Abstract: Systems, tags and methods for disabling transponders used in electronic toll collection or other RFID systems, wherein the transponders include an antenna and RFID circuitry. The transponders can be selectively disabled by positioning (e.g., pivotably moving) a disabling member having a metallic portion to an operative position over the antenna of the RFID system, whereupon the metallic portion is coupled to the antenna in such a manner as to disable the RFID circuitry so long as the disabling member is at the operative position. The RFID circuitry is arranged to be automatically enabled upon removal of the disabling member from the operative position (e.g., pivoting the disabling member back to an inoperative position).

Abstract: A field configurable vehicle armoring system and associated method allow a user to retrofit and reconfigure a combination of armor components in response to a perceived threat change and using original equipment manufacture fasteners and holes. The system includes pillar armor attachable after an original equipment manufacture door and hinge are removed. Fasteners extend through the hinge of the armored door, the pillar armor and an original equipment manufacture pillar using holes other than the original equipment manufacture holes. Rocker panel and underbody armor is further provided, along with a ballistic resistant windscreen and rear wall armor. Where desired, system armor includes a composite plate comprising a strike face that is constructed from softer metallic material than an inner metallic sheet.

Abstract: A maintenance access system for a storage and retrieval system having a storage and retrieval space and automated transport vehicles disposed in the space. The system includes at least one maintenance access control unit associated with a portion of the space, at least one barrier in the space and defining a boundary of the portion of the space and configured to substantially prevent the passage of the vehicles past the at least one barrier, and a controller connected to the control unit, the controller being configured to receive a signal from the at least one control unit for isolating the portion of the space associated with the at least one control unit, where the controller in response to the signal closes the at least one barrier isolating the portion of the space and effects the removal from or shutting down of vehicles within the portion of the space.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a remote control interface is provided that allows a user to interact with a programmable multimedia controller from a mobile device having a touch screen display, in a largely “head-up” manner, while providing visual feedback on the mobile device to confirm touch input. The user may enter touch input, including taps, holds swipes and pans, on the touch screen display. Such touch input may be processed and communicated to the programmable multimedia controller, which displays an on-screen display menu system on a display device coupled to the programmable multimedia controller. The user may direct the majority of his or her attention to the on-screen display menu system on the display device. However, some visual feedback may also be displayed on the touch screen display of the mobile device that is specific to the type of touch input received on the touch screen display.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle including a transfer arm including at least one finger and a movable finger support member, at least one sensor configured to detect movement of the at least one finger, the at least one sensor having a registration member and a detection member where one of the registration member and detection member is mounted to each of the at least one finger so as to be movable with a respective one of the at least one finger and the other one of the registration member and detection member is stationary relative to the at least one finger, and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, the controller being configured to determine a position of the at least one finger along the second direction based on a proximity of the registration member relative to the detection member.

Abstract: Single and multiple retaining wall blocks and block systems in which the blocks are provided with a face connection system which includes at least one front lip extending from a top surface of the block and a bottom channel formed into a front face and bottom surface of the block. The front lips have a length which is equal to the width of the blocks.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle for transporting items in a storage and retrieval system is provided. The autonomous transport vehicle includes at least two drive wheels and a controller, where each drive wheel is independently driven and a drive wheel encoder is disposed adjacent each drive wheel. The controller, in communication with the drive wheel encoders, is configured to determine a kinematic state of the autonomous transport vehicle within the storage and retrieval system based on incremental data from the drive wheel encoders only and independent of drive wheel slippage.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable with one or more optical fibers attached to a housing. The housing includes a connector housing for a connector, a furcation housing for a furcation, and a splice housing for a mid-span cable splice. The furcation housing and the splice housing include a crimp body. The crimp body has a compression area and at least one hoop about the compression area defining a crimp zone. A crimp band is arranged for engaging the crimp zone and including an indentation defining a compression surface and a rib defining a rib interior. The crimp band and the crimp body cooperate to grip the strength element and resist cable pull off forces. A method of making the fiber optic cable assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for evaporating excess water from a source includes a housing having: an air inlet, the air inlet directing air in a first direction; an air outlet; a plurality of channels arranged generally perpendicular to the first direction, the channels having undulations; and a water reservoir that feeds water into the channels. In some embodiments, baffles are created with walls that depend from the ceiling of the housing and that are interdigitated with dividers that separate the channels. This configuration can remove water generated by the source (such as an external compressor unit) in a quick and efficient manner.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are provided for the nitrification and denitrification of digested biosolids. The rate of nitrification/denitrification is controlled by sensing the amount of oxygen or another parameter in the digested biosolids and adjusting the amount of oxygen supplied to the biosolids, such as through automated adjustment of an aeration device. To promote nitrification, the amount of oxygen available in the digested biosolids is increased. To promote denitrification, the amount of oxygen available in the digested biosolids is decreased. The processes and apparatus are well suited for reducing the concentration of ammonium in biosolids or off-gas resulting from aerobic thermophilic digestion of wastewater sludges. The processes and apparatus are well suited for reducing the dosage of chemicals required for dewatering operations of biosolids.

