Abstract: An energy transportation and grid support system utilizes at least one transportable containment module capable of storing thermal or chemical energy typically produced from renewable or geothermal sources and providing connectivity with energy conversion equipment typically located in a land or sea-based operating facility. The system includes circuitry to hookup to an adjacent electricity grid for the provision of grid support and/or piping to move thermal energy typically used to drive steam turbines generating electricity. The operating facility also includes a communication arrangement to link with and exchange operations control data with a grid or heating operator and the energy transportation operator. The invention is directed to both apparatus and method for the energy transportation and grid support system.

Abstract: A vehicle may have a vehicle body and one or more displays. A display may be coupled to a roof portion of the vehicle body with a hinge or other attachment structure, may be mounted within a vehicle armrest, may be attached to a door, or may otherwise be mounted in an interior region of the vehicle body. The display may be a one-sided display, a two-sided display, a display with a touch sensitive edge portion formed from a strip-shaped pixel array extending along a peripheral display sidewall, a lenticular display or other display that is configured to display separate images to different respective vehicle occupant locations, or other suitable display. A positioner may rotate the display, slide the display, or otherwise move the display between a stowed position and one or more deployed position.

Abstract: A first input to a mobile device indicates a first navigation destination at a first level of specificity. The mobile device initiates navigation towards a first location corresponding to the first navigation destination. While navigation towards the first location corresponding to the first navigation destination is ongoing and before reaching the first location, in accordance with a determination that one or more first criteria are satisfied, the mobile device prompts for an input for determination a second location corresponding to a second navigation destination with a second level of specificity, the second level of specificity more specific than the first level of specificity. The mobile device receives a second input in response to the prompt. In accordance with a determination that the second input satisfies one or more second criteria, the mobile device initiates navigation towards the second location corresponding to the second navigation destination.

Abstract: A system may have a support structure that separates an exterior region from an interior region. The system may include a lighting system with interior and/or exterior lights with adjustable diffusers. An interior light may be used as a task light, a cabin light, a sensor indicator light, or a trim light. Adjustments to the adjustable diffusers can be used to adjust the angular spread of emitted light for operation in different lighting modes.

Abstract: An apparatus for resisting entry of objects through a panel. The apparatus includes a weakened portion that extends laterally across a width dimension of the panel. The apparatus includes a stop structure spaced from the weakened portion that extends laterally across the width dimension of the panel to limit deformation. A bottom edge of the panel is configured to rotate about an axis extending along the weakened portion to abut the stop structure.

Abstract: A glass fastening system includes a glass portion, a support structure defining a recess, a first adhesive layer disposed on an exterior surface of the glass portion facing the recess in the support structure, a second adhesive layer disposed within the recess of the support structure, and a fastener having a first portion secured to the first adhesive layer and a second portion extending away from the first portion and into the second adhesive layer to secure the glass portion to the support structure.

Abstract: A support structure connects a closure structure to a body for movement between a closed position in which the closure structure obstructs an opening and an open position in which the closure structure does not obstruct the opening. An actuator is operable to cause motion of the closure structure. A manipulator is connected to the closure structure and includes arm portions that are connected by actuated joints that are operable to move the arm portions with respect to each other and an end effector that is configured to pick up and release objects. Sensors output sensor signals and a controller is operable to cause motion of the closure structure to move the end effector relative to the objects based in part on the sensor signals.

Abstract: A housing of an electronic device includes a substrate defining an external surface and internal surface of the housing, at least one sidewall extending from the substrate, and abrasion-resistant members at least partly embedded in the substrate and extending beyond the external surface. The abrasion-resistant members may be formed from metal or ceramic. The substrate comprises a moldable matrix. The abrasion-resistant members are harder than the moldable matrix.

Abstract: A system such as a vehicle, building, or electronic device system may have a support structure with one or more windows. The support structure and window may separate an interior region within the system from a surrounding exterior region. Control circuitry may receive input such as user input and may adjust an adjustable layer in the window based on the input. The adjustable layer may have a polymer matrix layer with embedded cells. The cells may include intermixed guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells. The guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells may have different liquid crystal materials and/or different sizes that allow the guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells to electrically switch states at different respective threshold voltages. Based on the user input or other input the control circuitry can adjust a drive signal across the adjustable layer to change light transmittance and haze.

Abstract: A system such as a vehicle, building, or electronic device system may have a support structure with one or more windows. The support structure and window may separate an interior region within the system from a surrounding exterior region. Control circuitry may receive input such as user input and may adjust an adjustable layer in the window based on the input. The adjustable layer may have a polymer matrix layer with embedded cells. The cells may include intermixed guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells. The guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells may have different liquid crystal materials and/or different sizes that allow the guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells to electrically switch states at different respective threshold voltages. Based on the user input or other input the control circuitry can adjust a drive signal across the adjustable layer to change light transmittance and haze.

