Abstract: A location of an object of interest (205) is determined using both observations and non-observations. Numerous images (341-345) are stored in a database in association with image capture information, including an image capture location (221-225). Image recognition is used to determine which of the images include the object of interest (205) and which of the images do not include the object of interest. For each of multiple candidate locations (455) within an area of the captured images, a likelihood value of the object of interest existing at the candidate location is calculated using the image capture information for images determined to include the object of interest and using the image capture information for images determined not to include the object of interest. The location of the object is determined using the likelihood values for the multiple candidate locations.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and maintaining a solid structure is provided. The system includes a frame composed of an interconnected network of pipes configured for transporting liquid, the frame having a substantially spherical shape, a plurality of nozzles uniformly distributed along the pipes, wherein the plurality of nozzles are configured for dispensing liquid, a repository that holds a liquid composed of water and at least one additive, a refrigeration unit configured for refrigerating the liquid from the repository to at least a freezing temperature, and a pump for pumping the liquid from the refrigeration unit through the pipes and out of the nozzles, wherein the system is configured to dispense the liquid at said freezing temperature so as to freeze upon egress and create a solid structure surrounding the pipes. The system may also return melted liquid from the solid structure to the repository.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is provided with an extendable arm and a mandible structure. The mandible structure includes a pair of mandibles with toothed portions that cooperatively engage such that the mandibles may be opened and closed by applying a force to only one of the pair of mandibles. The mandible structure hangs freely from the extendable arm and is balanced so that the mandible structure naturally maintains a substantially vertical orientation. In the closed position, the mandible structure defines an interior cavity suitable for securely grasping a ring.

Abstract: Clay materials useful as binding agents in green sandcasting and other molding processes are discussed, as well as methods of preparing such clay materials. The clay materials may be chemically treated. For example, a natural clay may be combined with one or more reducing agents, such that an amount of iron present as ferric iron (Fe3+) in the natural clay is at least partially reduced to ferrous iron (Fe2+) in the chemically-treated clay. The chemically-treated clay may exhibit greater water absorption, binding properties, and/or sintering properties as compared to an untreated, natural clay.

Abstract: The two-stage soil sifting device comprises a support frame, an upper sifter, and a lower sifter. The support frame comprises a rectangular base with cross braces and four vertical uprights that support the upper sifter and the lower sifter at elevated positions. The upper sifter comprises an upper sifter frame and a first mesh having a first mesh spacing. The upper sifter is located above the lower sifter and may be pivotally inclined with respect to horizontal. The lower sifter comprises a lower sifter frame and a second mesh having a second mesh spacing. As unsifted soil placed upon the upper sifter is moved over the surface of the upper sifter some of it passed through the first mesh onto the lower sifter and then through the second mesh onto the ground, leaving debris on the first mesh and on the second mesh.

Abstract: An animal safety retention apparatus includes a base collar member, at least one protrusion member, and a leash ring member. The base collar member defines a first end and an opposing second end, and a circumferential length of the base collar member e extends therebetween. The at least one protrusion member is operably engaged with the base collar member and extends radially outward from the base collar member.

Abstract: Messages on controller area network (CAN) buses are communicated over subsea links to subsea devices that also require electrical power to function. These subsea devices may be disposed kilometers away from the signal source where electrical signal and power transmission is impractical. The present invention provides a subsea power-over-fiber CAN bus converter for converting CAN bus electrical input and electrical power input into optical signals for transmission over a fiber optic cable for conversion into CAN bus electrical output and electrical power output for use by a subsea sensor or other subsea device. The subsea power-over-fiber CAN bus converter of the present invention is may comprise a flying lead harness that has a first connector end, a second connector end, a first optical converter module, a second optical converter module, and a fiber optic cable disposed between the first and second optical converter modules.

Abstract: Messages on controller area network (CAN) buses are communicated over subsea links to subsea devices that also require electrical power to function. These subsea devices may be disposed kilometers away from the signal source where electrical signal and power transmission is impractical. The present invention provides a subsea power-over-fiber CAN bus converter for converting CAN bus electrical input and electrical power input into optical signals for transmission over a fiber optic cable for conversion into CAN bus electrical output and electrical power output for use by a subsea sensor or other subsea device. The subsea power-over-fiber CAN bus converter of the present invention is may comprise a flying lead harness that has a first connector end, a second connector end, a first optical converter module, a second optical converter module, and a fiber optic cable disposed between the first and second optical converter modules.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods that use machine-learned models, such as deep neural networks, to predict and prevent adverse conditions at structural assets. One example method includes obtaining data descriptive of a plurality of images that depict at least a portion of a geographic area that contains a first structural asset. The plurality of images include at least a first image captured at a first time and a second image captured at a second time that is different than the first time. The method includes inputting data descriptive of at least the first image, the first time, the second image, and the second time into a condition prediction model. The method includes receiving, as an output of the condition prediction model, at least one prediction regarding the occurrence of an adverse condition at the first structural asset during one or more future time periods.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is provided with vertical ball cannon and a ball deflector. The ball deflector is mounted over the vertical ball cannon on a vertical linear slide. The deflector redirects a ball shot from the cannon toward a desired target, such as a cylindrical goal. The vehicle further includes a rotating goal-grabber for anchoring a goal adjacent to the vehicle and underneath the output of the deflector. A pair of counter-rotating helical screws capture a ball from the ground and raise it into the ball cannon. The cannon launches the ball toward the deflector, which redirects the ball's upward vertical motion away from the cannon into a downward vertical motion toward the desired target.

