Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle includes at least one vehicle network on board the vehicle, first and second controllers coupled to the at least one vehicle network and configured to communicate with each other via the at least one vehicle network, and first and second sensor sets coupled to the at least one vehicle network, and configured to communicate with any of the first and second controllers via the at least one vehicle network. Each of the first and second controllers is configured to, based on data output from any of the first and second sensor sets, control a movement of the vehicle independently of the other of the first and second controllers. The first sensor set is located at a first location on the vehicle, the second sensor set is located at a second location on the vehicle, and the second location is different from the first location.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and devices for balancing a battery pack that comprises a plurality of battery cells. A first charging protocol to charge the battery pack is employed, and while the battery pack is being charged, a determination is made whether the battery pack is imbalanced. After determining that the battery pack is imbalanced, a determination is made whether a value of the state of charge (SoC) of the battery pack corresponds to a particular range of values. After determining that the value of the SoC of the battery pack corresponds to the particular range of values and that the battery pack is imbalanced, a second charging protocol to charge the battery pack is employed, wherein the second charging protocol is different from the first charging protocol.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to multitask transfer learning. Neural networks are used to accomplish a number of tasks and the results of these tasks are used to determine parameters common to these and other tasks. These parameters can then be used to accomplish other related tasks. In the description, data fitting as well as image related tasks are used. Task conditioning as well as the use of a KL regularizer have greatly improved results when testing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Examples of an exercise mat having a three-dimensional surface texture and methods for making same are disclosed. The exercise mat may have a first malleable layer formed from a polyurethane material with an elastic fabric material attached to a lower surface thereof. A second layer may be attached to the elastic fabric material of the first layer. The second layer may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material and may have the three-dimensional surface texture formed on an upper surface thereof to which the first layer conforms. The exercise mat may also include a third rubber layer attached to the second layer.

Abstract: A load detection system detects loads applied to a landing gear assembly during landing. The landing gear assembly includes an axle coupled to a piston rod of a compressible shock strut and a wheel rotatably mounted the axle. A torque link includes a lower link coupled to the piston rod of the shock strut so that compression of the shock strut rotates the link about a first axis. The load detection system includes a probe rotatably coupled about a second axis. The probe engages a ground surface when the shock strut is uncompressed and the wheel contacts the ground surface. The lower link rotates the probe as the shock strut compresses. A sensor senses a position of the probe, which corresponds to a load on the wheel when the shock strut is uncompressed and the wheel is in contact with the ground surface.

Abstract: Examples of a fastener integrated with a fabric spacer are disclosed. The fastener comprises a first part with a first fastening member that has an eyelet with a base secured to a top surface of a first tape. The bottom surface of the tape is bonded to a fabric spacer. The fastener further comprises a second part with a second fastening member that has a hooking end. The second fastening member is secured to a second fabric. The hooking end of the second fastening member is configured to releasably engage the eyelet of the first fastening member to bring close together the first part and the second part of the fastener.

Abstract: A motor is configured to apply a rotational force to a wheel that includes a rim rotatably mounted to an axle about a first axis. The motor has a rotor coupled to the rim. The rotor has an interior cavity and a plurality of radial slots formed therein. A cylindrical stator is disposed within the cavity and has a second axis offset from the first axis. The stator is fixed in rotation relative to the axle. The motor further includes a plurality of vanes, each vane being slidably disposed within one of the plurality of radial slots. A compressed gas source is in fluid communication with the cavity and selectively provides compressed gas to the cavity to rotate the rotor.

Abstract: This invention relates to undergarments for use in active environments, where the wearer of such an undergarment is engaged in an activity that results in accelerating movements. In some preferred embodiments, these undergarments may be athletic or sports bras that redirect momentum related to a wearer's accelerating movements, for example, during exercise.

