Abstract: A head unit device for controlling motion of an object includes a chamber filled with a shear thickening fluid (STF) and a piston. The piston is housed within the chamber and exerts pressure against the STF from a force applied to the piston from the object. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates. The piston includes at least one piston bypass between opposite sides of the piston that controls flow of the STF between the opposite sides of the piston to selectively react with a shear threshold effect of the first range of shear rates or the second range of shear rates.

Abstract: A method for execution by a computing entity includes interpreting a magnetic response from a set of magnetic field sensors to produce a piston velocity and a piston position of a piston associated with a head unit device. The head unit device includes a chamber filled with a shear thickening fluid (STF) that includes a multitude of magnetic nanoparticles. The method further includes determining a shear force based on the piston velocity and the piston position. The method further includes determining a desired response for the STF based on the shear force, the piston velocity, and the piston position. The method further includes generating a magnetic activation based on the desired response for the STF and outputting the magnetic activation to a set of magnetic field emitters positioned proximal to the chamber.

Abstract: A method for execution by a computing entity includes interpreting a fluid flow response from fluid flow sensors to produce a piston velocity and a piston position of a piston associated with a head unit device. The head unit device includes a chamber filled with a shear thickening fluid (STF) and a variable partition positioned within the chamber between the piston and a closed end of the chamber to dynamically affect volume of the chamber based on activation of the variable partition. The method further includes determining a shear force based on the piston velocity and the piston position. The method further includes determining a desired response for the STF based on the shear force, the piston velocity, and the piston position. The method further includes activating the variable partition using the desired response for the STF to adjust the volume of the chamber.

Abstract: A head unit device for controlling motion of an object includes shear thickening fluid (STF) and a chamber configured to contain a portion of the STF. The chamber further includes a piston compartment and an auxiliary compartment. The head unit device further includes an auxiliary bypass configured within the chamber, and a piston housed at least partially radially within the piston compartment. The chamber further includes a set of fluid flow sensors and a set of fluid manipulation emitters to control the auxiliary bypass to adjust the STF flow between the piston compartment and the auxiliary compartment to cause selection of one of a first range of shear rates or a second range of shear rates for the STF within the piston compartment.

Abstract: In one aspect, a pet access apparatus including an actuator and a pet door movable between a closed position and an open position. The pet access apparatus includes communication circuitry to receive a signal indicative of proximity of a pet to the pet door. The pet access apparatus includes an interior camera, an exterior camera, and a processor operably coupled to the actuator, the communication circuitry, the interior camera, and the exterior camera. The processor is configured to determine an attempt by the pet to operate the pet door based at least in part on the proximity of the pet to the pet door, the interior image data, and the exterior image data. The processor is further configured to facilitate movement of the pet door from the closed position toward the open position upon the determination of the attempt by the pet to operate the pet door.

Abstract: An operator assembly for shifting a movable barrier between open and closed positions thereof, wherein the operator assembly can be configured to function with a variety of different barrier sizes and orientations. The operator assembly may include one or more interchangeable transmission components for adapting the operator for use with different gate sizes and installations. The operator assembly may also comprise a substantially linear drive train for permitting use with different barrier orientations.

Abstract: A universal power operator for shifting a movable barrier, such as a gate, and a circuit control system for operation thereof, is shown that allows the operator to be assembled for both a left-hinged or right-hinged movable barrier. The universal power operator includes generally an actuator arm, a housing assembly, a gear assembly, and a modular drive motor. The housing assembly contains generally symmetrical portions allowing the user to interchangeably assemble the motor in one of two positions for use with a left-hinged or right-hinged movable barrier.

Abstract: Multiple zones (21, 22, 23) are established with respect to the travel of a movable barrier over a course of permitted movement (typically between a fully open and a fully closed position). By detecting and knowing the juxtaposition of the movable barrier with a given one of these zones, a particular direction of movement for that movable barrier can be automatically selected notwithstanding possible ignorance regarding the exact position of the movable barrier due to, for example, one or more triggering conditions (such as momentary disconnection of the movable barrier with respect to its motive mechanism). Such zones are particularly efficacious when employed in conjunction with passpoint-based position determination movable barrier operator systems.

Abstract: A universal power operator for shifting a movable barrier, such as a gate, and a circuit control system for operation thereof, is shown that allows the operator to be assembled for both a left-hinged or right-hinged movable barrier. The universal power operator includes generally an actuator arm, a housing assembly, a gear assembly, and a modular drive motor. The housing assembly contains generally symmetrical portions allowing the user to interchangeably assemble the motor in one of two positions for use with a left-hinged or right-hinged movable barrier.

Abstract: An operator assembly for shifting a movable barrier between open and closed positions thereof, wherein the operator assembly can be configured to function with a variety of different barrier sizes and orientations. The operator assembly may include one or more interchangeable transmission components for adapting the operator for use with different gate sizes and installations. The operator assembly may also comprise a substantially linear drive train for permitting use with different barrier orientations.