Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling autonomous vehicles are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes obtaining, by a computing system that includes one or more computing devices onboard an autonomous vehicle, data indicative of an identifier associated with a user device of a user. The identifier can be assigned to the user device by a cellular network. The method includes determining, by the computing system, location data associated with the user device based at least in part on the identifier associated with the user device. The method includes determining, by the computing system, a vehicle route based at least in part on the location data associated with the user device. The method includes causing, by the computing system, the autonomous vehicle to initiate travel in accordance with the vehicle route.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a grouping of battery cells and a plurality of array frames for retaining the grouping of battery cells. Each of the plurality of array frames includes a ratchet feature. A column bolt includes a raised surface configured to mate with the ratchet feature of each of the plurality of array frames to secure the plurality of array frames together.

Abstract: A dispensing system for heating and dispensing a food substance in a liquid state includes a portable dispensing unit including housing including a reservoir for holding a food substance, a heater operable to heat the substance to an operating temperature for producing a liquid, and a pump for dispensing the liquid via a dispensing tube and spray nozzle. A manually activated actuator operates to initiate the dispensing cycle. Control circuitry associated with the dispensing unit monitors the liquid temperature and controls operation of pump and unit. The dispensing unit may be powered by a rechargeable battery. A charging base provides a dock for recharging the battery of the dispensing unit. The pump may include an auto-reverse feature to draw the liquid back into reservoir when not dispensing the liquid for preventing clogs in the dispensing system.

Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present invention is directed to novel, improved, or modified porous membranes, fibers, porous fibers, products made from such membranes, fibers or porous fibers, and/or related methods of production, use, and/or the like. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to novel, improved, or modified microporous membranes or films, fibers, microporous fibers, materials or layers made from such membranes, fibers or porous fibers, and the like for use in textile materials, garments, products, and/or textile related applications. Microporous membranes, fibers, and/or microporous fibers are made of one or more copolymers, such as block or impact copolymers, or of at least one polyolefin combined with at least one copolymer as a means of improving the hand, drape, and/or surface coefficient of friction performance properties for use in textile garments, textile materials or textile related applications.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for cloud-offloaded position calculation with on-device acquisition. One method includes operations for collecting raw global positioning system (GPS) signals for a set of positions, and storing in memory the raw GPS signals. The method further includes processing the raw GPS signals in batch mode at the computing device to obtain acquisition data for the positions, where the processing includes identifying tasks for parallel processing by a graphics processing unit (GPU), performing, by the GPU, the tasks in parallel by assigning each of the tasks to a core processor within the GPU, and combining results from performing the tasks to obtain the acquisition data. Additionally, the method includes an operation for transmitting the acquisition data to a server for calculating locations for the set positions at the server, the server storing the locations and making the locations available for location-tracking applications.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for chemically bonding TiNi materials to Nitinol constructs, comprising placing a Nitinol construct within a mold and packing a powder combination comprising Ti powder and Ni powder, and powder comprised of zero or more of the elements Cu, Hf, Zr, Pt, Pd, Au, Cd, Ag, Nb, Ta, O, N, B, and H, into the mold. The method further includes initiating a process of self-propagating high temperature synthesis of the powder combination within the mold to create a chemical bond between the Nitinol construct and a resulting TiNi foam to thereby create a Nitinol and TiNi assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments related to press machines, including presses to extract juice from food matter contained within a cartridge. The cartridge is compressible by the press and juice can be expelled through a cartridge outlet extendible though the press region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable palladium ion catalyst aqueous solution for electroless metal plating that does not use boric acid and can be used stably over a wide pH range. The catalyst solution for electroless plating of the present invention contains palladium ion, palladium ion complexing agent, and a specific amine compound and is alkaline.

Abstract: This invention is directed to aqueous redox flow batteries comprising ionically charged redox active materials at least one of which is a sulfonated catechol.

Abstract: In one aspect, an auxiliary tool assembly for an agricultural implement may be configured to support a finishing tool(s) at a location at or adjacent to the aft end of the implement. The auxiliary tool assembly may include a support arm extending lengthwise between a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the support arm being pivotally coupled to a portion of the implement at or adjacent to its aft end so that the tool assembly is pivotable relative to the implement between a work position and a transport position. In addition, the finishing tool(s) may be configured to be coupled to or otherwise supported relative to the ground by the support arm at a location between its proximal and distal ends. Moreover, the auxiliary tool assembly may include one or more surface-engaging wheels coupled to the distal end of the support arm.

