Abstract: A gripper head assembly is for a robotic gripping system and includes an actuator. The actuator includes: an actuator body having an attachment region configured to attach the actuator body to the gripper head; a drive element having a mounting section for a tool; a drive having a connector configured to receive an input; the drive being configured to move the drive element upon receiving the input; the drive element defining a through passage; the through passage having a first port for receiving at least one of negative pressure and positive pressure; and, the through passage having an outlet at the mounting section configured to supply the tool with the at least one of negative and positive pressure.

Abstract: Described is a weighing luggage rack having a rack portion with a top section and a bottom section, and a platform portion connected with the top section of the rack portion. In use, the platform portion is stacked on top of the rack portion. The weighing luggage rack further includes a weighing mechanism, and an electronic display configured to display a weight of an object placed thereon. Further embodiments include a weighing luggage rack with only a rack portion and a weighing luggage rack with only a platform portion.

Abstract: A system for performing at least one impedance measurement on a biological subject, the system including a measuring device having a first housing including spaced pairs of foot drive and sense electrodes provided in electrical contact with feet of the subject in use, a second housing including spaced pairs of hand drive and sense electrodes provided in electrical contact with hands of the subject in use, at least one signal generator electrically connected to at least one of the drive electrodes to apply a drive signal to the subject, at least one sensor electrically connected to at least one of the sense electrodes to measure a response signal in the subject and a measuring device processor that at least in part controls the at least one signal generator, receives an indication of a measured response signal from the at least one sensor and generates measurement data indicative of at least one measured impedance value and a client device in communication with the measuring device, the client device being ada

Abstract: An additively manufactured strain gauge resides on the surface of a component to monitor component fatigue. The strain gauge is additively manufactured, and applied to the curvature of the component surface through either a flexible substrate or through direct printing.

Abstract: A smart fishing rod device that fits on the tip of any fishing rod. The line passes through the device, and the device senses tension on the line. A processor in the device is configured to interpret increases in tension as the presence of fish. The device can signal wirelessly to a smart device that there is a fish present. The device can also have one or more LEDs that flashes when a fish is present. The smart device can run an application (APP) that displays or signals the presence of a fish on one or more rods equipped with the device.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing a diffusion limited CVI/CVD process is provided. The system may densify a porous structure by flowing a reactant gas around the porous structure. A mass flow controller may be configured to pulse the flow rate of the reactant gas around the porous structure. The mass flow controller may pulse the flow rate from a nominal flow rate to a first flow rate. The mass flow controller may pulse the first flow rate back to the nominal flow rate or to a second flow rate. The mass flow controller may pulse the flow rate between the nominal flow rate, the first flow rate, and the second flow rate, as desired.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for optimizing usage of a large number of battery cells, some, most or all of which are fast charging cells, and possibly arranged in battery modules—e.g., for operating an electric vehicle power train. Methods comprise deriving an operation profile for the battery cells/modules for a specified operation scenario and specified optimization parameters, operating the battery cells/modules according to the derived operation profile, and monitoring the operation of the battery cells/modules and adjusting the operation profile correspondingly. Systems may be configured to balance cell/module parameters among modules, to have parallel supplemental modules and/or serial supplementary cells in the modules, and/or have supplemental modules and circuits configured to store excessive charging energy for cells groups and/or modules—to increase the cycling lifetime and possibly the efficiency of the systems. Disclosed redundancy management improves battery performance and lifetime.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for preparing a coating material composition or a precursor thereof, the method including at least step (1), weighing out all required components into a suitable container by means of at least one metering valve when using a gravimetric metering system, the components that are weighed out into the container being mixed by means of at least one stirring body throughout step (1) and a continuous adaptation of the position of the at least one stirring body to the respective filling level within the container taking place throughout step (1), the respective filling level being predetermined by the amount and number of components that are weighed out into the container and the position of the at least one stirring body corresponding to the height of the stirring body within the container, calculated from the bottom of the container.

