Abstract: Described herein are DC-DC converters with electronic module cooling units used for air-convection cooling of some components of power electronic modules and conductive cooling of other components, e.g., switching sub-modules. A cooling unit may have a heat exchanger and a cooling plate, thermally coupled to one or more heat exchangers and one or more switching sub-modules. For example, the cooling plate can be positioned between and thermally coupled to heat exchangers. One fan can direct air through one heat exchanger and to one power electronic module as a part of convection cooling. An additional fan can direct air through the second heat exchanger and to the second power electronic module. The cooling plate can be also positioned between and thermally coupled to switching sub-modules of these power electronic modules thereby enabling conductive cooling. The plate-cooling liquid is pumped through the cooling plate.

Abstract: Electric lawnmowers comprise drive units and mowing units disengageably coupled to the drive units. For example, a drive unit can be disengageably coupled to any one of multiple mowing units (e.g., rotating mowing units, reel mowing units) collecting forming a mowing system. For example, each of the drive and mowing units may be equipped with corresponding mechanical-engagement structures that are configured to be disengageably coupled. Each mowing unit is equipped with its electric motor (e.g., for rotating the cutting blades or the reel of that unit). The electric motor may comprise an electric connector, which is disengageably coupled to the drive unit's electrical wiring. In some examples, each mowing unit can also form a liquid disengageable coupling for circulating a thermal liquid between the drive unit and mowing unit, e.g., for cooling various components of the drive unit.

Abstract: A removable facial interface for a head-mountable device (HMD) is disclosed. In an example, an HMD includes a display; a facial interface frame at least partially surrounding the display; a removable facial interface attached to the facial interface frame; a first attachment mechanism attached to one of the facial interface frame or the removable facial interface; and a second attachment mechanism attached to the other of the facial interface frame or the removable facial interface, the removable facial interface being attached to the facial interface frame by the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism.

Abstract: Electric lawnmowers comprise mowing-unit decks with fluid passages used for cooling batteries, power electronics units, and/or drive motors. Specifically, a lawnmower comprises a drive unit (with a battery, power electronics, and one or more drive motors) and a mowing unit (with a mowing-unit deck). The deck's fluid passage is fluidically coupled to the drive unit (e.g., the motor and power electronics). The thermal liquid is heated by the drive unit's components and cooled as the liquid passes through the deck's fluid passage. The mowing unit may be equipped with a pump (for circulating this liquid), which can be powered by an electric motor on the mowing unit. The same motor may be used for rotating the cutting blades. The drive unit may have an additional cooling circuit providing immersion cooling to the batteries.

Abstract: Described herein are electric vehicles comprising power distribution systems and methods of operating thereof. Specifically, a power distribution system is mechanically coupled to an electric motor, a road wheel, and an auxiliary unit. This system is configured to switch among multiple operating modes and selectively transfer mechanical power among the electric motor, wheel, and auxiliary unit. For example, the power distribution system is configured to transfer mechanical power between the electric motor and the road wheel, but not the auxiliary unit, when switched to a wheel operating mode. The power distribution system is configured to transfer mechanical power between the electric motor and the auxiliary unit, but not the road wheel, when switched to an auxiliary operating mode. The power distribution system is configured to transfer mechanical power between the electric motor, the auxiliary unit, and the road wheel when the system is switched to a combined operating mode.

Abstract: Described herein are battery modules comprising integrated module converters, electric-vehicle battery systems comprising such modules, and methods of operating thereof. An electric-vehicle battery system comprises a high-voltage battery pack and high-voltage contactors that controllably isolate the pack's high-voltage area from other areas in the vehicle. The pack comprises multiple battery modules with battery cells and a primary module converter constantly connected to these cells. Each module has a lower voltage than the entire pack. The power output from the primary module converters is used to operate a battery controller and to close/activate the contactors in response to the switch position (e.g., an ignition switch). The primary module converters can be either constantly activated or controllably activated in response to the switch moving into an activated position. For example, a secondary module converter, with a lower power rating, can be used for this primary module converter activation.

