Abstract: A vehicle charging system comprises at least one controller and at least one arm, each arm having a first end coupled an actuator and a second end comprising a charging interface. The actuator is configured to articulate the arm into a charging position. The charging interface comprises at least one charging contact coupled to a power source and configured to engage and deliver power to a vehicle charging interface to charge at least one battery of a vehicle. The charging system can include a plurality of arms, each configured to charge a different vehicle. A method of charging one or more vehicles using the charging system is also provided.

Abstract: A system for incorporating electronic functionality into a flexible layer includes a flexible printed circuit board having a spine portion and one or more legs in electronic communication with the spine portion. Multiple pads may be disposed on the flexible printed circuit board. The spine portion and the one or more legs may be structured and arranged to be disposed within one or more pockets of the flexible layer. The system may further include electronic devices, each one of which may be in electronic communication with at least one of the pads. In addition, the system may include a controller in electronic communication with at least one of the pads. The system may be characterized by an absence of any external hard-wire interfaces for communication external to the system.

Abstract: Various implementations include a device for deposition of conformal coatings. The device includes a powder container, a connecting rod, and a crankshaft. The powder container has a first side configured to contain a powder and a second side. The connecting rod has a first end directly hingedly coupled to the second side of the powder container and a second end. The crankshaft has a longitudinal axis, a main shaft portion extending along the longitudinal axis, and a cam portion radially offset from and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The second end of the connecting rod is directly rotatably coupled to the cam portion. Rotation of the crankshaft about the longitudinal axis causes the second end of the connecting rod to rotate about the longitudinal axis, causing the powder container to linearly oscillate between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: In some implementations, a self-cleaning seat includes a cover layer with a photocatalyst; a light-emitting fiber layer including one or more light sources; a light-diffusing spacer configured to diffuse light emitted from the light-emitting fiber layer and positioned between the cover layer and the light-emitting fiber layer; and a triggering mechanism that activates a cleaning cycle by activating the one or more light sources.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a frame, a round member directly or indirectly connected to the frame, and an arm directly or indirectly connected to the frame. The arm is rotatable to rotate between a first position and a second position. The arm is positioned to bias sheets toward the round member when in the first position, and the arm is positioned to bias the sheets away from the round member when in the second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a self-powered variable fountain display is disclosed. A high-pressure source of water is applied to a bifurcated manifold. A first portion of the manifold supplies a distribution chamber within which is a plurality of distribution holes, each of which is capable of driving an individual fountain display nozzle. A second portion of the manifold provides motive power to an impeller that in turn drives a gear system used to select which of the plurality of distribution holes is active.

Abstract: A transport vehicle, such as a vision guided vehicle, can comprise a drive portion constructed to facilitate movement of the transport vehicle and a load portion constructed to engage an object of interest. The load portion can comprise an object engagement apparatus and at least one sensor coupled to or disposed within a distal end of the object engagement apparatus, wherein the sensor can be at least a 2D sensor. The engagement apparatus can comprise forks, at least one fork having sensor coupled to or disposed within a fork tip. The 2D sensor can comprise a scanning LIDAR sensor arranged to collect information to identify a pickable pallet, for example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a self-powered variable fountain display is disclosed. A high-pressure source of water is applied to a bifurcated manifold. A first portion of the manifold supplies a distribution chamber within which is a plurality of distribution holes, each of which is capable of driving an individual fountain display nozzle. A second portion of the manifold provides motive power to an impeller that in turn drives a gear system used to select which of the plurality of distribution holes is active.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system comprises at least one controller and at least one arm, each arm having a first end coupled an actuator and a second end comprising a charging interface. The actuator is configured to articulate the arm into a charging position. The charging interface comprises at least one charging contact coupled to a power source and configured to engage and deliver power to a vehicle charging interface to charge at least one battery of a vehicle. The charging system can include a plurality of arms, each configured to charge a different vehicle. A method of charging one or more vehicles using the charging system is also provided.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a frame, a round member directly or indirectly connected to the frame, and an arm directly or indirectly connected to the frame. The arm is rotatable to rotate between a first position and a second position. The arm is positioned to bias sheets toward the round member when in the first position, and the arm is positioned to bias the sheets away from the round member when in the second position.

