Abstract: Method and systems for generating vehicle motion planning model simulation scenarios are disclosed. The system receives a base simulation scenario with features of a scene through which a vehicle may travel. The system then generates an augmentation element with a simulated behavior for an object in the scene by: (i) accessing a data store in which behavior probabilities are mapped to object types to retrieve a set of behavior probabilities for the object; and (ii) applying a randomization function to the behavior probabilities to select the simulated behavior for the object. The system will add the augmentation element to the base simulation scenario at the interaction zone to yield an augmented simulation scenario. The system will then apply the augmented simulation scenario to an autonomous vehicle motion planning model to train the motion planning model.

Abstract: A rotary position sensor to determine a position of a rotary system comprising at least three individual position sensors (10, 11, 12) and a gear box (13). A target (9) that is related to the rotary system is scanned by the individual position sensor (10, 11, 12). The first individual position sensor (10) determines a position of the rotary system. The second individual position sensor (11) determines an angle of rotation referring to the rotary system. Wherein the third individual position sensor (12) measures a rotational change referring to the rotary system.

Abstract: A current sensor has at least one support element that is configured to carry at least one sensing coil of at least two sensing coils of the current sensor. The support element has at least one face on which at least one sensing coil is arranged. The sensing coil is to be used in connection with a current transferring conductor. The at least two sensing coils differ from each other in respect of at least one of an angular orientation of the individual sensing coil relative to a longitudinal axis of the current transferring conductor and/or a vertical distance of the individual sensing coil relative to the current transferring conductor.

Abstract: Device for a brake travel emulator with at least one integrated sensor, comprising a housing (5), a force sensor (18) both being connected to a middle part of a connection means (4). The force sensor (18) being arranged at a static unit (2), the housing (5) further comprising at least one conical compression spring (6), an axially sliding component (7), a connecting rod (9) comprising a varying diameter geometry, an oscillating means (48) capable of creating an electric field, and a displacement sensor (46), the force sensor (18) further comprising, a micro-controller (50), means for receiving applied force (41) and at least four coils (30, 31, 32, 33).

Abstract: A current sensor includes a current transferring conductor to conduct current and four magnetic field sensors with the magnetic field sensors being divided into two pairs of magnetic field sensors. The two magnetic field sensors are arranged in a V-shaped manner on one face of the current transferring conductor. Two magnetic field sensors are arranged in a V-shaped manner on the other face of the current transferring conductor. Of the magnetic field sensors arranged in a V-shaped manner, the ones of each side running parallel to each other form one pair.

Abstract: An apparatus for noise reduction in valves is disclosed. A disclosed example valve includes a valve body including a fluid passageway, and a cage located in the fluid passageway, the cage including a wall having openings, a fluid to flow from an inner surface of the wall to an outer surface of the wall through the openings, each of the openings including respective ribs, the ribs to follow a helical path along a length of each opening to cause rotation of the fluid flowing through the openings.

Abstract: A joystick has a lever and a housing. The lever is pivotable around a pivot axis. The joystick has a support plate carrying at least one sensor. The sensor has at least one coil generating a magnetic field. An eddy current is induced into the coil. At least one metal flag is movable relative to the coil. The motion of the metal flag coincides with the tilting motion of the lever.

Abstract: An apparatus for noise reduction in valves is disclosed. A disclosed example valve includes a valve body including a fluid passageway, and a cage located in the fluid passageway, the cage including a wall having openings, a fluid to flow from an inner surface of the wall to an outer surface of the wall through the openings, each of the openings including respective ribs, the ribs to follow a helical path along a length of each opening to cause rotation of the fluid flowing through the openings.

Abstract: A joystick has a lever and a housing. The lever is pivotable around a pivot axis. The joystick has a support plate carrying at least one sensor. The sensor has at least one coil generating a magnetic field. An eddy current is induced into the coil. At least one metal flag is movable relative to the coil. The motion of the metal flag coincides with the tilting motion of the lever.

Abstract: One embodiment of a bucket drill and soil screen apparatus consists of a mast (9) attached to a prime mover vehicle (7). A carriage (10) and hydraulic motor (12) slide vertically along the mast from which an attached kelly bar (14) and drilling bucket (15) are rotated and lowered into the ground. A kickout assembly (13) lifts drilling bucket (15) outward in an arc. Soil and cultural artifacts are transferred to a screen basket (20) by rotating open the drilling bucket through a latch and hinge. The screen basket is lifted to its screening position and rotated around a central axis to facilitate the passing of fine soil particles through the hardware cloth walls of the basket. Cultural artifacts retained in the screen basket are transferred to a fixed sorting screen (22) by rotating the screen basket to its dump position.

Abstract: Device for a brake travel emulator with at least one integrated sensor, comprising a housing (5), a force sensor (18) both being connected to a middle part of a connection means (4). The force sensor (18) being arranged at a static unit (2), the housing (5) further comprising at least one conical compression spring (6), an axially sliding component (7), a connecting rod (9) comprising a varying diameter geometry, an oscillating means (48) capable of creating an electric field, and a displacement sensor (46), the force sensor (18) further comprising, a micro-controller (50), means for receiving applied force (41) and at least four coils (30, 31, 32, 33).