Abstract: When employing an a cruise control system in a commercial or heavy-duty vehicle, an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system (14) is activated upon activation of a vehicle or set-speed cruise control (SSCC) system (16). The ACC (14) remains on, even after SSCC shutoff, to maintain a minimum following distance for a primary vehicle in which the ACC (14) is employed and a forward vehicle. The ACC (14) is deactivated after detection of an ACC shutoff trigger event, which may be driver application of the brakes of the primary vehicle, driver-initiated acceleration for a predefined time period, expiration of a predetermined time period, manual shutoff (e.g., via a switch or button), etc.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a rod in a screw and rod fixation assembly includes a cap having a sidewall and a locking element extending from at least a portion of the sidewall. Locking mechanism cooperates with a receiver component for a spinal fixation rod to lock the rod in the receiver without requiring application of torque. A method of locking a spinal fixation member in a receiver of a screw fixation assembly includes the steps of placing the spinal fixation member into a channel of a receiver, axially advancing a locking cap into the receiver toward the spinal fixation member without application of any torque, and securing the locking cap in a locked position above the spinal fixation member without application of any torque.

Abstract: Fiber optic cables and methods of manufacturing fiber optic cables are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a fiber optic cable includes a plurality of optical fibers having a lay length of greater than 160 mm. The fiber optic cable also includes strength material surrounding the plurality of optical fibers and a polymer jacket surrounding the strength material. Each of the optical fibers is configured to exhibit a bend-induced optical attenuation of less than or equal to about 0.6 dB when wrapped one turn around a 7.5 mm mandrel.

Abstract: An automated pill dispensing system includes an output chute configured to hold pill-containing vials and an optical sensor located at a predetermined location in the output chute. The optical sensor includes an optical emitter and an optical detector configured to be operated cooperatively to output a detection signal indicating a presence or absence of a vial at the predetermined location of the output chute. A controller is coupled to the optical sensor and is configured to receive the detection signal therefrom, detect the presence or absence of the vial at the predetermined location of the output chute in response to the detection signal, and control a next depositing event whereby a next vial is deposited in the output chute responsive to the detection. Related methods of operation are also discussed.

Abstract: An automated tape head assembly for a multiple axis tape laying machine includes a tape supply reel and a tape compaction roller, and a chute. Tape passes from the supply reel, through the chute, to the tape compaction roller. The tape path and at least a portion of the chute are maintained substantially at a zero Gaussian curvature. The tape path and chute are curved to define a compliance loop that results from a substantially or partially unrestrained curved path between the supply reel and the compaction roller. This structure allows the compaction roller to shift laterally and vertically with respect to the supply reel while the supply reel is in a fixed position with respect to the tape head assembly generally. This structure also allows the compaction roller to roll, steer, and follow the fiber tape's natural path, all with significant independence from the supply reel.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating sleep is disclosed. Embodiments of the sleep system receive a person's lower arm in an arm cavity of a person laying in a sleep-on-side position. An exemplary sleep system has a trunk rest and head rest. Two separated cantilevered supports extending outwardly from the base portion of the head rest are in contact with and supported by a top edge of the trunk rest, thereby defining an arm aperture that receives the person's lower arm when laying in a sleep-on-side position. An arm cavity is defined by lower surfaces of the two cantilevered supports and a trunk rest cantilevered arm cavity surface that extends generally downward and inward.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media are provided for transmitting a message received from a paging network on a paging device to wireless or other electronic devices. The paging device establishes a radio connection with the wireless device and transmits the received messages to the wireless device through the established radio connection. In response to receiving a message from the paging device, the wireless device sends an acknowledgment to the paging network that the message was received and displays the message.

Abstract: The combination of a data communication system, including data input, data retention, and data output means, and to the supporting software to develop an accurate account of charges for a surgical procedure, including pre-op, surgical and post-op, of a patient in a medical facility. The method consists of a pair of sequential and interrelated modular subsystems having an administrator module and a manager module. The method includes inputting of such information as base charges, modifying the inputted base charges based on known circumstances and unique conditions of the patient, and identifying materials and facility resources used in the surgical procedure. Further, the actual materials used in the surgical procedures are identified along with actual items and duration of use during the surgical procedure, for inputting into data input base, where all of this data and information is transmitted to the data retention and data output base for accurately determining the appropriate charges to the patient.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and software program for validation of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and quality assurance process are described and disclosed herein. Consequently, the methods provide a means to perform validation on an integrated level whereby the quality control unit can ensure data and product integrity and minimize cost.