Abstract: A floor cleaning device that is manually trainable for subsequent automatic operation. Prior to automatic operation, a user trains the cleaning device by manually manipulating the device through one or more desired cleaning paths. After training of the device, the device is configured to automatically initiate subsequent cleaning operations in accordance with the trained routine(s). Preferably, the training routine includes user specification of one of a number of cleaning modalities that are supported by the flooring cleaning device. In addition to automatic navigation, the floor cleaning device is configured to initiate a desired cleaning modality as a function of the device's position with respect to one or more of the trained routine(s).

Abstract: A floor cleaning device that is manually trainable for subsequent automatic operation. Prior to automatic operation, a user trains the cleaning device by manually manipulating the device through one or more desired cleaning paths. After training of the device, the device is configured to automatically initiate subsequent cleaning operations in accordance with the trained routine(s). Preferably, the training routine includes user specification of one of a number of cleaning modalities that are supported by the flooring cleaning device. In addition to automatic navigation, the floor cleaning device is configured to initiate a desired cleaning modality as a function of the device's position with respect to one or more of the trained routine(s).

Abstract: Fibrous composite articles and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The preferred fibrous materials have average fiber lengths of less than about 2 millimeters, and are obtained from industrial hemp hurd, kenaf hurd, and/or the culms of various species of vegetable bamboo. The fibers are combined with a binder resin and, optionally, a sizing agent to form a mat that is consolidated under heat and pressure to form the composite articles. The formed articles exhibit strength and durability characteristics at least roughly equivalent, if not superior, to those of conventional wood-based fibrous composite articles.

Abstract: Fibrous composite articles and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The preferred fibrous materials have average fiber lengths of less than about 2 millimeters, and are obtained from industrial hemp hurd, kenaf hurd, and/or the culms of various species of vegetable bamboo. The fibers are combined with a binder resin and, optionally, a sizing agent to form a mat that is consolidated under heat and pressure to form the composite articles. The formed articles exhibit strength and durability characteristics at least roughly equivalent, if not superior, to those of conventional wood-based fibrous composite articles.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting and processing physical data obtained by various detection devices mounted to a vehicle, such as an aerial craft. Specifically, the present illustrated embodiment(s) involve the use of an aerial craft, such as a helicopter, to capture continuous visual, spatial, and related physical data, and a method for selecting certain representative pieces of the captured unprocessed data to create a discrete stream of processed data. The discrete data stream may then be analyzed and any defects and/or anomalies may be identified within the physical data.

Abstract: Fibrous composite articles and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The preferred fibrous materials have average fiber lengths of less than about 2 millimeters, and are obtained from industrial hemp hurd, kenaf hurd, and/or the culms of various species of vegetable bamboo. The fibers are combined with a binder resin and, optionally, a sizing agent to form a mat that is consolidated under heat and pressure to form the composite articles. The formed articles exhibit strength and durability characteristics at least roughly equivalent, if not superior, to those of conventional wood-based fibrous composite articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of extraneous material on a polishing pad during a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process uses a contact probe assembly. The contact probe assembly interrogates the surface of the polishing pad during processing of a workpiece and generates a control signal indicating the presence of extraneous material when the displacement of a contact stylus exceeds a threshold amount. The contact probe assembly produces a control signal in response to the detection of extraneous material and the control signal causes the CMP system to react in an appropriate manner to reduce damage to the workpieces being processed.