Abstract: Electronic weighing scales with check weigh functionality that include user interfaces and programming capability that are designed for both ease of use and configurability. In some examples, electronic weighing scales include check weigh memory buttons configured for one-touch programming that can be used for quickly and easily storing and recalling a target weight. In some examples, electronic weighing scales include check weigh visual indicators designed and configured to conspicuously display a result of a check weigh function weight comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the weight of a person, wherein the weight measuring apparatus has at least one digital display and operator control unit. The at least one display and operator control unit is connectable to the weight measuring apparatus in at least two different positions in the region of a top segment thereof, so as to realize improved operability of the apparatus from different sides.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for a bulk bin dispenser. In one embodiment, the system includes a bulk bin dispenser configured to store a product with a distinct weight. The system further includes a digital scale configured to measure a change in weight of the bulk bin dispenser when a portion of the product is dispensed into a portable container, wherein the change in the weight is a dispensed weight of the portion of the product dispensed into the portable container. The system further includes a processor configured to transmit an associated cost for the portion of the product dispensed into the portable container to a store check-out system without printing a label for the dispensed weight.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a scanner unit, an image forming unit, a frame, a first adjustment mechanism, and a second adjustment mechanism. The scanner unit has an image reading section. The image forming unit forms an image read by the scanner unit on a sheet. The frame includes a first support section and a second support section. The first support section supports the image forming unit. The second support section is positioned below the scanner unit. The first adjustment mechanism steplessly adjusts a distance in an up-down direction between the scanner unit and the second support section. The second adjustment mechanism gradually adjusts the distance in the up-down direction between the scanner unit and the second support section.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus includes a load cell assembly with an elongated load cell body including a first three dimensional coordinate orientation defined by a first X-axis, a first Y-axis and a first Z-axis. An accelerometer unit is operatively connected to the elongated load cell body and having a second three-dimensional coordinate orientation defined by a second X-axis, a second Y-axis and a second Z-axis. A memory unit is mounted on the elongated load cell body, the memory unit storing data for aligning the second three-dimensional coordinate orientation of the accelerometer unit with the first three-dimensional coordinate orientation of the elongated load cell body.

Abstract: A smart cover for an electronic device is provided. An electronic device includes a main display device, and a cover operatively coupled to the main display device. The cover incudes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface of the cover include an electronic cloth-based material. The electronic cloth-based material is configured to display content on the inner and outer surfaces of the cover.

Abstract: An access and storage system including a storage component configured to store items therein or thereon in an associated storage position, wherein the storage component is configured to provide a user direct manual access to the items in the storage positions. The system further includes a sensor system configured to track at least one of the user's removal of an item from the associated storage position or replacement of an item to the associated storage position and an identification system for identifying the user. The system also has an authorization database operatively coupled to the identification system for tracking which of the items a particular identified user is authorized to access.

Abstract: A barcode reader has a weigh platter and an off-platter detection assembly. The weigh platter is configured to measure a weight of an object and has a surface extending in a first transverse plane, a proximal edge, a first lateral edge extending non-parallel to the proximal edge, and a distal edge. The off-platter detection assembly includes a light emission assembly and a light detection assembly. The light emission assembly is configured to emit a collimated light beam along the first lateral edge, above the surface. The light diffusing barrier is positioned in a path of the collimated light beam and is configured to diffuse the light beam such that the light diffusing barrier appears to be illuminated when contacted by the light beam and appears not to be illuminated when not contacted by the light beam.

Abstract: A printer including a motor for transporting an object to be transported, the printer includes: a memory storing a machine-learned model configured to output a control parameter of the motor that brings a transport position of the object to be transported close to a reference based on one or more state variables including at least one of a speed of the object to be transported, an acceleration of the object to be transported, a movement amount of the object to be transported, a start position of movement of the object to be transported, an ambient environment of the printer, a value of a current flowing through the motor, a type of a print medium onto which printing is to be performed by the printer, and an accumulated movement amount of the object to be transported; and a controller configured to control the motor to perform printing by using the control parameter obtained based on the machine-learned model.