Abstract: An optical lens for passing therethrough an incident light beam and forming an output light beam towards a target plane at a distance therefrom and perpendicular to the norm thereof. The optical lens has a smooth or piecewise-linear first surface having a cross-section profile along an axis perpendicular to the norm of the optical lens for directing the incident light beam to form the output light beam towards the target plane with a light intensity uniformly distributed in a target area of the target plane. In some embodiments, the cross-section profile of the first surface has a concave curve in the central portion thereof smoothly transitioning to a convex curve in the peripheral portion on each side of the central portion for directing the incident light beam to the target plane with the light intensity uniformly distributed in the target area of the target plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods for routing a document based on the contents of this document. The content of this document is first subjected to a recognition process and then the result is subjected to multiple types of analysis. Based on the results of the analysis (including contextual analysis), a destination is determined along with any timelines detailed in the document. As well, a severity of the document, indicating the severity of consequences if the document is not handled quickly, is determined. Based on these, an urgency tag and/or a severity tag are assigned to the document. A final destination is determined based on the output of the analysis of the severity, the urgency, and of the destination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling conditions in an enclosed space, such as a data center, or for providing cooling to a device, can include using a Liquid-to-Air Membrane Energy Exchanger (LAMEE) as an evaporative cooler. The LAMEE or exchanger can cool water to the outdoor air wet bulb temperature in a cooling system disposed outside of the enclosed space or device. The reduced-temperature water can be delivered to the enclosed space or device or can cool a coolant that is delivered to the enclosed space or device. The air in the enclosed space, or one or more components in the enclosed space, can be cooled by delivering the reduced-temperature water or coolant to the enclosed space, rather than moving the supply air from the enclosed space to the cooling system. In an example, the cooling system can include one or more cooling coils, upstream or downstream of the LAMEE.

Abstract: An upper of an article of footwear comprises a plurality of stretch zones each having a respective stretching capability. Suitable example stretch zones may include four-way stretch zones, two-way stretch zones, and/or lock-out zones. In some examples, an upper having a plurality of stretch zones comprises a single continuous piece of material configured to have regions of different stretching capability. The single piece of material may comprise a layered material having two stretchable outer layers, wherein a plurality of stretch zones of the piece of material are defined by corresponding intermediate layers disposed at selected locations between the outer layers. Examples of intermediate layers providing two-way stretch, four-way stretch, and little or no stretch are disclosed.

Abstract: A redundant sensor system includes first and second sensors of the same type. The first and second sensors are configured to sense and measure a parameter, such as torque, applied to an object, such as a shaft. A preselected measurement value difference is provided between the first and second sensors. The preselected measurement value difference, such as an offset or a difference in sensor gain, can be utilized by the redundant sensor system or an associated control system to detect a failure of one of the sensors. Output signals of the first and second signals that do not reflect the preselected measurement value difference within given tolerance indicate that one of the sensors has failed, and a determination that an associated system is untrustworthy can be obtained.

Abstract: A system for monitoring polarization and conduction of a thyristor includes a transformer configured to generate a secondary current from a triggering current waveform applied to a gate of the thyristor; a converter configured to convert the secondary current into a monitored voltage; a first hysteresis comparator configured to generate a first voltage pulse based on the monitored voltage when the triggering current waveform includes a first current pulse; a second hysteresis comparator configured to generate one or more second voltage pulses based on the monitored voltage when the triggering current waveform includes one or more second current pulses; a monitoring unit configured to receive the first and the one or more second voltage pulses, and determine whether the triggering current waveform satisfies pre-defined characteristics, and to determine whether a current flowing between the anode and cathode of the thyristor satisfies additional pre-defined characteristics.

Abstract: A shock absorber system for a vehicle includes a first shock absorber with a first cavity and a second shock absorber with a second cavity, wherein the first and second shock absorbers are located on a same side of the vehicle. The shock absorber system further includes a conduit in fluid communication with the first and second shock absorbers so that the second cavity maintains fluid communication with the first cavity through the conduit. The first and second cavities are at least partially filled with a gas.

Abstract: An article having a low friction surface containing an oligofluorinated additive admixed with a base polymer is disclosed.

Abstract: A drive augmenter provide supplemental drive power to the wheel of a landing gear with a drive system. The landing gear has a wheel rotatably mounted to an axle, and the drive system selectively provides a driving force to rotate the wheel. The drive augmenter includes a piston slidably disposed with a cylinder, and selective pressurization of the cylinder drives reciprocating translation of the piston within the cylinder. A crank is coupled to the piston by a rod and is also coupled to a crankshaft. The crank is configured to convert translation of the piston into rotation of the crankshaft. The drive augmenter further includes a drive shaft coupled to the wheel and a clutch configured to selectively transfer rotation of the crankshaft to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A working roller for a rolling mill for laminating a sheet of alkali metal or alloy thereof into a film is disclosed. The working roller has a cylindrical center portion defining a central axis, the center portion having an outer surface defining a lamination surface; and first and second frustoconical portions extending from first and second ends of the center portion respectively. When the central axis is straight, an angle between the outer surface of the center portion and an outer surface of each of the first and second frustoconical portions is less than 0.05 degrees. A width of the center portion is greater than a width of each of the first and second frustoconical portions. The width of the center portion is less than a sum of the widths of the first and second portions. A rolling mill having two such working rollers is also disclosed.