Abstract: Described herein are vehicle charging systems, each comprising a recharge vehicle and a work vehicle configured to form an electrical connection and charge the work vehicle battery from the recharge vehicle battery. In some examples, this charging is performed at 500 kW or more or even at 1,000 kW or more. Furthermore, the connection and/or charging can be performed while both vehicles are moving (e.g., the recharge vehicle moving in front of the work vehicle). The recharge vehicle comprises one or more DC-DC converters, configured to boost a first voltage (V1) of the recharge vehicle battery to a second voltage (V2) of the work vehicle battery. It should be noted that these voltages vary depending on the state of charge of these batteries. In some examples, each DC-DC converter utilizes a combination of immersion, conductive, and convective cooling for different components of the converter.

Abstract: Described herein are DC-DC converters having various immersion-cooling features enabling high-power applications, such as cross-charging electric vehicles. For example, the inductor of a DC-DC converter may be formed using metal and insulator sheets stacked and wound into an inductor coil assembly. The metal sheet comprises grooves, extending parallel to the coil axis and forming coil fluid pathways through this assembly thereby providing immersion cooling to the inductor. An inductor-cooling liquid may be pumped through these fluid pathways while being in direct contact with the metal sheet, at least around the grooves. In some examples, these grooves are distributed along the entire length of the metal sheet. Multiple inductors may be used to enable operations of multiple converter units, e.g., operating out of phase. These inductors may be fluidically interconnectors and have the same cooling features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating cognitive impairment in a patient in need thereof by administering Compound (I), a stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) at certain dosages either alone or in combination therapy.

Abstract: An image acquisition and analysis system are disclosed. The system enables high throughput, objective analysis of microbial samples over days or weeks. The system may accommodate upwards of twelve 96- or 384-well plates simultaneously (liquid or solid media). The system may acquire and analyze a large number of samples in a short period of time. For example, over 384 samples per minute or 18,432 samples per hour. The system hardware may include a multi-spectral imager (fluorescence and bright field detection), electro-mechanical assemblies, and an optional high-resolution stage. The system may automate image acquisition, image data processing, simplify data storage, and enable automated analysis tools to significantly reduce the manual labor and time associated with such tasks. The system may allow for quick processing and analysis of data into clear phenotypic classes.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for controlling differential wheel speeds of multi-independent-wheel vehicles, such as four-wheel-drive electric tractors (4WD-ETs). Specifically, a method comprises determining a target speed for each wheel of the vehicle based on at least the steering input. The linear travel speeds (corresponding to these target speeds) of any two wheels are different when the vehicle turns (steering input deviates from a no-steering baseline) or the same when the vehicle travels in a straight line (steering input is at the no-steering baseline). Each target wheel speed is then used to control the rotational speed of the corresponding electric motor, which independently drives one of the vehicle’s wheels. This process of determining the target wheel speeds and independently controlling all electric motors is frequently repeated such that the vehicle can be propelled through the turn at the desired speed with minimal wheel slip.

