If the current location corresponds to an authorized unsealing location, the seal may disengage to allow access to the vehicle.

Abstract: One variation of a method for detecting and characterizing force inputs on a surface includes: during a resistance scan cycle of a sampling period, driving a shield electrode arranged over a resistive touch sensor to a reference potential and reading resistance values across sense electrode and drive electrode pairs in the resistive touch sensor; during a processing cycle of the sampling period, transforming the resistance values into a position and a magnitude of a force applied to a tactile surface over the shield electrode, releasing the shield electrode from the reference potential, reading a capacitance value of the shield electrode, and detecting proximity of an object to the tactile surface based on the capacitance value; and generating a touch image representing the position and the magnitude of the force on the tactile surface based on the proximity of the object to the tactile surface.

Abstract: A vehicle sensor calibration system for self-driving vehicles can include a turntable on which a sensor system including a LIDAR sensor is positioned. A plurality of fiducial targets can be positioned around the turntable to enable calibration of the sensor system, and a control mechanism can automatically rotate the turntable when the sensor system is positioned on the turntable. The system can include one or more computing systems that receive a data log corresponding to sensor data recorded by the sensor system as the sensor system rotates on the turntable, and analyze the sensor data to determine a set of calibration parameters to calibrate the sensor system.

Abstract: One variation of a method for detecting and characterizing force inputs on a surface includes: during a resistance scan cycle of a sampling period, driving a shield electrode arranged over a resistive touch sensor to a reference potential and reading resistance values across sense electrode and drive electrode pairs in the resistive touch sensor; during a processing cycle of the sampling period, transforming the resistance values into a position and a magnitude of a force applied to a tactile surface over the shield electrode, releasing the shield electrode from the reference potential, reading a capacitance value of the shield electrode, and detecting proximity of an object to the tactile surface based on the capacitance value; and generating a touch image representing the position and the magnitude of the force on the tactile surface based on the proximity of the object to the tactile surface.