Abstract: A method of path measurement uses eddy current principles and a sensor which interacts with a measuring object. The sensor has an electrical connector and a sensor coil. In accordance with the method, an operating voltage is applied to the sensor such that a magnetic field is built up by an oscillator in cooperation with the sensor coil. A measuring object may be moved in the vicinity of the sensor coil through an opening in the sensor coil to produce field strength changes adjacent to the coil and the oscillator. The field strength changes are detected by an evaluation circuit and transmitted to a microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the signals of the evaluation circuit and provides the evaluation circuit with said signals via an output and protection circuit. The sensor coil consists of a plurality of windings constructed in a planar manner.

Abstract: The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize a new apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member, which also preferably is arcuate, and avoids the associated problems with prior cage or straight rod and screw systems. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for repairing, replacing or augmenting the nucleus and/or annulus of a disc.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor includes a magnetic field generator that generates a magnetic field varying with time. A metallic member is disposed in a region in which the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator is present. The metallic member is movable relative to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator based upon a fluid level to be measured. The metallic member has an effective geometry defining the magnitude of eddy currents induced in the metallic member due to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator. The effective geometry is changed when the metallic member is moved relative to the magnetic field generator. A sensing device detects the eddy currents induced in the metallic member, and a fluid level determination device determines the fluid level based on the eddy currents induced in the metallic member. A method of use of the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A brace for treating scoliosis, the brace comprising: a lower portion for disposition about the hips of a patient; an upper portion for disposition about the thorax of a patient; a first support rod adjustably extending between the lower portion and the upper portion, the first support rod being disposed at least in part along one of the front side of the patient and the back side of the patient; a second support rod adjustably extending between the lower portion and the upper portion, the second support rod being disposed at least in part along one side of the patient; wherein the lower portion, the upper portion, the first support rod and the second sup port rod are configured such that (i) the upper portion may be adjustably fixedly set substantially parallel to the lower portion, and (ii) the upper portion may be adjustably fixedly set canted at an angle to the lower portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for altering the tissue in and around an intervertebral disc through localised hypothermia therapy to restore function of the disc and reduce pain. Hypothermia therapy is defined as the reduction of tissue temperature to below that of the equilibrium temperature. Target therapeutic temperatures and times are varied according to the desired treatment effect. Intended effects of hypothermia of the intervertebral disc include cellular disruption leading to cell death and or structural and chemical denaturation within the anulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, or nerve fibers, temporary or permanent deadening of the nerves within or surrounding the disc, induction of a healing response, angiogenesis, or accelerated degeneration and/or drying of the nucleus pulposus and/or anulus fibrosus. Various effects can be achieved by reaching different temperatures for differing periods of time or by the proximity of the hypothermia therapy device to the treatment target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for altering the tissue in and around an intervertebral disc through localized hypothermia therapy to restore function of the disc and reduce pain. Hypothermia therapy is defined as the reduction of tissue temperature to below that of the equilibrium temperature. Target therapeutic temperatures and times are varied according to the desired treatment effect. Intended effects of hypothermia of the intervertebral disc include cellular disruption leading to cell death and or structural and chemical denaturation within the anulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, or nerve fibers, temporary or permanent deadening of the nerves within or surrounding the disc, induction of a healing response, angiogenesis, or accelerated degeneration and/or drying of the nucleus pulposus and/or anulus fibrosus. Various effects can be achieved by reaching different temperatures for differing periods of time or by the proximity of the hypothermia therapy device to the treatment target.

Abstract: The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize an apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for removably suspending a spacer in the intervertebral space while forming such a channel as well as systems, apparatuses and methods for use of dynamized implant members.

Abstract: A method of path measurement uses eddy current principles and a sensor which interacts with a measuring object. The sensor has an electrical connector and a sensor coil. In accordance with the method, an operating voltage is applied to the sensor such that a magnetic field is built up by an oscillator in cooperation with the sensor coil. A measuring object may be moved in the vicinity of the sensor coil through an opening in the sensor coil to produce field strength changes adjacent to the coil and the oscillator. The field strength changes are detected by an evaluation circuit and transmitted to a microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the signals of the evaluation circuit and provides the evaluation circuit with said signals via an output and protection circuit. The sensor coil consists of a plurality of windings constructed in a planar manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for forming an arcuate channel in one or more segments of a bone, bony structure or adjacent vertebrae of a spine. The apparatus includes, inter alia, a base member which is positioned proximate to the surgical site, a support arm extending proximally from the base member, an arcuate guide member and a drill assembly. The arcuate guide member is slidably mounted to the support arm. The drill assembly is operatively coupled to the support arm and includes a drill bit attached to the distal end of a flexible drive cable. The flexible drive cable extends axially along the support arm and is axially and rotationally movable with respect thereto. The drill bit is operatively coupled to an end of the arcuate guide member such that when the drill assembly is moved distally, the arcuate guide member slides with respect to the support arm and forces the drill bit to traverse an arcuate path.