Abstract: A mobile healthcare device and method of operating the same are provided. The method includes setting a mode of the mobile healthcare device to a measurement mode, displaying a screen for guiding a user to maintain a predetermined position during the measurement mode, and, in response to a predetermined amount of time passing from a time at which the screen begins to be displayed, obtaining state information of the user based on bio information of the user, the bio information being received from a sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for monitoring food waste. The system includes a weight mechanism configured for weighing a waste receptacle, wherein the waste receptacle is configured for receiving food waste from a plurality of consecutive disposal events before emptying, a processor configured for measuring the difference in weight of the waste receptacle between each disposal event and calculating the weight of a disposal event based upon the difference and a user interface configured to receive at least one indication categorising the food waste in a disposal event by a user. A method for monitoring food waste is also described.

Abstract: A method for weighing containers arranged inside a holding structure includes providing a holding structure suitable to house in a substantially stable position at least one container, said at least one container including a supporting portion shaped so as to keep the container suspended on the holding structure, bringing said at least one container to a weighing station including a weighing member suitable to weight said at least one container, weighing said at container by means of said weighing member; wherein the weighing step is carried out by moving the holding structure so as to put said at least one container housed inside the holding structure in contact with the weighing member kept in a stationary position, until the detachment of the supporting portion of said at least one container from the holding structure is obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatuses, and methods to deploy and stow a deployable equipment to and from a hoist, to control a load on a suspension without transfer of torque to the suspension cable, for the deployable equipment to obtain data and information from the hoist, and for the deployable equipment to control the hoist, such as a reel of a hoist, to control a z-axis of a terminal end of the suspension cable. Control of the z-axis may be, for example, to control an elevation of a load, such as relative to carrier, ground, or an objective or target, to control a tension on or of suspension cable. Control of the z-axis may be, for example, to control a rate of ascent or descent of a terminal end of suspension cable.

Abstract: A system for an automated-taxi includes a display and a controller. The display is viewable by one or more of a plurality of clients of an automated-taxi. The controller-circuit is in communication with the display. The controller is configured to determine a seating-arrangement of the plurality of clients transported by the automated-taxi. The seating-arrangement is determined in accordance with destinations of the plurality of clients. The controller is also configured to operate the display to show the seating-arrangement to one or more of the plurality of clients. A method of operating an automated-taxi includes receiving destinations of a plurality of clients to transported by an automated-taxi; determining a seating-arrangement of the plurality of clients in accordance with the destinations; and operating a display viewable by one or more of a plurality of clients of an automated-taxi to show the seating-arrangement to one or more of the plurality of clients.

Abstract: A method is provided for inspecting a component. During this method, a theoretical moment weight of the component is determined. The theoretical moment weight of the component is compared to a measured moment weight of the component to determine a difference between the theoretical moment weight of the component and the measured moment weight of the component. A fault notification is provided where the difference between the theoretical moment weight of the component and the measured moment weight of the component is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring moisture of a solid sample, a method for measuring a moisture content of the solid sample, and a method for analyzing an imidization rate, and more particularly, to an apparatus for measuring moisture of a solid sample, a method for measuring a moisture content of the solid sample, and a method for analyzing an imidization rate, which detect the moisture content of the solid sample at a specific temperature by using a Karl-Fischer device capable of selectively detecting only the moisture content of the solid sample in the method for analyzing an imidization rate of the solid sample and calculate the imidization rate of the solid sample by using the detected moisture content.

Abstract: A typing off-loading and article sorting system to automatically separate different parcel types includes an feed conveyor, receiving conveyor, sorting conveyor, cameras and photoelectric eye. The overhead cameras detect the item size and whether it is cubic in nature and type and size of its footprint. An in-line slide sorter having alternating conveyor rollers and pop-up belts pass through to, or divert articles from, a downstream conveyor. The vision based system may also be used to detect space between articles and insert articles in the unoccupied space.

