Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe distributed optical fiber sensing systems, methods, and structures that advantageously employ point sensors that send sensory data/information over an attached, distributed optical fiber sensor without using a separate network or communications facility.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems, methods and structures providing detection and localization of disaster-related indoor events via hybrid ethernet/optical fiber cable.

Abstract: A method and system having a water-flush toilet having a toilet bowl that is in fluid communication with a water source and is mounted with a sensor. The sensor includes a transmitter to transmit an ultrasonic signal and a receiver to receive an ultrasonic signal. The sensor may measure a Time of Flight (ToF) of the signal to obtain a ToF measurement. A microcontroller is electrically connected to the sensor and may receive and process the ToF measurement using an algorithm to determine a bowl status. The toilet also includes at least one water valve that is disposed between the bowl and the water source, and that is electrically connected to the microcontroller for instructing the at least one water valve to move from a first position to a second position for a duration of time, wherein the duration of time corresponds to the bowl status.

Abstract: A system including a vehicle electronic control unit, an imaging device, and a controller is disclosed. The controller includes a processor and memory storing computer-readable medium including executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to capture an image of an operator of a vehicle by the imaging device, determine a facial expression of the operator, and transmit a vehicle operation command to the vehicle electronic control unit. The vehicle operation command causes the vehicle electronic control unit to perform a vehicle operation action based on the facial expression of the operator and an operation state of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the directed evolution of CYP52A12 gene and the use thereof for the production of a dicarboxylic acid. In particular, it relates to a method of preparing a long chain dicarboxylic acid producing strain by using directed evolution and homologous recombination, a strain obtained by the method that is capable of producing a long chain dicarboxylic acid under an acidic condition and the use thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a method of preparing a long chain dicarboxylic acid producing strain by directed evolution of CYP52A12 gene and homologous recombination, a strain obtained by the method that is capable of producing a long chain dicarboxylic acid under an acidic condition and the use thereof. By directed evolution of CYP52A12 gene, one strain which has a base mutation at the promoter region of said gene and is capable of producing a long chain dicarboxylic acid under an acidic condition in a shortened fermentation time is screened out in the invention.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for technology to collect data related to tire pressure of a vehicle via one or more tire pressure monitoring sensors (TPMS), and provide a warning for a low or high tire pressure based on weather patterns determined by a historic weather data subsystem. The weather patterns may include fluctuations and steady states of temperature. A TPMS machine learning subsystem may use tire pressure data and weather data to provide an alert as to whether an indicator associated with the one or more TPMS sensors was activated due to changing weather. The TPMS machine learning subsystem may also determine a probable accuracy of the TPMS alert based on the TPMS data and weather-related data including checking for outliners in the weather patterns.

Abstract: A simple battery and battery charger. In one embodiment, the battery charger includes an output terminal that provides a charging voltage Vout and charging current Iout. The battery is contained in a battery pack having an input terminal, which can be connected to the output terminal in order to receive Vout and Iout. The battery charger may include a first circuit for controlling the magnitude of Vout. The battery pack may include a second circuit that generates a control signal when the output terminal is connected to the input terminal. The first circuit is configured to control the magnitude of Vout based on the control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a fault or model mismatch are disclosed. A system includes a processor, a memory, and one or more sensors. The sensors may detect data associated with an electronic device. The memory may store processor executable instructions to: compute T2 and Q statistics, over a time period, and apply a model mismatch and fault detection logic based on the T2 and Q statistics. The model mismatch and fault detection logic may: count consecutive instances where a T2 statistic exceeds a T2 threshold via a T2 counter, update a probability of fault based on the T2 counter, count consecutive instances where a Q statistic exceeds a Q threshold via a Q counter, update a probability of model mismatch based on the Q counter, and detect one of a fault or a model mismatch based on a probability of fault threshold and a probability of model mismatch threshold.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a high molecular weight polypropylene-based composition with high nucleation density and short crystallization half time. The composition may contain up to about 2 wt % ethylene.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining inter-vehicle distance during adaptive cruise control. Moreover, the method is directed to the integration of multiple sensing modalities to accurately determine inter-vehicle distance at close ranges. This approach exploits standard, vehicle-based sensors and processing circuitry to improve the selection of sensing modalities during inter-vehicle distance determination.

Abstract: A method and system having a water-flush toilet having a toilet bowl that is in fluid communication with a water source and is mounted with a sensor. The sensor includes a transmitter to transmit an ultrasonic signal and a receiver to receive an ultrasonic signal. The sensor may measure a Time of Flight (ToF) of the signal to obtain a ToF measurement. A microcontroller is electrically connected to the sensor and may receive and process the ToF measurement using an algorithm to determine a bowl status. The toilet also includes at least one water valve that is disposed between the bowl and the water source, and that is electrically connected to the microcontroller for instructing the at least one water valve to move from a first position to a second position for a duration of time, wherein the duration of time corresponds to the bowl status.

