Abstract: A method and system for obtaining an identifier from an item is disclosed. The method includes autonomously operating a robotic structure having a robotic arm to pick an item using an end effector of the robotic arm along a predetermined path from a source location to a destination location according to a plan. The picked item is moved according to the plan. An active measure is determined to be performed at least in part to obtain an identifier determined to be missing based on information received via the communication interface from one or more sensors. The robotic structure is autonomously operated to place the item at the destination location based at least in part on the plan.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to substrates having a decorated surface and a method of producing a substrate having a decorated surface. In particular embodiments, the present invention relates to a roofing, cladding, and/or siding product or a coating or layer of a coating for a roofing, cladding, and/or siding product having a decorated surface and a methods of producing the same. The present invention also relates to roofing, cladding, and/or siding products and assemblies of such products, for installation onto a building surface and systems and methods of manufacture of roofing, cladding, and/or siding products.

Abstract: Radiopaque hydrogels, in particular radiopaque hydrogel microspheres, comprising a polymer having 1,2-dil or 1,3-diol groups acetalized with radiopaque species.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive procedures include a computer-assisted system comprising a manipulator assembly configured to couple to a cannula and a controller coupled to the manipulator assembly. The cannula has a lumen configured to receive a shaft of an instrument. The controller is configured to position a remote center of motion for the manipulator assembly at a first location relative to the cannula, and in response to an indication to reposition the remote center of motion relative to the cannula, reposition the remote center of motion to a second location relative to the cannula while constraining the second location to be located along the cannula. The second location is different from the first location.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal cabin, a plurality of stowage bin assemblies within the internal cabin, a plurality of passenger service units (PSUs) within the internal cabin, and an emergency oxygen system within the internal cabin. The plurality of stowage bin assemblies are uncoupled (for example, separate and distinct) from one or both of the plurality of PSUs or the emergency oxygen system. In an example, the plurality of stowage bin assemblies are uncoupled from the emergency oxygen system. In another example, the plurality of stowage bin assemblies are uncoupled from the plurality of PSUs. In another example, the plurality of stowage bin assemblies are uncoupled from both the plurality of PSUs and the emergency oxygen system.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting for selectively allowing the passage of a fluid therethrough includes an elongate body with a first open end and a second open end, with a passageway providing for fluid communication between the first open end and the second open end, where at least one of the first open end and/or the second open end include a connection arrangement for connection with a further plumbing fitting or fixture, and a valve for selectively sealing or unsealing the passageway to allow for a flow of fluid between each of the open ends, with the valve being operable from the first open end or the second open end.

Abstract: A lift assist device for supporting and lifting the mass (or partial mass) of a human user. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided which is a fall recovery device to assist in raising human users from an initial position, to a position elevated relative to the initial position. In certain example embodiments, this can include assisting fallen human users to return to a sitting position from a fallen position, or even assisting the user to obtain a standing position. In other embodiments, a hybrid walker and fall recovery device. In alternative embodiments, a hybrid wheeled walker and fall recovery device. In preferred embodiments, a hybrid wheeled walker and fall recovery device which aids a human user to walk while in a standing position and includes a seat which is raisable and lowerable by mechanical means, such as a linear actuator, to assist in returning a fallen human user back to a seated or standing (or other raised) position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a valve, in particular valves providing for a non-return valving capability. The valve of this invention comprises valve lips, at least one of which is flexible and resiliently biased towards another valve lip in a closed condition of the valve in which fluid flow through the valve is inhibited, and is flexibly moveable apart to an open condition of the valve in which fluid flow through the valve is enabled, and which comprises a resiliently deformable opposite fluid entry end of the valve which is resiliently deformable from a first shape to a second shape to fit the valve to a conduit end, wherein deformation of the fluid entry end of the valve to said second shape increases bias of the at least one flexible valve lip towards another valve lip for contact of respective valve lips in the closed condition of the valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a seal system for sealing between an elongate element such as a cable and a surface or substrate around an aperture in the surface through which the elongate element passes. The seal system comprises a seal body to surround the aperture and seal against the surface or substrate around the aperture. The seal body comprises at least one passage for penetration of the elongate element through the seal body at a side of the seal body. The at least one passage providing for a seal to the elongate element. Also provided is a fixing component adapted to be attached over at least part of the seal body and/or through the seal body to seal with the surface or substrate.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an electrical connector body and a collar circumferentially surrounding an external surface of the electrical connector. The collar includes a hollow collar body that receives at least a portion of the electrical connector body, the collar body having a cable end and a free end. One or more fingers extend from the free end of the collar body to physically prevent incorrect mating with another corresponding component.