Abstract: Kiosks, components, and methods are disclosed for preparing food to be vended to customers. The kiosk may be part of a multi-modal food distribution system in which the kiosk may operate in one or more various modes, including a kiosk vending mode, a constellation mode, and a cook en route mode to vend hot, prepared food to customers. The kiosks in the system may be configurable to change between each of the different modes depending upon information received by the system. The kiosk may be part of a kiosk-based food preparation system in which the kiosk vends prepared food items to customers. The kiosk may transmit information that may be used to provide replenishment to the kiosk. Such information may include the number of items vended, the number of items and/or supplies remaining, and/or a replenishment signal.

Abstract: A changing table is detachably installed on a play yard and capable of weighting a child. The changing table includes a frame, a weighting module and a fabric component. The frame includes a lower frame and an upper frame. The lower frame is detachably installed on the play yard. The upper frame is movably installed on the lower frame. The weighting module comprises four load sensors disposed on four corners of the frame and between the lower frame and the upper frame. The fabric component covers the upper frame to form a supporting area for supporting the child. The changing table can measure a first weight of the child before feeding the child and further measure a second weight of the child after feeding the child, so as to determine a difference of the second weight and the first weight of the child as the feeding intake.

Abstract: The workflow application integrates with a research software application associated with a laboratory instrument to provide a user with step-by-step instructions on how to follow the workflow steps of a laboratory experiment. The instructions are dynamically tailored, according to the nature of the workflow, the samples being experimented upon and/or the operating states of the instrument and/or the research software application. The workflow application significantly reduces the learning curve to operate sophisticated laboratory instruments. In a genetic testing instrument the workflow application can prescribe the need for control samples and can optimize the layout of samples within the instrument's sample receiving plate or fixture.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing a diffusion limited CVI/CVD process is provided. The system may densify a porous structure by flowing a reactant gas around the porous structure. A mass flow controller may be configured to pulse the flow rate of the reactant gas around the porous structure. The mass flow controller may pulse the flow rate from a nominal flow rate to a first flow rate. The mass flow controller may pulse the first flow rate back to the nominal flow rate or to a second flow rate. The mass flow controller may pulse the flow rate between the nominal flow rate, the first flow rate, and the second flow rate, as desired.

Abstract: An unmanned flying object that flies in the air includes a capturer, including at least one of a net, a sucking device, a stick, a rope or a spear, that captures an object other than the unmanned flying object in the air, a sensor that detects that the capturer has captured the object, and a processor that performs operations including: receiving an operation signal via wireless communication; performing a manual flight control that controls the unmanned flying object on the basis of the operation signal; switching from the manual flight control to an autonomous flight control that controls the unmanned flying object to not be dependent on the operation signal received via the wireless communication, when the sensor detects the capture of the object while the manual flight control is being performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods facilitating objective evaluations of subjects to facilitate detecting clinically relevant changes in balance are provided. The system includes a portable balance board with a sensor in each of four feet for detecting downward force. Each sensor is communicatively coupled to a circuit board with a wired or wireless communication capability. A subject stands on the balance board and each sensor sends a signal to the circuit board, which communicates the four signals to a companion device that uses the signals to calculate the center of pressure (“COP”) of the subject over time. The subject can perform the BESS test and the resulting COP data is used to calculate a field path length for the subject. The field path length is compared to a previously determined baseline path length for the subject to detect any clinically relevant change in balance of the subject.

