Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite comprising an elastomer with an embedded network of liquid metal inclusions. The composite retains similar flexibility to that of an elastomer but exhibits electrical and thermal properties that differ from the properties of a homogeneous elastomer. The composite has applications for wearable devices and other soft matter electronics, among others.

Abstract: First imaging device collects first image data, whereas second imaging device collects second image data of a storage portion. An image processing module identifies a rim of a container in either the first image data or the second image data. The image processing module then overlays an outline of the rim in an image presented on a display to an operator of a transferring vehicle. The image processing module further identifies the fill level of material in a receiving vehicle container and overlays this information in the image presented on the display.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgeon-assisted rapid surgical implantation of devices into soft tissue. The apparatus comprises several subsystems that enable the referencing of the spatial position and orientation of the device being implanted with respect to the soft tissue into which it is being implanted and then the controlled implantation of the device at a predefined speed with higher positional accuracy and precision and a reduction in soft tissue damage, provided by ultrasonic assisted motion, compared to current state-of-the-art implantation methods and devices.

Abstract: Local swing leg control was developed that takes advantage of segment interactions to achieve robust leg placement under large disturbances while generating trajectories and joint torque patterns similar to those observed in human walking and running. The results suggest the identified control as a powerful alternative to existing swing leg controls in humanoid and rehabilitation robotics. Alternatively, a detailed neuromuscular model of the human swing leg was developed to embody the control with local muscle reflexes. The resulting reflex control robustly places the swing leg into a wide range of landing points observed in human walking and running, and it generates similar patterns of joint torques and muscle activations. The results suggest an alternative to existing swing leg controls in humanoid and rehabilitation robotics which does not require central processing.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the design and synthesis of selected ligands, dendrimers, polymers and other solid phase substrates for selective chelation of rare earth elements (i.e. lanthanides), and use of those selective ligands for synthesis of resins, polymers and other types of solid supports for separation and recovery of lanthanides from aqueous media. Recovery of critical elements from aqueous media occurs in a simple two-step process: pre-concentration of REE on the adsorbent and recovery by acid elution. The present invention can be used for design of selective ligands immobilized on solid substrates for extraction of various constituents, such as lanthanides, actinides, radionuclides, trace metals, etc., from aqueous media.

Abstract: Local swing leg control was developed that takes advantage of segment interactions to achieve robust leg placement under large disturbances while generating trajectories and joint torque patterns similar to those observed in human walking and running. The results suggest the identified control as a powerful alternative to existing swing leg controls in humanoid and rehabilitation robotics. Alternatively, a detailed neuromuscular model of the human swing leg was developed to embody the control with local muscle reflexes. The resulting reflex control robustly places the swing leg into a wide range of landing points observed in human walking and running, and it generates similar patterns of joint torques and muscle activations. The results suggest an alternative to existing swing leg controls in humanoid and rehabilitation robotics which does not require central processing.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a prism containing a microfluidic channel. By coupling bulk acoustic wave generators to opposing sides of the prism, a standing bulk acoustic wave field can be excited in the prism and in the microfluidic channel. Because the microfluidic channel is titled with respect to the nodes of the bulk acoustic wave field, the prism microfluidic channel device can be used to separate microparticles and biological cells by size, compressibility, density, shape, or mass distribution. This technology enables high throughput cell sorting for biotechnology applications such as cancer cell detection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable transfer device for unloading processed crop onto a container of a transport vehicle including a control arrangement with an electronic control unit, among other integrated components. Electronic control unit calculates position of expected point of incidence of crop flow on the container. Further provided is a system that identifies and tracks a target object in image data, which is then used to determine the trajectory of the target. With the trajectory known, the control arrangement can accurately direct the crop flow into the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable transfer device for unloading processed crop onto a container of a transport vehicle including a control arrangement with an electronic control unit, among other integrated components. Electronic control unit calculates position of expected point of incidence of crop flow on the container. Further provided is a system that identifies and tracks a target object in image data, which is then used to determine the trajectory of the target. With the trajectory known, the control arrangement can accurately direct the crop flow into the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable transfer device for unloading processed crop onto a container of a transport vehicle including a control arrangement with an electronic control unit, among other integrated components. Electronic control unit calculates position of expected point of incidence of crop flow on the container. Further provided is a system that identifies and tracks a target object in image data, which is then used to determine the trajectory of the target. With the trajectory known, the control arrangement can accurately direct the crop flow into the container.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method of extraction for optimal recovery of rare earth elements (REE). This includes the optimization of a liquid-liquid extraction technique for economic extraction of REE from chemically complex brines. Through the use of a model, operating conditions are altered to increase separation efficiency. The technique achieves >98% recovery of all rare earth elements in one fraction, while using small volumes of sample and reagents. The method of the present invention recovers REE from previously unexploited waste streams, without need for development of new process equipment and while keeping a small footprint because of the volumes involved.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods to fabricate actuators that can be remotely controlled in an addressable manner, and methods to provide remote control such micro-actuators. The actuators are composites of two permanent magnet materials, one of which is has high coercivity, and the other of which switches magnetization direction by applied fields. By switching the second material's magnetization direction, the two magnets either work together or cancel each other, resulting in distinct “on” and “off” behavior of the devices. The device can be switched “on” or “off” remotely using a field pulse of short duration.

