Abstract: When employing a multi-node computing architecture for commercial articulated vehicles to generate a composite surround view of the vehicle, each processing node is associated with a vehicle segment. Each node has its own processor, memory and sensors. A master-slave relationship exists in the architecture. The segment processors collect, format, manage and package their local information. Communication between nodes is controlled by the master node, which can limit, adjust, subsample and alter the information and information flow from the slave nodes. The slave nodes can be freely recombined, using a pre-established communication standard or a format agreed upon at combination time.

Abstract: Disclosed methods include a resource manager in a multiple node network receiving a demand for additional bandwidth, from a terminal, and the resource manager having updated information on the state of the mobile node network and, using that the state information, performing test allocation of the requested bandwidth to the requesting terminal. Disclosed methods include determining whether previous commitments of service can be met with the test allocation in place. Associated with a positive result, an allocation is sent to the terminal.

Abstract: A method includes controlling a bearing fluid supply system to provide the bearing fluid to a hydrostatic bearing of the turbopump assembly. The bearing fluid includes a supercritical working fluid. The method also includes receiving data corresponding to a pressure of the bearing fluid measured at or near a bearing fluid drain fluidly coupled to the hydrostatic bearing, determining a thermodynamic state of the bearing fluid at or near the bearing fluid drain based at least in part on the received data, and controlling a backpressure regulation valve to throttle the backpressure regulation valve between an opened position and a closed position to regulate a backpressure in a bearing fluid discharge line to maintain the bearing fluid in a supercritical state in the hydrostatic bearing and/or at or near the bearing fluid drain.

Abstract: Variable compression ratio engines and methods for homogeneous charge, compression ignition operation. The engines effectively premix the fuel and air well before compression ignition. Various embodiments are disclosed including embodiments that include two stages of compression to obtain compression ratios well above the mechanical compression ratio of the engine cylinders for compression ignition of difficult to ignite fuels, and a controllable combustion chamber volume for limiting the maximum temperature during combustion. Energy storage with energy management are also disclosed.

Abstract: A foldable shipping container is provided. The foldable shipping container has improved locking mechanisms on the inside and outside of the shipping container to improve assembly and disassembly of the container.

Abstract: This disclosure describes various aspect of a unique standalone document handler that is coupable to and controllable by a fulfillment. The standalone documents handler is attachable to a standard printer or copier and has a drop chute that is designed to hold groups of fulfillment documents and drop them into a fulfillment receptacle positioned under the document handler. Upper and lower scanners scan document identification codes placed on one or more pages of the fulfillment document, which allows a system controller to control the timing of dispensing the correct documents in the designated fulfillment receptacle at the correct time.

Abstract: A current-sensing assembly that includes a power module, for providing switchable power, having a current output extending through and directly away from the top exterior surface of the power module, a Hall sensor, capable of measuring current traversing through a conductor, having an opening, and the current output extending through the opening.

Abstract: A method includes receiving input at a computing device, where the input indicates a value of a local encoding parameter, indicates a value of a remote encoding parameter, and identifies a first subset of streams and a second subset of streams. The first subset and the second subset correspond to renditions of a video stream. The method further includes sending, to a media server, the first subset and the value of the remote encoding parameter, where the first subset includes a particular rendition of the video stream generated using a lossless encoding scheme, and wherein the media server is configured to generate the second subset of streams based on the value of the remote encoding parameter and based on the particular rendition.

Abstract: A downhole tool, e.g., a plunger, and a method for manufacturing a plunger. The downhole tool includes a mandrel including a flow-restriction recess, and a plurality of sealing pads configured to be disposed around the mandrel, biased radially-outward therefrom, and interlocked with one another. Each of the plurality of sealing pads includes a flow-restriction tab having an axial thickness that varies as proceeding circumferentially around the mandrel. The flow-restriction tab of each of the plurality of sealing pads is configured to be disposed in the flow-restriction recess when the plurality of sealing pads are disposed on the mandrel.