Abstract: A bulk food weighing and processing system wherein a digital scale is uniquely configured and positioned to weigh and process individual portions of bulk food, uniquely designed and positioned to fit into a bulk food dispensing system. The system then prints a uniquely shaped and treated sticky, digitally-coded thermal-paper receipt which is used to seal a customer's portable container. The sticky receipt then aids customer checkout by providing digitally coded data about the food portion. In most embodiments, the digital scale is a strain gauge scale positioned between a gravity bin's hopper and its mounting bracket, such that it can detect and process a customer's individual food portion once dispensed. The food portion's weight measurement is then transmitted through a controller to a thermal printer which prints a digitally-coded “sticky bag tag” receipt, which both seals the customer's portable food container and which can be read at checkout to facilitate payment and inventory processes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically processing events based on automatic detection of time conflicts are disclosed. An example method includes accessing first time and date information from a user schedule, the user schedule including a scheduled item; sending a request for second time and date information associated with a first event; generating a visual notification that the first event conflicts with the scheduled item, based on the second time and date information and the first time and date information; receiving third time and date information from a server, the third time and date information associated with an alternate event associated with the desired transaction; receiving travel information corresponding to the third time and date information from the server; facilitating a transaction based on the alternate event and the third time and date information; and updating the user schedule to include the third time and date information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically processing events based on automatic detection of time conflicts are disclosed. An example method includes accessing first time and date information from a user schedule, the user schedule including a scheduled item represented by the first time and date information; identifying second time and date information associated with a first event associated with a desired transaction; determining that the first event conflicts with the scheduled item by comparing the second time and date information with the first time and date information; identifying third time and date information associated with an alternate event in association with the desired transaction; determining that the alternate event does not conflict with the scheduled item by comparing the third time and date information with the first time and date information; and facilitating completion of the transaction based on the alternate event and the third time and date information.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to an apparatus including a weighing scale and external circuitry. The weighing scale includes a platform including force sensor circuitry and a plurality of electrodes to collect signals indicative of the user's identity and cardio-related physiologic data while the user is standing on the platform and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry configured with the force sensor circuitry and the plurality of electrodes to collect the cardio-related physiologic data from the user and output at least portions of the cardio-related physiologic data as user data. The external circuitry receives user data from a plurality of weighing scales include the weighing scale and provides a hierarchy of services using scale-obtained data, wherein the hierarchy of services include different services enabled in response to user selection of the service and activation of subscription levels of different weighted values.

Abstract: An inventory location such as a shelf may be used to stow different types of items, with each type of item in a different partitioned area or section of the shelf. Weight data from weight sensors coupled to the shelf is used to determine a change in weight of the shelf and a change in the center-of-mass (“COM”) of the items on the shelf. Based on the weight data and item data indicative of what items are stowed in particular partitioned areas, activity such as a pick or place of an item and the partitioned area in which the activity occurred may be determined. Data from other sensors, such as a camera, may be used to confirm the occurrence of the activity, disambiguate the determination of the particular partitioned area, and so forth.

Abstract: Using a memory that manages a user log including at least a cooking time and a food to be cooked with a cooking device used by each user in a plurality of users, a recommended cooking time corresponding to a first user's food to be cooked included in recommended cooking times for respective foods calculated based on cooking times with the cooking devices is acquired from a server, a user interface that prompts the first user to select one of candidates of cooking times including at least the recommended cooking times is displayed on a display, and in response to detecting that a cooking time is selected by performing an input operation on the user interface, a setting command to set the selected cooking time is output to the first cooking device.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a weight measurement system capable of conveniently measuring the weight of an object being measured in real time. Particularly, in the present embodiment, a weight measurement device is formed as a structure arranged between the object being measured and a wheel. The weight measurement device comprises: an upper frame provided at the bottom of the object being measured; a lower frame provided at the top of the wheel; an elastic transformable body of which one end is connected to the upper frame and of which the other end is connected to the lower frame; and a transformation amount sensor provided to the elastic transformable body so as to sense the transformation amount of the elastic transformable body.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing a tiered rebate system in an online game. The users may spend over a certain time period and based on spending during that time frame, receive a certain amount of what the user spent back. Thus, the user receives a tiered rebate which may correlate to one or more of user spend frequency, user spend velocity, a total amount spent, and/or any other metrics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving objects into inventory are described. The objects are individually scanned to generate scan data. The scan data is processed to determine what the object is (and to add the object into inventory) and also to determine values for one or more additional attributes. The attribute values are stored in a data structure which may be analyzed to detect a change over time.

