Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a bidirectional biomechanical prosthetic finger assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an eccentric metacarpophalangeal (MCP) pivot configured for swivelable attachment to a hand of a user, a distal coupler, and an articulation assembly rotatively coupled therebetween. A ring configured to receive a user's residual finger is disposed upon the articulation assembly, and may be adjusted to a target location based on a length of the residual finger. The articulation assembly is configured to utilize vertical movements of the residual finger within the ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-z plane, and the MCP pivot is configured to utilize lateral movements of the residual finger within the ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-y plane. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: In some implementations, a device may receive an indication of a code associated with granting authenticated access to a door. The device may transmit, to a user device, presentation information to cause an augmented reality image of an input pad to be displayed by the user device, wherein the augmented reality image is displayed over an area of an image of an exterior of the door via a user interface. The device may detect, via a camera device, one or more user inputs to the area of the exterior of the vehicle based on tracking a movement of a user. The device may identify an input code based on the one or more user inputs. The device may perform an action to cause the door to be unlocked based on the input code matching the code.

Abstract: A neuromorphic controlled powered orthotic and prosthetic system and device including a custom or universal fit fixed-ankle orthosis, to stabilize or immobilize an injured lower limb or act as an ankle prosthesis, and an actuated or powered articulated false-foot connected to the fixed-ankle orthosis or the prosthesis to form an actuated articulated false-foot orthosis. Associated with or mounted on the actuated articulated false-foot, or in or on the body, are sensors for sensing the intent of the subject to move, and the movement range of the articulating false-foot or AAFO and an environmental perturbation. An actuator is used to drive the articulated false-foot orthosis. The system and device further include a controller having an electronic circuit with a biomimetic design based on knowledge of connectivity of neurons within the spinal cord of a primitive vertebrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a battery exchange station for an electric vehicle. In one example, a battery exchange station may include a vehicle platform including one or more lifters, a first storage rack positioned on a first side of the vehicle platform, and a second storage rack positioned on an opposing, second side of the vehicle platform. The first storage rack and the second storage rack may store a plurality of batteries. The battery exchange station may include a battery exchange mechanism comprising a dual component battery chamber, a first mobile table, and a second mobile table, the dual component battery chamber comprising stationary component fixed to the electric vehicle and a mobile component slideably coupled to the stationary component, wherein the mobile component is released from the stationary component when the electric vehicle is directly on the vehicle platform and lifted via the one or more lifters.

Abstract: A lint capturing assembly includes a bag holding member having a top portion, a bottom portion, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a central open region. The assembly includes a fabric bag having a first end portion defining an open end. The first end portion is disposed through the central open region of the bag holding member. The first end portion is disposed against the top portion and the outer surface of the bag holding member. The assembly includes a cap member that is disposed against the first end portion of the fabric bag such that the first end portion is disposed between the cap member and the top portion of the bag holding member. The cap member has a central opening that communicates with the open end of the fabric bag. The assembly includes a first hook member that is coupled to the bag holding member.

Abstract: A method of controlling a continuously variable electric drivetrain (CVED) including a high ratio traction drive transmission and at least one of a first motor-generator and a second motor-generator is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving an output speed, determining a kinematic output speed, and determining a slip state of the high ratio traction drive transmission based on a comparison of the output speed to the kinematic output speed.

Abstract: In some variations, OCC is screened, cleaned, deinked, and mechanically refined to generate cellulose nanofibrils. The OCC may be subjected to further chemical, physical, or thermal processing, prior to mechanical refining. For example, the OCC may be subjected to hot-water extraction, or fractionation with an acid catalyst, a solvent for lignin, and water. In certain embodiments to produce cellulose nanocrystals, OCC is exposed to AVAP® digestor conditions. The resulting pulp is optionally bleached and is mechanically refined to generate cellulose nanocrystals. In certain embodiments to produce cellulose nanofibrils, OCC is exposed to GreenBox+® digestor conditions. The resulting pulp is mechanically refined to generate cellulose nanofibrils. The site of a system to convert OCC to nanocellulose may be co-located with an existing OCC processing site. The nanocellulose line may be a bolt-on retrofit system to existing infrastructure.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine; an electric machine; a transceiver, programmed to communicate with a server; and a controller, programmed to responsive to identifying a route, obtain road data associated with the route via the transceiver, wherein the road data include locations of stop signs and traffic lights, and identify a sign classification using a sign and traffic light density calculated using a total number of stop signs and traffic lights within a lookahead distance on the route, identify a road type classification using the sign classification, responsive to determining the sign and traffic light density within the lookahead distance is above a threshold indicative of a city road type classification, adjust a drivetrain of the vehicle to reduce engine operation and increasingly propel the vehicle via the electric machine.

Abstract: A kit, and an assembly formed with components of the kit, comprises a fitting for the top of a septic tank or water tank, one or more frusto-conical rings shaped to interconnect with an identical ring to form an undulating wall riser that extends upwardly from the tank top fitting, and a lid. The lid is shaped for multi-purpose use: closing off the opening of either the large end or the small end of a ring/riser—whichever is uppermost, or closing off the fitting when there is no riser. Joints between the rings of the riser, and between a ring/riser and the fitting of a tank, are held together by latching tabs and/or screws. A fitting may be integral with a tank top.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for operating a vehicle in a vehicle yaw mode. In response to initiating vehicle yaw mode, the system engages an open-loop mode, that provides open-loop forward torque to the outer wheels of the vehicle and open-loop backward torque to the inner wheels of the vehicle until a sufficient number of wheels are slipping. In response to determining that a sufficient number of wheels are slipping, engaging a closed-loop mode. While operating in the closed-loop mode, one or both of the wheel rotation and vehicle yaw rate are monitored to adjust the torques provided to the wheels of the vehicle to control the vehicle yaw rate.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for post-tensioning in masonry-based system, especially concrete support systems. In one embodiment, a system is presented that can include an anchor, pocket-former, and bolt, wherein the pocket-former can be configured to engage each of the anchor and bolt to facilitate securing of the system to a form. In another embodiment, a method of post-tensioning is presented, wherein a tendon can be suspended at the live end via connections facilitated by a pocket-former. In another embodiment, a system and method of post-tensioning is presented that prevents a pocket and anchor from being contaminated with debris that could ultimately compromise the integrity of the tensioned material.

