Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed that are used to precisely remove segments of one or more layers of a laminate to expose a portion of a targeted interior layer. Resistance measurements between a point in the laminate where material is being removed and a second point in the laminate are used to control the removal process.

Abstract: Hydraulic bump stops and bi-directional diverter valves may be used to protect hydraulic systems, including, for example in one embodiment, the hydraulic actuators of an active suspension system, from damage due to operation outside the normal operating range of the system. In some embodiments, a hydraulic bump stop may be used to slow down the motion of a piston at the extremes of the compression and/or extension strokes of an actuator. In another embodiment, a diverter valve may be used to protect a hydraulic motor/pump in a hydraulic system from an over-speed condition. When the piston in an active suspension system actuator moves at a speed in excess of a threshold value, one or more diverter valves may be used to divert flow away from the hydraulic motor/pump. In some embodiments, a diverter valve may be a dual or single spool bi-directional diverter valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the performance of displacement sensors, including absolute displacement sensors, such as inclinometers and accelerometers, and relative displacement sensors such as linear relative position transducers, by reducing or eliminating hysteresis. During use, independent, controlled and limited displacement is induced between the sensing unit and housing or base of such sensors.

Abstract: Hearing aids are enhanced by application of liquids thereto, said liquids being solvents for organic matter, or wax, or ear canal wax. The liquids are volatile. Application of the liquids to both the hearing dome ends and the ear canal surfaces create a coupling thereof, which maintains a desired position of the aids within the ear canals.

Abstract: Power supplied by a power tool is used to induce a magnetic field in a tool piece attached to the power tool. The magnetic field is produced by an electromagnet coil and can be used to hold items such as screws in position on a tool piece such as a driver bit.

Abstract: Electric plugs or connectors are provided where protruding prongs are protected or reinforced by a brace element or configured to be readily replaceable. The brace element is used to buttress the prongs when the plug is not plugged into an electric receptacle. The brace element is configured to be deployed either manually or automatically.

Abstract: A timepiece having a circular dial is disclosed. At the periphery of the dial, electronic pixels sequentially appear and represent minutes. In a smaller central circle, pixels are positioned in a circular pattern and appear sequentially to represent hours. During every sixty seconds, a viewer can count the number of visible minute pixels to know the time in minutes. Similarly, the viewer can count the number of visible hour pixels to know the time in hours. These motions give a sensation of the flow of time without active numerical values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing hysteresis in displacement sensors by reducing the resistance to motion between components in the sensing units that move relative to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the performance of displacement sensors, including inclinometers, accelerometers and linear position transducers, by reducing hysteresis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing hysteresis in displacement sensors by reducing the resistance to motion between components in the sensing units that move relative to each other.

Abstract: A system for the storing of client information in an independent repository is disclosed. Client data may be uploaded by client or those authorized by client or collected and stored by the repository. Data about the client file such as, for example, the time of upload and modifications are stored in a metadata file associated with the client file.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system is provided where the signal lights are configured so that their performance may be adapted based on ambient conditions and operational requirements. The signal lights are controlled to improve their effectiveness and efficiency.

Abstract: Electric plugs or connectors are provided where protruding prongs are protected or reinforced by a brace element. A brace element is used to buttress the prongs when the plug is not plugged into an electric receptacle. Plugs may be configured such that the brace element is deployed manually or automatically. Plugs may also be configured so that if the prongs are damaged, they can readily be replaced.

Abstract: A vehicle access system is disclosed for preventing the operation of vehicles by operators who are impaired due to various reasons including alcohol consumption, drug use and fatigue. The system identifies the vehicle operator and implements automated tests or tests with manual intervention to determine the ability of vehicle operators to properly control the vehicle prior to and during the operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle 4-way emergency flasher circuits are modified by circuit branches which enable flashing selected pairs of emergency lamps at a higher frequency or in other discernible different ways. These selected lamps become visible and recognizable as right or left turn signals while the 4-way flasher circuit is operating.

Abstract: A third light is added above the lower two rear turn signal lights of an automotive vehicle Detection hardware is included which senses when both lower lights begin flashing simultaneously due to activation of the vehicle's 4-way hazard warning system. Such detection also introduces current pulses to the third light which flashes simultaneously with the lower two lights to generate a triangular configuration of the three flashing lights. Retrofit circuitry is described to enable installing the modified triangular signal into existing vehicles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the performance of displacement sensors, including inclinometers, accelerometers and linear position transducers, by reducing hysteresis.

Abstract: A self-charging device includes a passageway which has piezoelectric elements at its opposite ends. A mobile member is located within the passageway and configured to travel between and collide with the piezoelectric elements. Collisions generate electrical voltage and current. Conductive leads transmit current from the piezoelectric elements to a circuit or to a storage member such as a capacitor or a battery.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is disclosed to deter animals from foraging for food in refuse containers.