Abstract: A method and system for using individualized customer models when operating a retail establishment is provided. The individualized customer models may be generated using statistical analysis of transaction data for the customer, thereby generating sub-models and attributes tailored to customer. The individualized customer models may be used in any aspect of a retail establishment's operations, ranging from supply chain management issues, inventory control, promotion planning (such as selecting parameters for a promotion or simulating results of a promotion), to customer interaction (such as providing a shopping list or providing individualized promotions).

Abstract: A system for use with a vehicle comprising a tractor and a trailer includes one or more image capture devices. The one or more image capture devices capture images of the interior of a trailer and/or cargo items of the trailer. An image processor estimates available cargo space within the trailer based on the captured images.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a CPU and a memory circuit that has user-corresponding data stored on the memory circuit, and a platform over which a plurality of electrodes are interleaved, and configured for engaging the user. While the plurality of electrodes is concurrently contacting a limb or other extremity of the user, measurement signals are obtained from the plurality of electrodes. Based on a plurality of impedance-measurement signals being obtained from the electrodes, signals are generated that correspond to cardiovascular timings specific to the user. In such aspects of the present disclosure, pulse characteristic signals are determined based on the plurality of impedance-measurement signals and comparisons of user-obtained data are made relative to user-data profiles stored in the memory circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing a diffusion limited CVI/CVD process is provided. The system may densify a porous structure by flowing a reactant gas around the porous structure. A mass flow controller may be configured to pulse the flow rate of the reactant gas around the porous structure. The mass flow controller may pulse the flow rate from a nominal flow rate to a first flow rate. The mass flow controller may pulse the first flow rate back to the nominal flow rate or to a second flow rate. The mass flow controller may pulse the flow rate between the nominal flow rate, the first flow rate, and the second flow rate, as desired.

Abstract: The present application provides a merchandiser for dispensing a number of products. The merchandiser may include an a temperature controlled compartment with a number of concentric storage wheels for storing the number of products therein, an input system positioned about the temperature controlled compartment, and a vending system positioned about the temperature controlled compartment.

Abstract: A fish weight capture system accurately captures and records the number and weight of each fish caught by fishermen through a geographic area. The system uses a series of dispersed kiosks such that each kiosk weighs each fish processed by the kiosk and captures and image and other information about the fish. The data about each fish is recorded within the kiosk and is transmitted to a central computer and stored within a database. The data received from each kiosk allow a regulatory agency to determine the number and weight of each fish type taken and set appropriate rules and regulations based on this data.

Abstract: An information processing device includes: a user information acquisition unit which acquires first information, second information, and third information about a user; a correlation information acquisition unit which acquires correlation information representing a relation between the first information, the second information, and the third information; an initial value setting unit which sets an initial value of the first information, the second information, and the third information; a fixing designation unit which designate fixing of the first information; a change designation unit which designates change of the second information; and an update unit which updates the third information on the basis of the correlation information.

Abstract: A smart luggage apparatus includes a case assembly with at least a stowage compartment. A smart handle assembly is mounted to a case assembly. The smart handle assembly includes a controller having a power supply and further powered by one or more battery, where one battery is located in the handle and a second battery is located in the stowage compartment. A smart luggage apparatus also includes a one or more scale that communicates with the smart handle controller and transmits the weight of the case assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide an accurate way to measure the length of a fish. Some embodiments of the present invention propose utilizing a known length of a marker within a camera view or picture to determine the length of the fish also shown in the same camera view or picture. This determination could be performed in real-time or later remotely. Further, the measurement of the length of the fish is reliable because it is not dependent on a zoom value or angle of the camera and there is no required measurement device. Further, the technique is easy to use and can be performed with a camera phone or tablet.

Abstract: A luggage article is provided. The luggage article includes a shell, an electronic processing module integrated with the shell, and an electronic display coupled to the electronic processing module and arranged on an outer surface of the shell. The processing module is configured to control the display to display information items to a user of the luggage article. The luggage article may be configured to display itinerary or travel related information on the display under the control of a user of the luggage article.