Abstract: A vehicle may have a vehicle body and one or more movable sensors mounted to the body. A movable sensor may be rotated, linearly translated, or otherwise moved between multiple positions in response to location information, driving mode information, vehicle speed, and/or other information. The movable sensor may be moved to track objects, to provide pedestrians and others with visual feedback, to allow the sensor to gather desired sensor information to support driver assistance and autonomous driving operations, to place the sensor in a stowed position, and to perform other functions. The movable sensor may be protected with a movable cover. A cleaner may clean the sensor. The sensor may be a radar sensor, lidar sensor, camera, or other sensor. Information from the sensor may be used to detect roadway obstructions, to detect objects near the vehicle, to monitor pedestrians, and to monitor other conditions.

Abstract: A mobile ecosystem is disclosed that includes a vehicle with an autonomous control system configured to obtain vehicle information including a vehicle location of the vehicle and obtain user information including a user location of a user device. Based on a cost function that estimates a value of a confidence level above a confidence threshold using the user information, the autonomous control system can determine that a user of the user device is ready for a pickup by the vehicle, identify a pickup location for the vehicle based on the user information and the vehicle information, and determine a trajectory from the vehicle location to the pickup location. The vehicle includes a propulsion system configured to cause motion of the vehicle from the vehicle location toward the pickup location according to the trajectory.

Abstract: A glass sealing system includes a glass portion and a first adhesive layer disposed along an exterior surface of the glass portion. The glass sealing system also includes a cover with a first surface secured to the first adhesive layer and a second surface opposing the first surface. The glass sealing system includes a second adhesive layer disposed on the second surface and configured to secure the cover to a support structure. The cover obscures the second adhesive layer from view of a user looking through the glass portion toward the support structure.

Abstract: Portable electronic devices can be provided with stimulus features for the benefit of the subject to be captured in an image. Such stimulus features can attract the attention of the subject toward the camera when provided by components that are integrated with or coupled to the electronic device. The stimulus features can attract the attention and gaze of the subject prior to and during capture of the image. The stimulus features can also be provided to the subject as a reward during and after capture of the image. These features allow the user of the electronic device to focus on operation of the electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for resisting entry of objects through a windshield of a vehicle that has a passenger cabin. The apparatus includes an instrument panel that is located between the windshield and the passenger cabin, and an airbag that is deployable into an area above the instrument panel to resist entry of objects into the passenger cabin.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to forming anodized films that have a white appearance. In some embodiments, an anodized film having pores with light diffusing pore walls created by varying the current density during an anodizing process is described. In some embodiments, an anodized film having light diffusing micro-cracks created by a laser cracking procedure is described. In some embodiments, a sputtered layer of light diffusing aluminum is provided below an anodized film. In some embodiments, light diffusing particles are infused within openings of an anodized layer.

Abstract: Portable electronic devices can be provided with stimulus features for the benefit of the subject to be captured in an image. Such stimulus features can attract the attention of the subject toward the camera when provided by components that are integrated with or coupled to the electronic device. The stimulus features can attract the attention and gaze of the subject prior to and during capture of the image. The stimulus features can also be provided to the subject as a reward during and after capture of the image. These features allow the user of the electronic device to focus on operation of the electronic device.

Abstract: A housing for an electronic device, including an aluminum layer enclosing a volume that includes a radio-frequency (RF) antenna is provided. The housing includes a window aligned with the RF antenna; the window including a non-conductive material filling a cavity in the aluminum layer; and a thin aluminum oxide layer adjacent to the aluminum layer and to the non-conductive material; wherein the non-conductive material and the thin aluminum oxide layer form an RF-transparent path through the window. A housing for an electronic device including an integrated RF-antenna is also provided. A method of manufacturing a housing for an electronic device as described above is provided.

Abstract: An electronic device having a housing structure that is configured to receive at least one glass cover is disclosed. The glass cover serves to cover a display assembly provided within the electronic device. The glass cover can be secured to the housing structure so as to facilitate providing a narrow border between an active display area and an outer edge of the housing structure. The enclosure for the electronic device can be thin yet be sufficiently strong to be suitable for use in electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices.

Abstract: Examples of portable electronic devices including a piezo actuated vibrator for providing tactile feedback to the user are described. Portable electronic devices according to the present disclosure may include tactile feedback devices, which may be driven by a piezoelectric actuator/vibrator that is operatively coupled to or embedded into the housing of a portable electronic device. In some examples, the housing of the electronic device itself can be made of piezoelectric ceramic material. The piezoelectric element may be coupled to the housing of the product to cause the housing to deflect and/or vibrate. In some examples, the housing of the portable electronic device, which may be a portable media player device, may be configured for placement directly or indirectly in contact with the user's skin such that vibrations of the housing may be felt directly (without audible feedback) by the user.