Abstract: A system comprises a computer including a processor and a memory. The memory storing instructions executable by the processor to cause the processor to receive a blockchain including a record of a vehicle status, wherein the vehicle status comprises at least an intended vehicle operation of a first vehicle; determine a path recommendation for the first vehicle based on at least a vehicle trajectory of a second vehicle; and transmit the path recommendation to the first vehicle.

Abstract: A floor element for forming a floor covering, the floor element comprising a decorative layer comprising a ceramic material, an intermediate layer comprising a resin material, and a support layer arranged below the decorative layer, wherein the support layer comprises edges provided with coupling elements configured to realize a mechanical coupling with coupling elements of an adjacent floor element and wherein the resin material comprises a modulus of elasticity greater than 0.1 GPa, preferably greater than 0.5 GPa, even more preferably greater than 1 GPa.

Abstract: A system for adaptive tire force prediction in a motor vehicle includes a control module that executes program code portions that receive real-time static and dynamic data from motor vehicle sensors, that model forces at each tire of the motor vehicle at one or more incremental time steps, that estimate actual forces at each tire of the motor vehicle at each of the one or more incremental time steps, that adaptively predict tire forces at each tire of the motor vehicle at each of the one or more incremental time steps, that generate one or more control commands for actuators of the motor vehicle, that capture discrepancies between real-time force estimations and nominal force calculations at each tire of the motor vehicle, and that apply compensation parameters to reduce tracking errors in the one or more control commands to the one or more actuators of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A lightweight composite roofing support system comprises a longitudinally-extending core member comprising a longitudinally-extending first roof contact side comprising a first core edge and opposed second core edge, a longitudinally-extending second side comprising a second side working surface, the second side tapering toward the first core edge at a first acute angle, and a longitudinally-extending third side comprising a third side working surface, the third side tapering toward the second core edge at a second acute angle that is different than the first acute angle, a laterally-extending first core end comprising an integral first recess defining a first handle/grip, and an opposed laterally-extending second core end comprising an integral second recess defining a second handle/grip, the core member comprising a core material and a wedge-shaped lateral cross-section, the first roof contact side comprising a base attachment structure configured for selective attachment to/detachment from a mating base me

Abstract: A sensor aggregation framework for autonomous driving vehicles is disclosed. In one embodiment, sensor data is collected from one or more sensors mounted on an autonomous driving vehicle (ADV) while the ADV is moving within a region of interest (ROI) that includes a number of obstacles. The sensor data includes obstacle information of the obstacles and vehicle data of the ADV. Each of the vehicle data is timestamped with a current time at which the vehicle data is captured to generate a number of timestamps that correspond to the vehicle data. The obstacle information, the vehicle data, and the corresponding timestamps are aggregated into training data. The training data is used to train a set of parameters that is subsequently utilized to predict at least in part future obstacle behaviors and vehicle movement of the ADV.

Abstract: A stretch kit for a fence having an end post and a horizontal brace. The stretch kit has a stretch mechanism that mounts to and extends upwardly from the horizontal brace. The stretch mechanism slides along the horizontal brace to a stretch specification position. Stretch specification markings on a marking bar may indicate the stretch specification position. A slide mechanism of the stretch kit may receive the horizontal brace and guide movement of the stretch mechanism. Positioning the stretch mechanism at the stretch specification position tensions a plurality of fence wires attached to the stretch mechanism. A plurality of springs mounted between the end post and the stretch mechanism maintains the stretch mechanism upon the horizontal brace relative to the end post at the stretch specification position against the tensioned fence wires.

Abstract: An automated driving system (ADS) of an autonomous vehicle includes a communication module, a perception module, a misbehavior detection module, and a processor. The communication module is configured to receive a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) message comprising message-based vehicle data. The perception module configured to receive sensor data from at least one vehicle sensing device. The misbehavior detection module is configured to determine whether the V2V message is one of a legitimate message and a malicious message based at least in part on a comparison of the message-based vehicle data with sensor-based vehicle data generated based on the sensor data. The processor is configured to manage performance of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the message-based vehicle data based on the determination. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The innovation relates to a pool covering system that is usable as a flooring surface. The pool covering system includes brackets that support beams spanning the pool opening. The beams provide structural support to cross members and flooring placed on top of the beams. The pool covering system does not require significant drainage of the pool and does not damage the pool structure during installation and use.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for computing a backward looking surprise metric for autonomously driven vehicles. One of the methods includes obtaining first data representing one or more previously predicted states of an agent along one or more predicted trajectories of the agent at a first time step. Second data representing one or more states of the agent at a subsequent time step is obtained. A surprise score is computed from a measure of a difference between the first data computed for the one or more predicted trajectories for the prior time step and the second data computed for the one or more predicted states for the subsequent time step.