Abstract: A keyfob has an electronic controller, a plurality of command inputs, a keyfob antenna and a feedback device. The plurality of command inputs, the keyfob antenna and the feedback device are in electronic communication with the controller. The controller is configured to send signals to a vehicle door lock system in response to operation one or more of the plurality of command inputs that instruct the vehicle door lock system to switch at least one door between a locked state and an unlocked state. The controller is further configured to enter a diagnostic mode in response to a predetermined operation of the plurality of command inputs such that in the diagnostic mode the keyfob operates as a diagnostic tool that detects an operating state of at least one of the keyfob and the vehicle door lock system.

Abstract: Described herein is a liquid injector for a barrel extruder as well as methods and processes of manufacturing irradiation crosslinked polypropylene foam. In some embodiments, this includes a liquid injection barrel element that is incorporated in an extruder barrel that includes at least one injection port, a temperature sensor well, and cooling channels.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for associating an asset with a sort location, the system comprising a conveyor belt assembly and a user device configured to be worn by a user. The conveyor belt assembly comprises: an acquisition device and a plurality of stripes defining a non-repeating pattern, the plurality of stripes comprising a plurality of unique sets of stripes. The acquisition device is configured to capture image data comprising asset identifier data and conveyor mechanism data, the conveyor mechanism data including one of the plurality of unique sets of stripes. The user device is configured to capture conveyor mechanism data including one of the plurality of unique sets of stripes; remotely receive asset identifier data associated with the user device captured conveyor mechanism data; and generate and display to the user, relative to the asset, at least one visual indicator of one or more sort instructions for the asset.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retention system for an automotive door impact protection beam. The system comprises a bracket coupled to a door panel of a vehicle, the bracket comprising an aperture, and an impact protection beam coupled to the bracket and positioned adjacent to the door panel of the vehicle. The system further comprises a longitudinal primary face that includes a longitudinally extending mast comprising a stiffening bead and a hook end, wherein the mast extends through the aperture of the bracket, a first coupling shoulder coupled to the door panel, a shelf projecting laterally from a top edge of the primary face, a longitudinal secondary face projecting from an edge of the shelf; and a second coupling shoulder coupled to the door panel. The shelf includes an opening that is longer and wider than the mast.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) controlled hinge assembly is provided, including assemblies and combinations for adjusting a shape or position of an occupant support component, such as a vehicle seat support component or other seating component. The assembly includes an occupant support component and a hinge assembly configured to adjust a shape or position of at least a portion of the occupant support component. The hinge assembly includes a stationary plate and a movable plate rotatable relative to the base plate about a fixed axis of rotation. The hinge assembly includes a shape memory alloy wire coupling the stationary plate with the movable plate. An actuator is provided and configured to transform the phase of the shape memory alloy wire. In various aspects, the occupant support component is selected from one of a seat bottom; a seatback; a seat bolster; a seat head rest, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for starting a gas turbine engine can comprise a generator to be driven by the gas turbine engine to supply power to a grid system, a first switch to electrically couple and decouple the generator from the grid system, a first static frequency converter having a first capacity, a second static frequency converter having a second capacity, control means for electrically coupling and decoupling the first and second static frequency converters from the grid system, a synchronizer and a controller configured to operate the generator as a starter-motor with power from: the first static frequency converter to turn the gas turbine engine at a first rate sufficient to start the gas turbine engine within a first time period or the first static frequency converter and the second static frequency converter in synchronization to turn the gas turbine engine at a second rate greater than the first rate.

Abstract: A driver support system of a vehicle that includes a neuroimaging sensor and a positioning sensor, the neuroimaging sensor detects neurological signals of an occupant and the positioning sensor detects a position of the occupant. The neuroimaging sensor is configured to be positioned within the vehicle distally from the occupant. The system further includes a processor and non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions executed by the processor to generate a brainwave map based on the neurological signals, calibrate the brainwave map based on the position of the occupant, and determine a mental state of the occupant based on the calibrated-brainwave map. The processor further actuates vehicle support control in response to determining the mental state of the occupant.

Abstract: A system includes a fuel cell stack that receives a fluid, an actuator to increase or decrease a fluid temperature of the fluid, a pipe to facilitate flow of the fluid, and a memory designed to store a model of the fuel cell circuit. The system also includes an ECU that calculates mass flow values of the fluid through the fuel cell stack or the pipe based on a previously-determined mass flow value and the model of the fuel cell circuit. The ECU also calculates a plurality of pressure values corresponding to the fuel cell stack or the pipe based on the plurality of mass flow values and the model, controls the actuator position of the actuator to increase or decrease the fluid temperature based on at least one of the plurality of mass flow values and at least one of the plurality of pressure values.

Abstract: A mobile device is provided and includes a sensor and a control module. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the mobile device. The control module is configured to: based on an output of the sensor, determine whether the mobile device is moving; when the mobile device is moving, transmit via a transceiver at least one signal to a vehicle indicating movement of the mobile device and an indication of presence of the mobile device; based on the at least one signal, receive an instruction signal or an information signal from the vehicle via the transceiver; based on the instruction signal or an information signal, at least one of reduce a polling rate of the mobile device, cease to indicate presence of the mobile device or transition to a sleep mode; and transition from the sleep mode to an awake mode in response to movement of the mobile device.