Abstract: Messages on controller area network (CAN) buses are communicated over subsea links. Messages are sent as electrical or optical signals. The present invention provides a subsea CAN BUS electronic distribution unit (EDU) for transmitting, receiving, converting, and routing electrical or optical signals sent over a subsea CAN BUS network. The CAN BUS EDU of the present invention is contained within a single housing and combines the functions of transmitting, receiving, converting, and routing electrical or optical signals sent over a subsea CAN BUS network that would typically be handled by multiple devices.

Abstract: Natural amorphous silica filler products featuring high brightness, low oil absorption, fine particle size, and low crystalline silica content are described. Methods for making, using, and measuring the properties of the natural amorphous silica filler products are also described. The natural amorphous silica filler products described herein may be useful in a variety of products including, but not limited to, polymers, sealants, paints, caulks, latex, architectural coatings, industrial coatings, pozzolan, glass catalysts, ceramic glazes, and anti-blocking applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for subsea optical to electrical distribution. The present invention comprises one or more routing units adapted to convert optical signals to electrical signals and route the converted electrical signals to an appropriate end device. The routing unit is a compact device that may be installed without the use of heavy equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for subsea optical to electrical distribution. The present invention comprises one or more routing units adapted to convert optical signals to electrical signals and route the converted electrical signals to an appropriate end device. The routing unit is a compact device that may be installed without the use of heavy equipment.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is provided with vertical ball cannon and a ball deflector. The ball deflector is mounted over the vertical ball cannon on a vertical linear slide. The deflector redirects a ball shot from the cannon toward a desired target, such as a cylindrical goal. The vehicle further includes a rotating goal-grabber for anchoring a goal adjacent to the vehicle and underneath the output of the deflector. A pair of counter-rotating helical screws capture a ball from the ground and raise it into the ball cannon. The cannon launches the ball toward the deflector, which redirects the ball's upward vertical motion away from the cannon into a downward vertical motion toward the desired target.

Abstract: A plant growing system is provided and includes a liquid supply/drain floor system including a first liquid holding tank and a second liquid holding tank adjacent and attached to the first liquid holding tank, a framed structure assembly attached to the first liquid holding tank and the second liquid holding tank, a lighting system attached to the framed structure assembly, and a cover that covers the framed structure. The first liquid holding tank and the second liquid holding tank also function as a floor of the plant growing system.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is provided with improved traction and mobility via a specially designed wheel apparatus including a relatively rigid wheel structure formed from two circular, coaxial sprocketed wheel plates separated by a central hub. The sprockets on the wheel plates are circumferentially aligned with one another, with axially facing sprocket pairs being received in areas defined between circumferentially adjacent pairs of tread links in a series of tread links, equal in number to the number of sprocket pairs, arranged in a circular array around the periphery of the wheel structure. The sprocket pairs are sized and configured in a manner such that substantial relative axial and circumferential movement between the wheel structure and the tread link array are blocked, with the axially facing sprockets in each sprocket pair being axially and resiliently deflected toward one another by surface portions of their associated tread link area.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is provided with an extendable arm and a mandible structure. The mandible structure includes a pair of mandibles with toothed portions that cooperatively engage such that the mandibles may be opened and closed by applying a force to only one of the pair of mandibles. The mandible structure hangs freely from the extendable arm and is balanced so that the mandible structure naturally maintains a substantially vertical orientation. In the closed position, the mandible structure defines an interior cavity suitable for securely grasping a ring.

Abstract: An end cap assembly includes a base member, a back member, and a first and second support members coupled to the back member. The first support member is disposed at one side of the back member and the second support member is disposed at an opposite side. A plurality of extension members is removably coupled to the first and second support members. The assembly also includes a first spacer member, a second spacer member, and a cross member coupled at one end to the first or second spacer member. An intermediate member is coupled to the cross member at an end opposite either the first or second spacer member. The assembly includes a support rod coupled at one end to the intermediate member and at an opposite end to the first or second spacer member. A plurality of couplers is coupled to the support rod.