Abstract: An automated system for driver scoring and reporting maintains a performance history associated with particular drivers in a stored database of multiple drivers. An automated system tracks actual operation of the vehicle and maintenance performed on the vehicle to determine an estimated percentage of life remaining for the vehicle. The backend database stores the records of multiple vehicles. Services, such as i) usage-based vehicle leasing and ii) a certified life-expectancy of a vehicle, can use raw vehicle data and enriched vehicle data captured via a dongle module in the vehicle to determine the expected life remaining of that vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating a state of a battery to a vehicle controller are disclosed. In one example, a battery pack outputs a signal indicative of an amount of capability the battery pack has to source or sink current at present operating conditions. The system and method may improve vehicle drivability and reduce battery pack degradation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing messages for registered users within an allowed domain. The method includes performing domain-registration and auto-registration for non-registered users. The method allows users to utilize messaging services without having to individually register each and every user upfront.

Abstract: An electrochemical storage multi-cell may comprise: a housing, including a plurality of concentric annular cell chambers; a plurality of electrochemical storage cells, wherein each of the plurality of annular cells are positioned in one of the plurality of annular cell chambers, and the plurality of annular cells are electrically connected in series; and conductive electrolyte filling each of the annular cell chambers.

Abstract: A very small aperture terminal (VSAT) installation tool is provided having the ability to measure cable loss along an interfacility link (IFL) between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of the VSAT. Radio frequency (RF) signals can be transmitted from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, where the RF signals are intercepted along the IFL prior to reaching the outdoor unit, and the output power is determined. The determined output power is compared to an expected output power at the indoor unit. The delta between the determined output power and the expected output power can be used to adjust the power of the indoor unit such that the outdoor unit can operate without reaching its compression point.

Abstract: Provided herein is a heat engine system and a method for transforming energy, such as generating mechanical energy and/or electrical energy from thermal energy. The heat engine system may have one of several different configurations of a mass management system (MMS) fluidly coupled to a working fluid circuit. The MMS may be utilized to control the amount of working fluid added to, contained within, or removed from the working fluid circuit. The MMS may contain a mass control tank, an inventory transfer line, and system/tank transfer valves. The MMS may contain a transfer pump fluidly coupled to the inventory transfer line and configured to control the pressure in the inventory transfer line. The MMS may have two or more transfer lines, such as an inventory return line and valve, and an inventory supply line and valve.

Abstract: A method of using a system to apply liquid over a selected area includes providing a source of liquid, a first tube for transporting liquid from the source through the system, a connector, a check valve and a spray device. The connector includes a projection extending into the first tube. The projection has an inlet in fluid communication with the first tube. The connector further includes an outlet and a passageway in fluid communication with the inlet of the projection and the outlet of the connector. The check valve has an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the connector and an outlet. The check valve is operable to permit the passage of liquid from the inlet to the outlet upon pressurization of the liquid above a threshold pressurization level.

Abstract: A method of metallizing a surface of a structure, and in some embodiments a mirror produced by such method, by the steps of providing a composite support structure; providing a release liner including a metallic layer having a thickness between 1 and 5 microns on a surface thereof; situating the release liner against the surface of the composite support structure so that the metallic layer of the release liner is placed in direct, physical contact with the surface of the support structure; and removing the release liner so that the metallic layer remains attached to the surface of the support structure.

Abstract: A method, computer program, and system for monitoring a person in a structure having a first room and a second room. The system includes motion sensors and accelerometers to determine states and activities within the states, respectively. No visual images of any type are used to monitor the person. The person does not need to wear any type of equipment or component or necklace or bracelet or special clothing with any type of equipment or component in order to be monitored by the system.

Abstract: A system for creating a composite georeferenced, geo-oriented geospatial/realtime image by combining prestored geographic data with realtime video streams and state data characterizing the source of the realtime video stream and visually displaying the composite image under a user's realtime control.

Abstract: A method of using an unmanned agricultural robot to generate an anticipatory geospatial data map of the positions of annual crop rows planted within a perimeter of an agricultural field, the method including the step of creating a geospatial data map of an agricultural field by plotting actual annual crop row positions in a portion of the geospatial data map that corresponds to a starting point observation window, and filling in a remainder of the geospatial data map with anticipated annual crop row positions corresponding to the annual crop rows outside of the starting point observation window, and refining the geospatial data map by replacing the anticipated annual crop row positions with measured actual annual crop row positions when an unexpected obstacle is encountered.