Abstract: Methods of forming dry adhesives including a method of making a dry adhesive including applying a liquid polymer to the second end of the stem, molding the liquid polymer on the stem in a mold, wherein the mold includes a recess having a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the second end of the stem, curing the liquid polymer in the mold to form a tip at the second end of the stem, wherein the tip includes a second layer stem; corresponding to the recess in the mold, and removing the tip from the mold after the liquid polymer cures.

Abstract: Present invention is an adjustable transfer device for unloading processed crop onto a container of a transport vehicle including a control arrangement with an electronic control unit, among other integrated components. Electronic control unit calculates position of expected point of incidence of crop flow on the container within field of view of optical image capture device, displays image of container together with symbol representing calculated expected point of incidence of crop flow on container on display, receives adjustment inputs from user interface for adjusting position of actuator and thus of adjustable transfer device, updates position of symbol in image on display, receives confirmation input from user interface once symbol in image on display is in appropriate position, derives at least one feature in image representing container, and tracks container within output signal of image processing system based on retrieved image feature and controls actuator accordingly to fill container with crop.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an audio-based emotion recognition system that is able to classify emotions in real-time. The emotion recognition system, according to some embodiments, adjusts the behavior of intelligent systems, such as a virtual coach, depending on the user's emotion, thereby providing an improved user experience. Embodiments of the emotion recognition system and method use short utterances as real-time speech from the user and use prosodic and phonetic features, such as fundamental frequency, amplitude, and Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients, as the main set of features by which the human speech is characterized. In addition, certain embodiments of the present invention use One-Against-All or Two-Stage classification systems to determine different emotions. A minimum-error feature removal mechanism is further provided in alternate embodiments to reduce bandwidth and increase accuracy of the emotion recognition system.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses of ultra-miniature, ultra-compliant probe arrays that allows for design flexibility to match the stiffness of the tissue it is being applied to, such as the brain tissue, in all three axes (x, y and z), with interconnect cross section smaller than cell dimensions. Stiffness matching requires specific geometric and fabrication approaches, commonly leading to ultra-thin probe wires. Sizing of the electrodes for specific cell dimensions reduces glial formation. Further reduction in stiffness is obtained by incorporating different geometric features to the electrode, such as meandering the electrode wires. The small thickness and geometric features of the wires commonly result in very high compliance.

Abstract: The disclosure describes the use of a neural network circuit, such as an oscillatory neural network or cellular neural network, to serve as a physically unclonable function on an integrated circuit or within an electronic system. The manufacturing process variations that impact the initial state of the neural network parameters are used to provide the unique identification for the physically unclonable function. A challenge signal to the neural network results in a response that is unique to the circuits process variations. The neural network is designed such that there are random variations among manufactured circuits, but that the specific instance variations are sufficiently deterministic with respect to circuit aging and environmental conditions such as temperature and supply voltage.

Abstract: Method and system for non-linear modeling of physiological behavior, such as R-R intervals, in implantable devices, such as a rate responsive pacemakers, comprising a comprehensive modeling and optimization methodology based on fractional calculus and constrained finite horizon optimal control theory that allows for allows for fine-grain optimization of pacemaker response to heart rate variations; and the theoretical basis on which a hardware implementation of the fractional optimal controller that can respond to changes in the heart rate dynamics. Present invention describes a fractal approach to pacemaker control based on the constrained finite horizon optimal control problem. This is achieved by modeling the heart rate dynamics via fractional differential equations. Also, by using calculus of variations, the invention describes how the constrained finite horizon optimal control problem can be reduced to solving a linear system of equations.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention are a system and method that use projected structured patterns of light and linear optical sensors for motion tracking. Sensors are capable of recovering two-dimensional location within the projection area, while several sensors can be combined for up to six degrees of freedom tracking. The structure patterns are based on m-sequences, in which any consecutive subsequence of m bits is unique. Both digital and static light sources can be used. The system and method of the present invention enables high-speed, high precision, and low-cost motion tracking for a wide range of applications.

Abstract: A bi-state bifurcation-based control system and method for nonlinear resonators, which utilizes a control loop to servo on the edge of the bifurcation jump, either at the maximum “on” point prior to the Duffing bifurcation jump or along the rising edge of the parametric bifurcation.