Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is system for providing simultaneous machine vision illumination control and human vision illumination control. The system includes a first illumination control output that is configured to provide first illumination timing information for a first illumination source. The system also includes a second illumination control output configured to provide second illumination timing information for a second illumination source. The first illumination source is configured to provide a first frequency band of illumination for machine vision. The second illumination source is configured to provide a second frequency band of illumination for human vision. The first and second frequency bands are mutually exclusive. A related system is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.

Abstract: A system for eliminating gaps between a flexible sheet and an adjacent surface. A flexible sheet has a body, an upper edge, a lower edge, and a side edge. The flexible sheet is movable between retracted and deployed configurations. A knuckle member has first and second pivotable portions, the first portion is coupled to the lower edge of the flexible sheet and the second portion has a T-shaped first end coupled to a flap on the side edge of the flexible sheet. When the flexible sheet is retracted the second portion of the knuckle is angled with respect to the first portion. When the flexible sheet is deployed the second portion of the knuckle is coaxial with the first portion and the T-shaped first end moves the flap outward to engage the adjacent surface.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining system that combines a brake cylinder maintaining check valve and a quick service limiting valve into a single unit to have lower hysteresis, and thus more precise BCM regulation pressure and a smaller pressure offset. The check valve and quick service valve are coupled to provide a single system having multiple valve seats for selective communication between quick service pressure and brake cylinder pressure on one hand, and between a brake cylinder maintaining pressure and brake cylinder pressure on the other hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter comprising a self-supporting body of non-woven carbon nanotubes useful in the sequestration of an airborne virus.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining system that combines a brake cylinder maintaining check valve and a quick service limiting valve into a single unit to have lower hysteresis, and thus more precise BCM regulation pressure and a smaller pressure offset. The check valve and quick service valve are coupled to provide a single system having multiple valve seats for selective communication between quick service pressure and brake cylinder pressure on one hand, and between a brake cylinder maintaining pressure and brake cylinder pressure on the other hand.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining system that combines a brake cylinder maintaining check valve and a quick service limiting valve into a single unit to have lower hysteresis, and thus more precise BCM regulation pressure and a smaller pressure offset. The check valve and quick service valve are coupled to provide a single system having multiple valve seats for selective communication between quick service pressure and brake cylinder pressure on one hand, and between a brake cylinder maintaining pressure and brake cylinder pressure on the other hand.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique portable or stationary hose retraction systems in a single compact unit having a hose, a chamber or plenum for storing the hose, a vacuum source, and a unique valve mechanism attached to the chamber or plenum for holding the hose in place while it is being used, and releasing the hose to allow it to be extended by the user or retracted by the system using the vacuum source. An optional debris collection chamber with filter may be provided adjacent to the vacuum hose chamber, such that the vacuum source draws air through both the debris collection chamber and through the vacuum hose chamber.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining system that combines a brake cylinder maintaining check valve and a quick service limiting valve into a single unit to have lower hysteresis, and thus more precise BCM regulation pressure and a smaller pressure offset. The check valve and quick service valve are coupled to provide a single system having multiple valve seats for selective communication between quick service pressure and brake cylinder pressure on one hand, and between a brake cylinder maintaining pressure and brake cylinder pressure on the other hand.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining system that combines a brake cylinder maintaining check valve and a quick service limiting valve into a single unit to have lower hysteresis, and thus more precise BCM regulation pressure and a smaller pressure offset. The check valve and quick service valve are coupled to provide a single system having multiple valve seats for selective communication between quick service pressure and brake cylinder pressure on one hand, and between a brake cylinder maintaining pressure and brake cylinder pressure on the other hand.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved outdoor cooking systems and methods in various styles for cooking food in an efficient and consistent manner, with little required monitoring or action by the user. Embodiments of the cooker of the present invention include an upper cooking vessel which may be removably engaged with a separate base, a removable fuel basket, and a bottom air intake opening having a diffuser cap above it that not only disperses incoming air flow to the perimeter of the vessel for a more even burn and consistent cooking chamber temperature, but also directs ash and drippings from the food being cooked away from the intake opening. This prevents the intake opening from being clogged, and makes the drippings available for evaporation to provide moisture inside the cooker. The intake opening is adjustable allowing a user to control the amount of air flowing into the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A slack adjuster for narrow gauge rail cars including a housing having a body with a first clevis joint, a coupling secured to the body, and a guide tube secured to the body coupling. A lever is pivotally coupled to the housing for moving an actuator coupled to a clutch. The clutch is engaged with the external threads of a rod and moveable between a first captured position, a second position where the clutch is free to rotate, and a second captured position to selectively control movement of the rod. Movement of the lever withdraws the actuator so that the clutch releases and can spin, allowing the threaded rod to translate from the retracted to extended positions. Opposing forces applied to a ram causes the clutch to move to the second captured position, thereby preventing rotation of the clutch and preventing the threaded rod from retracting further into the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique portable or stationary hose retraction systems in a single compact unit having a hose, a chamber or plenum for storing the hose, a vacuum source, and a unique valve mechanism attached to the chamber or plenum for holding the hose in place while it is being used, and releasing the hose to allow it to be extended by the user or retracted by the system using the vacuum source. An optional debris collection chamber with filter may be provided adjacent to the vacuum hose chamber, such that the vacuum source draws air through both the debris collection chamber and through the vacuum hose chamber.

Abstract: A slack adjuster for narrow gauge rail cars including a housing having a body with a first clevis joint, a coupling secured to the body, and a guide tube secured to the body coupling. A lever is pivotally coupled to the housing for moving an actuator coupled to a clutch. The clutch is engaged with the external threads of a rod and moveable between a first captured position, a second position where the clutch is free to rotate, and a second captured position to selectively control movement of the rod. Movement of the lever withdraws the actuator so that the clutch releases and can spin, allowing the threaded rod to translate from the retracted to extended positions. Opposing forces applied to a ram causes the clutch to move to the second captured position, thereby preventing rotation of the clutch and preventing the threaded rod from retracting further into the housing.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining system that combines a brake cylinder maintaining check valve and a quick service limiting valve into a single unit to have lower hysteresis, and thus more precise BCM regulation pressure and a smaller pressure offset. The check valve and quick service valve are coupled to provide a single system having multiple valve seats for selective communication between quick service pressure and brake cylinder pressure on one hand, and between a brake cylinder maintaining pressure and brake cylinder pressure on the other hand.

Abstract: A variable length support rod apparatus for translational support of a window treatment, such as draperies, comprised of a support member formed of a plurality of transnationally engaged segments, the support member is infinitely configurable from a minimum contracted length to a maximum extended length through a translation of the plurality of segments toward or away from each other. A continuous flexible member is positioned along a pathway running between a first end and a second end of the support member. The support rod may be configured to any length between the minimum and maximum lengths and may be fixed to a support surface without an adjustment of the fixed length of the continuous flexible member.