Abstract: A pattern generator circuit includes a high-speed shift register and a non-overlap generator. The shift register is programmable to produce a pulse train of pulses having a defined pulse duration and a defined pulse-to-pulse interval. The non-overlap generator deserializes the incoming pulse train, and it produces a time-separated reset pulse based on the pulse train. The shift register is configured to permit the pulse durations and pulse-to-pulse interval to be selected arbitrarily over specified ranges in increments of a basic time unit that depends on the oscillator period.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes establishing, by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) circuitry of an access control device, a BLE communication connection with a first mobile device while a main microprocessor and a Wi-Fi circuitry of the access control device are in sleep states; waking, by the access control device, the Wi-Fi circuitry of the access control device from the sleep state in response to establishing the BLE communication connection with the mobile device; establishing, by the Wi-Fi circuitry of the access control device, a Wi-Fi communication connection with an access control server in response to waking the Wi-Fi circuitry from the sleep state; and receiving, by the access control device and from the access control server via the Wi-Fi communication connection, access control data for the access control device transmitted from a second mobile device to the access control server.

Abstract: A base station may send, to a wireless device, control channel configuration information indicating various aspects of a control channel (e.g., radio resources, subframes, etc.) that may be used for data communications between the base station and wireless device.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of increasing genetic merit of swine by establishing a plurality of mating subtypes for a line of swine, and determining a percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or a percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, that would result, relative to a control, in an increase in genetic merit in the line; the invention further relates to sorting a sperm cell sample from a male swine in one of the mating subtypes into one or more subpopulations of sperm cells, wherein a majority of sperm cells in a subpopulation of sperm cells bear X chromosomes or Y chromosomes, and inseminating one or more female swine in the one of the mating subtypes with the subpopulation of sperm cells to achieve the percentage of progeny that are male, or the percentage of progeny that are female, determined to increase genetic merit relative to the control.

Abstract: A light fixture includes a light fixture housing, one or more light sources housed in the housing, a power connection for receiving electric power for the one or more light sources, a light source driver circuit configured to receive power from the power connection and to drive the one or more light sources to produce light, and at least one audio speaker module coupled to the housing through at least one rotatable coupling. The light fixture further includes a wireless radio transceiver configured to receive transmissions of audio content to be played through the at least one audio speaker module, and an audio driver circuit configured to receive power from the power connection and to drive the at least one audio speaker module. The at least one audio speaker module is rotatable with respect to the housing via the at least one rotatable coupling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aluminum repair station. More specifically, the present invention provides an enclosed area having a floor, a ceiling, and a rigid wall, and a curtain wall, said rigid wall and said curtain wall defining a perimeter of said enclosed area between the ceiling and the floor, said ceiling comprising an exhaust system for circulating air into and out of the enclosed area.

Abstract: Exercise systems that include self-coupling weight pods that couple with one another to form weight clusters that a user can use in performing various body movements, such as exercise and conditioning movements. Each weight pod typically has a calibrated weight so that the user may know the amount of weight they are using. Each weight pod includes one or more coupling features that allow that weight pod to couple to one or more other weight pods and/or to an accessory, such as a strap. In some embodiments, each weight pod is soft so as to inhibit injury to a user of another close by the user. The weight pods can be used with one or more accessories, such as a strap, a bell bag that emulates a kettle bell, and a rucksack that can be configured to be a multifunctional component of an overall exercise system, among others.

Abstract: Disclosed are joining compositions that are suitable for use as adhesives or sealants in various embodiments. Generally, the compositions include silyl-modified polyether polymers in combination with dibenzoate plasticizers. When used as sealant compositions, the joining compositions can exhibit improved stability and reduced leaching of plasticizer components. When used as adhesives, the joining compositions can be used in numerous applications including residential and commercial building applications. Methods of manufacture and use of the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to assigning a fleet of driverless vehicles to a plurality of parking locations for parking vehicles of the fleet. For instance, locations of the vehicles of the fleet as well as a number of available spaces at each of the plurality of parking location locations may be tracked. A subset of the fleet not already located at one of the plurality of parking locations is identified. At least one assignment assigning each vehicle of the subset to a respective parking location of the plurality of parking locations is determined according to the numbers of available spaces and the identified locations of the subset. For the at least one assignment, a total cost is determined by determining a cost value for each of a plurality of factors. The given assignment is sent to the fleet based on the total cost and the cost value.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a firing member, an elongate shaft, and a handle is disclosed. The end effector comprises an anvil, a channel, and a staple cartridge. The firing member comprises a first camming member configured to engage the anvil during a staple firing stroke, a second camming member configured to engage the channel during the staple firing stroke, and a cutting member. The handle comprises a motor configured to output a rotary motion, a power source, a control system configured to control the speed of the rotary motion, a rotary drive member, and a control system. The firing member is operably responsive to the rotation of the rotary drive member. Torque is output from the motor to the rotary drive member. The control system is configured to limit the output from the motor to the rotary drive member.