Abstract: Inter-vehicle platoon distance management is provided. Parameters relating to external conditions are used together with vehicle physical characteristics, performance information, and other factors to select an optimized distance between vehicle pairs traveling as a platoon. The parameters relating to the external conditions are aggregated by the following vehicle of the platoon vehicle pair, and used to adjust or otherwise modify a predetermined minimum following distance parameter. This allows flexibility in the platooning control to follow at different distances while maintaining an overall fuel economy benefit of the platoon. When no external condition restrictions exist, the platoon vehicles follow at the shortest distance to maximize fuel economy. However, as the aggregated external conditions increase, the platooning distance is extended to improve safety while preserving as much fuel economy benefit of the platoon as possible.

Abstract: A method for emergency shutdown and landing by an Air Traffic Control (ATC) system for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) includes detecting an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is one of distressed and rogue; determining timing for a shutdown and a location for landing; and communicating the determined timing and the landing location to the UAV by the Air Traffic Control system via one or more wireless networks comprising at least one cellular network.

Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a vehicle has a frame, a material hopper mounted on the frame, a swing arm assembly coupled to the frame, and a conveyor mounted on the swing arm assembly. The swing arm assembly can have a support bracket configured to pivot relative to the hopper about a vertical pivot axis, the support bracket also configured to pivot relative to the hopper about a horizontal pivot axis, wherein the support bracket is configured to support the conveyor for pivoting movement of the conveyor relative to the hopper about the vertical pivot axis and about the horizontal pivot axis to move the conveyor from a first, stowed position extending alongside one of the sides of the hopper to a second, use position extending rearwardly away from the rear end of the hopper.

Abstract: A modular multi-component mattress system includes a base layer with a coupling channel, a first reversible support pad assembly with a first side rail and a second side rail, a comfort pad layer, and a cover assembly configured to contain the base layer, the first reversible support pad assembly, and the comfort pad layer. In a first configuration, the first side rail detachably and selectively couples within the coupling channel and the second side rail receives the comfort pad layer. In a second configuration, the first side rail receives the comfort pad layer and the second side rail detachably and selectively couples within the coupling channel. The system includes a second reversible support pad assembly. The system includes a topper layer with a cool comfort side and a warm comfort side. The topper layer detachably and selectively couples with the cover assembly.

Abstract: A method and device for testing the output pressure of a compressed air unit is disclosed. A pressure verification device includes a first port configured for attachment to a compressed air unit. A first pressure relief valve is connected to a second port of the pressure verification device and is set to open at a first set pressure. A switching valve is connected to a third port. When the pressure is at least the first set pressure, a path to atmosphere is established from the first port through the first pressure relief valve when the switching valve is in the closed position. In addition, the first pressure relief valve comprises a means for at least one of an audible, a tactile and a visual indicator of the operation of the compressed air unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing body tissue are disclosed. The systems and methods can include an introducer assembly for percutaneous access to a body lumen. The assembly can include a needle and an over-the-needle guidewire. The needle and the guidewire can be inserted into body tissue and the guidewire advanced into the body tissue relative to the needle. The needle can be removed after advancing the guidewire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting an intact portion of a service brake system from a failed wheel end of a vehicle is provided. A failure in a wheel end is detected by determining an operation state of each of the wheel ends by monitoring parameters including the pressure in a parking brake air supply line. When it is determined that a failed wheel end is present in the service brake system, a service brake isolation valve is switched to a state in which the failed wheel end is isolated from the rest of the brake system. The service brake of the failed wheel end is disabled, while the service brakes of the other wheel ends are enabled for normal operation. The parking brake of the failed wheel end is enabled, while the parking brakes of the other wheel ends are disabled to prevent immobilization of the vehicle.

Abstract: An opening tool for a locking cap of a fire hydrant includes a collar with multiple protrusions that can attach to corresponding protrusions provided on an outer surface of the locking cap. The opening tool also includes a main support portion coupled to the collar, a guide supported by the main support portion, the guide including a shaft support, a pin moveably disposed within the guide and a cam lever rotatably coupled to the guide by a shaft. The shaft extending through the cam lever. The shaft being supported by a shaft support. The cam lever including a cam surface in contact with a first end of the pin. The cam surface including a first flat surface, a second flat surface and a curved surface that extends between the first flat surface and the second flat surface.