Abstract: A threadless connector includes a connector body having a central bore therethrough and a retainer ring disposed in an end of the connector body. The retainer ring has a plurality of teeth segments inwardly angled to contact an end of a conduit inserted into the connector body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly extending the shelf life of an inert gas infused fluid. Air that has been subjected to a high electrical potential corona and then mixed with a fluid in a constant differential pressure venturi is delivered to an improved container apparatus wherein an inert gas is infused into the fluid such that the resultant stabilized fluid demonstrates significantly improved usable life. Alternatively, an additive may be combined to provide application specific characteristics. The combination of the method and apparatus, taken together, provide substantially increased shelf life of an inert gas infused fluid.

Abstract: A machine to perform operations in a field includes a memory including instructions and processing circuitry that is configured by the instructions to receive coverage data from a server, where the coverage data is indicative of operations executed by another machine in the field. The processing circuitry that is further configured by the instructions to determine, using the coverage data, a strategy for performing operations in the field, where the strategy reduces the likelihood of the machine from processing an area of the field that was previously processed by the other machine. The processing circuitry that is further configured by the instructions to actuate the machine according to the strategy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly extending the shelf life of an inert gas infused fluid. Air that has been subjected to a high electrical potential corona and then mixed with a fluid in a constant differential pressure venturi is delivered to an improved container apparatus wherein an inert gas is infused into the fluid such that the resultant stabilized fluid demonstrates significantly improved usable life. Alternatively, an additive may be combined to provide application specific characteristics. The combination of the method and apparatus, taken together, provide substantially increased shelf life of an inert gas infused fluid.

Abstract: Improvements in a dual platform for a composite power pole is disclosed. The platform. The stepup is a two-tiered aerial working platform that be attached to an upright member such as an electrical power pole, it can be mounted at any put the lineman or worker in the best possible working position and allows a lineman to step up or down in a manner that they are accustomed. The dual platform wraps partially around the pole so a worker can safely step around pole without fear of a misstep. The platforms exist at a neutral angle to increase standing comfort. The platforms are nestable whereby platforms can be strapped to opposite sides of pole. This allows a worker to install multiple platforms to make a ladder to climb the pole or to create a platform around the circumference of the pole or a circumferential staircase.

Abstract: A method is provided and may include receiving a request for a network content delivery service from an access device; directing the access device to a network service provider for authentication for the network content delivery service; receiving a network authorization token from the access device, where the network authorization token is associated with the access device; obtaining a network access token from the network service provider; and binding the network access token to a content access token.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a collection receptacle. In one embodiment, the collection receptacle includes an enclosure including a first portion and second portion configured to collect solid and liquid matter. The collection receptacle, in this embodiment, further includes a conveyor extending into the first portion of the enclosure and configured to remove the solid matter from the first portion, wherein the conveyor includes a first substantially horizontal portion and a second elevated portion, and further wherein a length of the first substantially horizontal portion is configured in such a way as to promote separation of the solid matter from the liquid matter as the solid matter travels up the conveyor and out of the enclosure.

Abstract: Improvements in a dual platform for a composite power pole is disclosed. The platform. The stepup is a two-tiered aerial working platform that be attached to an upright member such as an electrical power pole, it can be mounted at any put the lineman or worker in the best possible working position and allows a lineman to step up or down in a manner that they are accustomed. The dual platform wraps partially around the pole so a worker can safely step around pole without fear of a misstep. The platforms exist at a neutral angle to increase standing comfort. The platforms are nestable whereby platforms can be strapped to opposite sides of pole. This allows a worker to install multiple platforms to make a ladder to climb the pole or to create a platform around the circumference of the pole or a circumferential staircase.

Abstract: A threadless connector includes a connector body having a central bore therethrough and a retainer ring disposed in an end of the connector body, the retainer ring comprising a plurality of teeth segments, wherein the plurality of teeth segments are configured to be inwardly angled to contact an end of a conduit inserted into the connector body.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) fluid monitoring system and method are provided to facilitate notification that a replacement IV fluid bag should be prepared. In this regard, an IV fluid monitoring system includes a bag sensing element carried by an IV fluid bag. The IV fluid monitoring system further includes first and second sensing elements positioned on opposite sides of the IV fluid bag and configured to interact with the bag sensing element. The first and second sensing elements are physically separate from the IV fluid bag. The bag sensing element and the first and second elements are positioned such that a line of sight between at least the first sensing element and the bag sensing element extends through the IV fluid within the IV fluid bag while the IV fluid bag is in a filled state. A method and apparatus are also provided to facilitate preparation of an IV fluid bag.