Abstract: A system and method for providing communications with a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation using a non-omnidirectional antenna is disclosed. A system and method for determining blockages around a non-omnidirectional antenna for use with a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation is disclosed. The method including: receiving System Information (SI) including ephemeris data for satellites in the LEO constellation; receiving a segment division that divides a ground about the antenna into segments; and determining a segment blocking information for the antenna.

Abstract: Disclosed are adjustable LED grow light fixtures and lights that have low profiles and are configurable for different plant grow environments. Also disclosed are LED grow light fixtures that are fully assembled and collapsible to a compact configuration for efficient packaging and shipping. Embodiments include low profile and highly efficient LED lighting fixtures that are light, easily installed and are configurable to a variety of light distribution patterns.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve body, a sleeve member and a valve member is provided. A low shear sleeve member is positioned within an internal cavity of the valve body. The valve member is slidably carried within an internal cavity of the sleeve member. The valve member includes a first flow passage formed within the valve member and a first shut-off region. The valve member is moveable between a first position in which fluid flow from a first sleeve member inlet port to a first sleeve member outlet port is prohibited and a second position in which fluid flow from the first sleeve member inlet port to the first sleeve member outlet port is permitted. Delivery systems incorporating the valve assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An implant comprising a multi-directional locking mechanism that allows a bone fixation device, such as a screw, to be rigidly affixed to the implant in a plurality of angles relative to the implant. The implant can be a bone plate, a component of a joint prosthesis or the like. The locking mechanism comprises a passage hole in the implant for passage of a bone fixation device therethrough. One or more beam members are arranged adjacent the passage hole and a space is associated with each beam member. Each space allows the associated beam member to move into or about the space upon axial and/or radial deformation of the beam member caused by fastening the bone fixation device to a bone. The beam members and associated elements of the locking mechanism are sufficiently thin to permit axial and/or radial deformation. And said deformation causes the fixation device to be locked in place relative to the implant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a heat engine system are provided. One method includes initiating flow of a working fluid through a working fluid circuit having a high pressure side and a low pressure side by controlling a pump to pressurize and circulate the working fluid through the working fluid circuit and determining a configuration of the working fluid circuit by determining which of a plurality of waste heat exchangers and which of a plurality of recuperators to position in the high pressure side of the working fluid circuit. The method also includes determining, based on the determined configuration of the working fluid circuit, for each of a plurality of valves, whether to position each respective valve in an opened position, a closed position, or a partially opened position and actuating each of the plurality of valves to the determined opened position, closed position, or partially opened position.

Abstract: Disclosed a stereo-approach distance and speed meter system comprising: video camera module consisting of at least two video cameras focused on the analyzed object primary interface module for video camera module interface conversion into data for processing; primary image normalization and rectification module; updating data container module; attribute extraction module; attribute ranking module; primary attribute reorganization module; primary frame matching module; primary hypothesis generation module; primary hypothesis filter module; attribute post-organization module; secondary attribute matching module; secondary hypothesis generation module; secondary filter module; buffer improvement module, stereo refinement module; sequence refinement module; triangulation module; secondary rectification module; previous frame data and attribute container module; secondary interface module.

Abstract: A roadside signal system and a roadside controller are provided relating to the control and operation of roadside signals and signs, such as those used by departments of transportation and municipalities. The roadside signal system and controller are configured to operate using National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems Protocol (“NTCIP”) compliant transmissions at both a local and remote level. The roadside controller by itself and as a part of the roadside signal system operates a local network to control multiple signs or signals from a single connection to a central network, thus saving physical space within the roadside cabinets used to store such controllers and virtual network space on the central network.

Abstract: An agricultural planting system and method comprising a soil sampling and analysis means, wherein soil samples are taken and analyzed in real-time during a planting operation (or, optionally, via a separate, prior operation) to determine the conditions and nutrient content of the soil, and a planting system, wherein the planting system is capable of planting seeds in any arbitrary position on an X-Y plane directly beneath the planting system, whereby the data gathered from the analyzed soil samples are used to determine the optimal placement of seeds or plants in a field in order to take advantage of the soil conditions present and to optimize crop yield.