Abstract: Systems and methods for generating mapping data for an autonomous vehicle (e.g., robotic devices). The methods include obtaining three-dimensional environmental data of an environment from a distance sensor. The three-dimensional environmental data includes information relating to one or more objects in the environment. The method further includes identifying at least one planar layer of two-dimensional data from the three-dimensional environmental data to be included in mapping data based on one or more characteristics of an autonomous vehicle, generating mapping data comprising the at least one planar layer of two-dimensional data from the three-dimensional environmental data, and transmitting the mapping data to the autonomous vehicle for use during operation within the environment.

Abstract: The application provides nanoporous separator membranes, HF-scavenging membranes, and moisture-absorbing membranes comprising aramid microfibers and aramid nanofibers. Also provided are rapid methods of preparing nanoporous separator membranes and moisture-absorbing membranes. Batteries, battery systems and visual indicators comprising a membrane of the application and are provided.

Abstract: A timed pressure equalization member for use in a siphonic toilet to reduce water loss at the end of a flush cycle is disclosed. The equalization member functions to equalize the pressure in a pressurized chamber after a set period of time and consequently alleviates negative pressure within a pressurized trapway system at or near the end of a flushing cycle via a conduit, to help break the siphon at the end of the flush cycle, thereby reducing the amount of water drained from the water bowl/spot while the bowl is being refilled. At a resting state, the equalization member in the pressurized chamber is partially filled with water. The equalization member empties of water after a set period of time during a flush cycle and allows atmospheric air to enter the pressurized chamber (in fluid communication with the pressurized trapway) at or near the end of the flush cycle.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle is configured to move across a floor surface in an environment. The autonomous vehicle includes a proximity sensor that is positionable at different heights on the autonomous vehicle. A location of the autonomous vehicle within the environment is determined. A proximity sensor height is determined based on the location of the autonomous vehicle within the environment. The proximity sensor is positioned at a height on the autonomous vehicle based on the proximity sensor height. A signal is received from the proximity sensor where the signal is indicative of a distance to an object within the environment at the height of the proximity sensor on the autonomous vehicle. An operation of the autonomous vehicle can be controlled based on the signal indicative of the distance to the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating mapping data for an autonomous vehicle (e.g., robotic devices). The methods include obtaining three-dimensional environmental data of an environment from a distance sensor. The three-dimensional environmental data includes information relating to one or more objects in the environment. The method further includes identifying at least one planar layer of two-dimensional data from the three-dimensional environmental data to be included in mapping data based on one or more characteristics of an autonomous vehicle, generating mapping data comprising the at least one planar layer of two-dimensional data from the three-dimensional environmental data, and transmitting the mapping data to the autonomous vehicle for use during operation within the environment.

Abstract: A device for the disposal of human waste matter, specifically a toilet, is presented. This toilet incorporates elements designed to prevent both a loss of flushing efficiency and an extensive consumption of water, all while improving upon the basic functionalities of the toilet as such. These elements include specialized parts designed to both improve the efficacy of the “siphon jet” type toilet by precluding the possibility of aeration within certain critical components of the toilet system proper, as well as a specialized rim fed channel whose intersection of the filled jet channel always travels below the operating water level of the bowl, and a vacuum assisted flushing system, whose primary purpose is to enhance the power of the toilet's flushing action.

Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including an Internet-enabled (IP) camera and nodes that determine the location of a plurality of sensors, which are wirelessly connected to the IP camera. The nodes determine the position of the plurality of sensors and the IP camera through the use of position determining techniques including multilateration, trilateration, and triangulation. Additionally, line of sight positioning methods and global positioning system devices may be used in setting up a positional awareness system, which enables the IP camera to control systems based on condition information and positional awareness.

Abstract: A device for the disposal of human waste matter, specifically a toilet, is presented. This toilet incorporates elements designed to prevent both a loss of flushing efficiency and an extensive consumption of water, all while improving upon the basic functionalities of the toilet as such. These elements include specialized parts designed to both improve the efficacy of the “siphon jet” type toilet by precluding the possibility of aeration within certain critical components of the toilet system proper, as well as a specialized rim fed channel whose intersection of the filled jet channel always travels below the operating water level of the bowl, and a vacuum assisted flushing system, whose primary purpose is to enhance the power of the toilet's flushing action.

Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including an Internet-enabled (IP) camera and nodes that determine the location of a plurality of sensors, which are wirelessly connected to the IP camera. The nodes determine the position of the plurality of sensors and the IP camera through the use of position determining techniques including multilateration, trilateration, and triangulation. Additionally, line of sight positioning methods and global positioning system devices may be used in setting up a positional awareness system, which enables the IP camera to control systems based on condition information and positional awareness.

Abstract: A toilet that applies pressured air between an upper trap (30) that connects to the toilet bowl and a lower trap (32) that connects to a drain (16), includes a pressured air source (42) that holds a large volume of pressured air equal to at least 30% of the volume of the trapway passage (34) that connects the traps. The pressured air source includes a container (70) with its top coupled though a conduit (90) to the trapway passage, and with air in the container top compressed by water rising in the container after each flushing. The container top lies at least as high as the full water level (52) in the toilet tank when the toilet tank is full.

Abstract: A toilet has a source (42) that applies a vacuum to a trapway (14) at the beginning of a flushing to immediately flush the toilet bowl (12). As a result, water from the water tunnel 26 and the toilet bowl top channel 28 flow into the bowl after the flushing to create a large water spot (98) in the toilet bowl. A low water flush (e.g. 1½ liters to flush urine) can be obtained by not letting water flow out of a secondary volume (63) that lies outside a divider (140) in an isolator (40).

Abstract: A toilet has a vacuum source (42) that applies a vacuum to a trapway (14) at the beginning of a flushing to immediately flush the toilet bowl (12). As a result, water from the water tunnel 26 and the toilet bowl top channel 28 flow into the bowl after the flushing to create a large water spot (98) in the toilet bowl. A low water flush (e.g. 1½ liters to flush urine) can be obtained by not letting water flow out of a secondary volume (61) that lies outside a divider (140) in an isolator (40).

Abstract: A water saver toilet that produces a larger water spot (122) in the toilet bowl (12) and a better flushing, and that enables partial and full flushing. A trapway (14) that extends from the toilet bowl outlet to a drain (16), has upper and lower traps (30, 32) and a trapway passage (34) that extends between and into the traps. The lower trap is constructed to be sealed by water therein prior to each flushing, and a pressured air source (98) applies pressured air to the trapway prior to a flushing. The pressured air in the trapway pushes some upper trap water into the toilet bowl to increase the water spot therein. A first container (40) lies in the water tank, and the water therein can be flushed down from the first container though a coupling region (80) and though a flush valve (24), for a partial flushing. A full flushing is achieved by opening a second valve (62) to pass water lying in the tank around and above the first container, and through the coupling region and the flush valve.

Abstract: A water saver toilet that produces a larger water spot (122) in the toilet bowl (12) and a better flushing, and that enables partial and full flushing. A trapway (14) that extends from the toilet bowl outlet to a drain (16), has upper and lower traps (30, 32) and a trapway passage (34) that extends between and into the traps. The lower trap is constructed to be sealed by water therein prior to each flushing, and a pressured air source (98) applies pressured air to the trapway prior to a flushing. The pressured air in the trapway pushes some upper trap water into the toilet bowl to increase the water spot therein. A first container (40) lies in the water tank, and the water therein can be flushed down from the first container though a coupling region (80) and though a flush valve (24), for a partial flushing. A full flushing is achieved by opening a second valve (60) to pass water lying in the tank around and above the first container, and through the coupling region and the flush valve.

Abstract: A dump bucket toilet that enables the construction of a toilet that has a low profile and that avoids splashing of water. A barrier (90) lies over much of the first side portion of the bucket to prevent the very rapid discharge of water from the bucket into the surrounding tank when the bucket is tipped, but to instead allow water to be discharged through an opening (92) of moderate size. This avoids splashing and keeps the bucket in it dump position for a few seconds to avoid the bucket scooping up water at the bottom of the tank. A return wall (120) at the bottom of the middle of the tank retains water at a second side portion of the tipped bucket to urge the bucket to tilt back to the filled position.