Abstract: A roofing, cladding or siding product which is light weight, easy to install, durable and resistant to environmental wear. The module comprises an underlapping region and an exposed region, wherein the underlapping region is adapted to be at least partially covered by the exposed region of an adjacent module when installed on a building surface. The module also includes a textured surface area on an upper surface of the underlapping region and/or an underside of the exposed region. In use, the textured surface (e.g. made up from a densely packed group of cones, pyramids or cylinders) presents an increased surface area for improved contact with an adhesive. The adhesive, e.g. in strip form, may by located on an aligning part of an adjacent module with the textured surface area.

Abstract: A moulded article is provided with a presentation side surface and a non-presentation side surface, where the presentation side surface provides for a pre-determined surface decoration, and the non-presentation side surface is an opposing face to the presentation side surface. The non-presentation side surface includes one or more structure(s), where the one or more structure(s) are arranged or positioned to provide or contribute the pre-determined surface decoration of the presentation side surface.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal cabin, a plurality of stowage bin assemblies within the internal cabin, a plurality of passenger service units (PSUs) within the internal cabin, and an emergency oxygen system within the internal cabin. The plurality of stowage bin assemblies are uncoupled (for example, separate and distinct) from one or both of the plurality of PSUs or the emergency oxygen system. In an example, the plurality of stowage bin assemblies are uncoupled from the emergency oxygen system. In another example, the plurality of stowage bin assemblies are uncoupled from the plurality of PSUs. In another example, the plurality of stowage bin assemblies are uncoupled from both the plurality of PSUs and the emergency oxygen system.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting for selectively allowing the passage of a fluid therethrough includes an elongate body with a first open end and a second open end, with a passageway providing for fluid communication between the first open end and the second open end, where at least one of the first open end and/or the second open end include a connection arrangement for connection with a further plumbing fitting or fixture, and a valve for selectively sealing or unsealing the passageway to allow for a flow of fluid between each of the open ends, with the valve being operable from the first open end or the second open end.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal cabin. A plurality of passenger service units (PSUs) are within the internal cabin. An emergency oxygen system is within the internal cabin. The emergency oxygen system is separate and distinct from the plurality of PSUs. A method includes providing a plurality of passenger service units (PSUs) within an internal cabin of a vehicle, and providing an emergency oxygen system within the internal cabin, wherein the emergency oxygen system is separate and distinct from the plurality of PSUs.

Abstract: A system for providing air conditioning to a living space and heating potable water. The system comprising a heat pump circuit comprising a compressor for circulating a refrigerant around the heat pump circuit, a first condenser, a second condenser and an evaporator. The evaporator being adapted to receive a first flow of air from an air inlet to transfer heat from the first flow of air to the refrigerant. The first condenser being adapted to receive a flow of water to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the water. The second condenser being adapted to receive a second flow of air to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the second flow of air. The first flow being provided from the evaporator to a living space by an air outlet.

Abstract: A system is provided that generates a capacity plan for a resource representing supply to meet demand based on minimizing a cost objective. The system generates demand scenarios by applying a stochastic process that factors in historical information, future goals, and uncertainty in demand. The system generates supply scenarios indicating supply over time for the resource by applying a stochastic process that factors in factors relating to quantity of supply units of the resource and uncertainty in supply. The system identifies a supply scenario that minimizes costs relating to delivery of supply at times other than the times at which supply is need to meet demand based on the demand scenarios. The supply scenario represents the capacity plan.

Abstract: An array includes a support substrate, surface structures protruding from a surface of the support substrate formed from or coated with a first material, a second material deposited on at least some of the surface structures such that the second material is in contact with the first material; and wherein the first material, the second material or the first and second material is conducting or semiconducting, and wherein the first and second material at least partially form a composite.

Abstract: A system is provided that generates a capacity plan for a resource representing supply to meet demand based on minimizing a cost objective. The system generates demand scenarios by applying a stochastic process that factors in historical information, future goals, and uncertainty in demand. The system generates supply scenarios indicating supply over time for the resource by applying a stochastic process that factors in factors relating to quantity of supply units of the resource and uncertainty in supply. The system identifies a supply scenario that minimizes costs relating to delivery of supply at times other than the times at which supply is need to meet demand based on the demand scenarios. The supply scenario represents the capacity plan.

Abstract: A ridge or hip member for a roof comprising a substantially flexible zone and a substantially rigid zone on each side of the flexible zone. The flexible zone adapted to allow the member to be bent by an installer by hand to conform the member to the ridge or hip of a roof, with the flexible zone located along a ridge or hip line of the roof. Each rigid zone being located on each side of the ridge or hip line.