Abstract: Described herein are swappable battery modules comprising immersion-thermally controlled prismatic battery cells and methods of operating thereof. A module comprises a tubular enclosure attached (e.g., glued) to different surfaces of the cells and forming two fluid channels with one side of the cells and two additional fluid channels with the opposite side. The module also comprises a first end plate, which is attached to the tubular enclosure and comprises two electrical terminals for connecting to an electric vehicle (EV) and/or external charger. The first end plate also comprises a first fluidic port (fluidically coupled with two fluid channels) and a second fluidic port (fluidically coupled to the remaining two fluid channels), both are configured to form fluidic coupling to the electric vehicle and/or the external charger. The module also comprises a second end plate that fluidically interconnects paid fluid channels from different cell sides.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods to bore or tunnel through various geologies in an autonomous or substantially autonomous manner including one or more non-contact boring elements that direct energy at the bore face to remove material from the bore face through the fracture, spallation, and removal of the material. Systems can automatically execute methods to control a set of boring parameters that affect the flux of energy directed at the bore face. Systems can further automatically execute the methods to: monitor, direct, maintain, and/or adjust a set of boring controls, including for example a standoff distance between the system and the bore face, a temperature of exhaust gases directed at the bore face, a removal rate of material from the bore face, and/or a thermal or topological characterization of the bore face during boring operations.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a support garment testing system comprising a torso form having a motion tracking sensor associated with one or more breast structures of the torso form. A support garment is secured to the torso form, and the torso form is mounted on a motion platform that, when actuated, causes displacement of the breast structures. The amount of displacement is measured by the sensor, and the data is used to assign a level of support provided by the support garment.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods to bore or tunnel through various geologies in an autonomous or substantially autonomous manner including one or more non-contact boring elements that direct energy at the bore face to remove material from the bore face through fracture, spallation, and removal of the material. Systems can automatically execute methods to control a set of boring parameters that affect the flux of energy directed at the bore face. Systems can further automatically execute the methods to: monitor, direct, maintain, and/or adjust a set of boring controls, including for example a standoff distance between the system and the bore face, a temperature of exhaust gases directed at the bore face, a removal rate of material from the bore face, and/or a thermal or topological characterization of the bore face during boring operations.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for remote charging of work vehicles using recharge vehicles. A recharge vehicle is equipped with power storage that has a sufficient capacity for propelling the recharge vehicle between a charging station (used for charging the recharge vehicle) and a work location (of the work vehicle) and also for charging the work vehicle at the work location. In some examples, the charging of the work vehicle and even the connection between the vehicles are formed while the work vehicle continues to operate. This approach helps to maximize the operating time of the work vehicle. Furthermore, this approach relaxes the charge rate requirement for charging the recharge vehicle and also for charging the work vehicle as well as the location of the charging station (for charging the recharge vehicle). In some examples, work vehicles and/or recharge vehicles are autonomous vehicles and use vehicle-to-vehicle coordination features.

Abstract: Electric vehicles include adjustable battery positions and/or adjustable track widths for controlling vehicle stability. In some examples, an electric vehicle comprises a positioning mechanism configured to move the battery pack relative to the support structure (e.g., operable as the vehicle's frame) to change the vehicle's COG. The battery pack can be moved in response to other vehicle operations, e.g., COG changes caused by adding/moving loads, changes to the route grade, and the like. The battery pack can be slidably coupled to the support structure. In some examples, an electric vehicle comprises a track adjustment mechanism configured to move the vehicle's wheel axle relative to the support structure, along the wheel axle center axis, thereby changing the track width. The wheel axle can be coupled to a hub motor. In some examples, the battery is moved, and/or the track width is changed during the vehicle's operation.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for controlling differential wheel speeds of multi-independent-wheel vehicles, such as four-wheel-drive electric tractors (4WD-ETs). Specifically, a method comprises determining a target speed for each wheel of the vehicle based on at least the steering input. The linear travel speeds (corresponding to these target speeds) of any two wheels are different when the vehicle turns (steering input deviates from a no-steering baseline) or the same when the vehicle travels in a straight line (steering input is at the no-steering baseline). Each target wheel speed is then used to control the rotational speed of the corresponding electric motor, which independently drives one of the vehicle's wheels. This process of determining the target wheel speeds and independently controlling all electric motors is frequently repeated such that the vehicle can be propelled through the turn at the desired speed with minimal wheel slip.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a support garment testing system comprising a torso form having a motion tracking sensor associated with one or more breast structures of the torso form. A support garment is secured to the torso form, and the torso form is mounted on a motion platform that, when actuated, causes displacement of the breast structures. The amount of displacement is measured by the sensor, and the data is used to assign a level of support provided by the support garment.

Abstract: Described herein are new methods and systems for profiling tunnels. A method comprises moving a shuttle within a shuttle track extending between a boring apparatus (inside a tunnel) and a base station (outside the tunnel). The shuttle is equipped with a movement sensor, which records various movement parameters (e.g., linear and/or angular accelerations) while the shuttle moves within the shuttle track. These movement parameters are then transferred to a tunnel profiler (e.g., a base station) and the profile of the tunnel is determined based on these movement parameters. For example, a shuttle track can be a flexible tube (e.g., continuous or segmented) with the shuttle positioned within the tube. The shuttle can be removed from the tube or remain in the tube while the movement parameters are transferred and, in some examples, while the shuttle is recharged.