Abstract: A remote-controlled retriever for collecting a ball on a sports playing surface and for controllably releasing the ball includes a front end ball collector having two spaced-apart blades defining a ball collection space. Each blade includes a passive or an active detent for retaining the collected ball in the collection space until a programmed or manually-directed release toward a target location such as a tennis baseline. The retriever includes a processor-controller for controlling and directing the retriever during a retrieval session.

Abstract: Interactive natural language processing (NLP) results may be generated that allow a user to interact with the NLP results but do so in an offline manner so that the documents being processed need not be stored online. To provide interactive NLP results, event handlers may be attached to elements of the NLP results. A user may then select a word or phrase of the NLP results to cause computer software provided with the NLP to present the interactive features. For example, a user may click on a definite noun phrase to view information for diagnosing antecedent basis errors. For another example, a user may click on a word to view information about how that word is used in a document, such as viewing portions of the document that include the word or variants of the word.

Abstract: An automated package Pickup and Receiving Station (PRS) (100) with autonomous ground vehicles (AGV) (18) are presented, which may be used to pick up, deliver and securely store packages (28), parcels, mail, prepared food, groceries or other items that may be placed in a tray, which may include an integrated container. A portal (10) facilitates loading of items into, and removal of items from, the PRS (100). Within the PRS (100), items (28) may be transported from source to destination on standardized trays (25), via a two-dimensional gantry (32) and an end of arm tool (22). The gantry (32) may be oriented for movement through a central corridor (21) in the PRS (100), with end of arm tool (22) adapted for pushing trays towards, or pulling trays from, either side of the gantry (32). Items may be stored on a tray (25) in internal shelving (20), or placed directly into an AGV (18), on either side of the PRS (100).

Abstract: A tennis ball retriever for retrieving a tennis ball on and about a tennis court and for controllably releasing the ball includes a front-end ball collector having two spaced-apart blades defining a ball collection space. The retriever includes one or more detents for retaining the collected ball in the collection space until a programmed or manually-directed release toward a target location such as a tennis baseline. The retriever includes a processor-controller for controlling and directing the retriever during a retrieval session. The retriever may be remote-controlled such as by voice commands.

Abstract: A tennis ball retriever for retrieving a tennis ball on and about a tennis court and for controllably releasing the ball includes a front-end ball collector having two spaced-apart blades defining a ball collection space. The retriever includes a means for gripping and securing a ball positioned at the fore end, and one or more detents for retaining the collected ball in the collection space until a programmed or manually-directed release toward a target location such as a tennis baseline. The retriever includes a processor-controller for controlling and directing the retriever during a retrieval session. The retriever may be remote-controlled such as by voice commands.

Abstract: The present invention describes a computer implemented method for training a home monitoring system comprising of a plurality of occupational sensors, a plurality of computing devices, and a server network that communicate over a network. The plurality of occupational sensors can transmit information from the occupational sensors to the server; upon receiving the information from the plurality of occupational sensors, the server can generate and maintain a three-dimensional model of the environment. The server can then identify a first action performed by the special needs user based on the three-dimensional model of the environment and the information from the plurality of occupational sensors. Upon identifying the first action performed by the user, the server can determine a second action to be performed by a computing device; the server then transmits the second action to be performed to the computing device, which can then perform the second action.

Abstract: A system for parcel delivery may be provided using a package Pickup and Receiving Stations (PRS), sometimes also referred to as a Hub or Local Automated Hub. In some applications, it may be desirable to provide a number of PRSs located in areas having a high volume of local package delivery. Parcels directed to a recipient within an area serviced by the PRS may be delivered in bulk to the PRS by a parcel carrier. The PRS may then attend to final delivery to each parcel's recipient, preferably using an automated ground vehicle (AGV). Additionally or alternatively, consumers may tender packages to an AGV for, e.g., subsequent retrieval by a package carrier for further transport.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a multi-droplet sensing and actuation system, for use in a digital microfluidic chip operation wherein a linearly independent alternating current signal is applied to each discrete actuation electrode thus encoding the electrode's identity. The combined measured impedance signal from multiple channels is then processed to decode an impedance measurement for the volume between each discrete actuation electrode and its corresponding conductive counter electrode region, where the sensed impedance is inversely proportional to an amount of liquid within the volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a multi-droplet sensing and actuation system, for use in a digital microfluidic chip operation wherein a linearly independent alternating current signal is applied to each discrete actuation electrode thus encoding the electrode's identity. The combined measured impedance signal from multiple channels is then processed to decode an impedance measurement for the volume between each discrete actuation electrode and its corresponding conductive counter electrode region, where the sensed impedance is inversely proportional to an amount of liquid within the volume.

Abstract: A robotic system has a drive chassis having a drive motor and a drive element attached to the first drive motor. Additionally, a motor controller system provides drive signals to the first drive motor. A logic controller provides control signals to the motor controller. A network system is provided for communicating with the logic controller. At least one peripheral element communicates with the network system. There is additionally provided a wireless arrangement for communicating wirelessly with the network system.

Abstract: The invention allows an automated vehicle to reliably and repeatedly navigate any arbitrary area or path after being trained by an operator. This invention uses the Earth's magnetic and gravitational fields for directional vectors and uses optical shaft encoders mounted on a non-driving wheel to accurately measure the distance traveled. These sensory inputs are sufficient to accurately locate the vehicle in three-dimensional space and can be compared against a stored map to generate the navigational signal. Training the vehicle involves storing this sensory information in a computerized log as an operator moves the vehicle over the target area. Once the vehicle has been trained, it is able to recognize and navigate the terrain without the need for artificial landmarks or human intervention.

Abstract: A compact, gravity fed storage and dispensing rack for beverage containers. The box-like rack comprises a pair of rigid, generally parallel, and spaced-apart side walls terminating in a rear wall. A pair of upper and lower lengthwise inclined shelves extend generally transversely between the opposing sides. The upper shelf is inclined downwardly interiorly from an access end of the rack. The lower shelf is inclined downwardly from the rear wall towards the access end. Containers roll from the upper shelf at the rack access end into the interior of the rack, through a transfer throat, and then down the lower ramp back to the rack access end for access. To encourage reliable bottle transfer, both shelves are edgewise inclined and transfer throat is defined within the frame between the end of the upper shelf and the beginning of the lower shelf. A variable extension tongue is slidably associated with the input shelf.