Abstract: In some embodiments, a system for automatically evaluating slurry properties includes a down-hole measurement device configured to be lowered into slurry provided in an excavated hole, the measurement device comprising an outer housing, a flow pump, a flow meter, and a differential pressure sensor, wherein the flow pump is configured to pump slurry through the flow meter, the flow meter is configured to measure a flow rate of the pumped slurry, and the differential pressure sensor is configured to measure a difference in pressure between the pumped slurry and the slurry outside of the measurement device.

Abstract: A system and method for printing an image on a surface using a printing robot, wherein data from an internal position determination system of the robot as well as data from a reference system comprising a stationary reference external to the robot are used to calculate an estimate of position, velocity and acceleration of the print head relative to the surface. As print head is moved along the surface during printing, i.e. as the print head is moved while ink is ejected from nozzles of the print head, the positioning of the print head and activation of nozzles of the print head are controlled based on the estimate.

Abstract: A method and system for printing an image on a 3D surface is provided, wherein a printing robot is controlled to first carry out an encoder pattern capture run. During this run a print head of the robot is controlled to track an encoder pattern, which may be slightly distorted, on the 3D surface while inertial data from an inertial data measurement unit that is fixed to the print head is stored together with orientational and positional data derived from an image captured of a portion of the encoder pattern that is captured by a camera mounted on the printing head. Next, during a printing run, the print head is controlled such that the camera tracks the encoder pattern for a second time, while printing by the print head and/or a position of the print head is adjusted based on the inertial and orientational and positional data that were stored during the encoder pattern capture run.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing device for printing large countoured three-dimensional objects. The printing device comprises a movable robot arm mounted on a movable support, a printhead supported at a printing end of the robot arm, the print head comprising a plurality of nozzles, an ink reservoir connected to the nozzles of the print head and to a pump device for supplying ink from the reservoir to the nozzles, and a controller for moving the print head along a printing trajectory while changing the orientation of the printhead.

Abstract: A system and method for printing an image on a surface using a printing robot, wherein data from an internal position determination system of the robot as well as data from a reference system comprising a stationary reference external to the robot are used to calculate an estimate of position, velocity and acceleration of the print head relative to the surface. As print head is moved along the surface during printing, i.e. as the print head is moved while ink is ejected from nozzles of the print head, the positioning of the print head and activation of nozzles of the print head are controlled based on the estimate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing device for printing large countoured three-dimensional objects. The printing device comprises a movable robot arm mounted on a movable support, a printhead supported at a printing end of the robot arm, the print head comprising a plurality of nozzles, an ink reservoir connected to the nozzles of the print head and to a pump device for supplying ink from the reservoir to the nozzles, and a controller for moving the print head along a printing trajectory while changing the orientation of the printhead.

Abstract: A method and system for printing an image on a 3D surface is provided, wherein a printing robot is controlled to first carry out an encoder pattern capture run. During this run a print head of the robot is controlled to track an encoder pattern, which may be slightly distorted, on the 3D surface while inertial data from an inertial data measurement unit that is fixed to the print head is stored together with orientational and positional data derived from an image captured of a portion of the encoder pattern that is captured by a camera mounted on the printing head. Next, during a printing run, the print head is controlled such that the camera tracks the encoder pattern for a second time, while printing by the print head and/or a position of the print head is adjusted based on the inertial and orientational and positional data that were stored during the encoder pattern capture run.

Abstract: Described are shape-memory polymers that have a branched or telechelic prepolymer having a low polydispersity crosslinked with a stoichiometric amount of a multifunctional crosslinker. Also described are methods of making shape-memory polymers by crosslinking a stoichiometric amount of a multifunctional crosslinker with a branched or telechelic prepolymer having a low polydispersity. Methods of measuring the energy storage capacity of a shape-memory polymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system for automatically evaluating slurry properties includes a down-hole measurement device configured to be lowered into slurry provided in an excavated hole, the measurement device comprising an outer housing, a flow pump, a flow meter, and a differential pressure sensor, wherein the flow pump is configured to pump slurry through the flow meter, the flow meter is configured to measure a flow rate of the pumped slurry, and the differential pressure sensor is configured to measure a difference in pressure between the pumped slurry and the slurry outside of the measurement device.

Abstract: Described are shape-memory polymers that have a branched or telechelic prepolymer having a low polydispersity crosslinked with a stoichiometric amount of a multifunctional crosslinker. Also described are methods of making shape-memory polymers by crosslinking a stoichiometric amount of a multifunctional crosslinker with a branched or telechelic prepolymer having a low polydispersity. Methods of measuring the energy storage capacity of a shape-memory polymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a location of an object or vehicle is provided. Images of a region encompassing the object are obtained, providing a three dimensional (3-D) view frame of the region. 3-D view frames are collected along a direction of travel of the object. A 3-D map is generated along the direction of travel of the object, the map based on the 3-D view frames and further based on an estimate of motion of the object at times associated with the 3-D view frames. A first set of features is extracted from the 3-D map. A geo-referenced feature database is searched for a second set of features that match the first set of features. A geo-location associated with the second set of features is retrieved from the feature database. The location of the object is estimated based on the retrieved geo-location.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a location of an object or vehicle is provided. Images of a region encompassing the object are obtained, providing a three dimensional (3-D) view frame of the region. 3-D view frames are collected along a direction of travel of the object. A 3-D map is generated along the direction of travel of the object, the map based on the 3-D view frames and further based on an estimate of motion of the object at times associated with the 3-D view frames. A first set of features is extracted from the 3-D map. A geo-referenced feature database is searched for a second set of features that match the first set of features. A geo-location associated with the second set of features is retrieved from the feature database. The location of the object is estimated based on the retrieved geo-location.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to Shape Memory Polymers (SMP's) comprising function groups that allow the polymers to be elastically deformed, utilized in the elastically deformed state, and subsequently returned to the original polymorphic shape.

Abstract: A method for increasing stiffness of bearing strata formed of soil, rock or other geomaterial includes the steps of injecting non-hardening pre-compression fluids, in the form of viscous non-hardening slurries that are pressurized beneath a foundation tip for extended periods of time, into the bearing strata to cause pre-compression of the bearing strata. This enhances end bearing capacity in poorly draining soils by providing more time to squeeze water from voids in the poorly draining soils. The bearing strata may also be mechanically pre-compressed. The non-hardening pre-compression fluids may be exchanged with grout to fill a void formed by cavity expansion and previously occupied by the non-hardening, pre-compression fluid. This grout is cured without external additional pressure. Grout may be used in lieu of non hardening pre-compression fluids to affect end bearing enhancement provided that external additional pressure is not applied to the grout while it cures.

Abstract: A method for increasing stiffness of bearing strata formed of soil, rock or other geomaterial includes the steps of injecting non-hardening pre-compression fluids, in the form of viscous non-hardening slurries that are pressurized beneath a foundation tip for extended periods of time, into the bearing strata to cause pre-compression of the bearing strata. This enhances end bearing capacity in poorly draining soils by providing more time to squeeze water from voids in the poorly draining soils. The bearing strata may also be mechanically pre-compressed. The non-hardening pre-compression fluids may be exchanged with grout to fill a void formed by cavity expansion and previously occupied by the non-hardening, pre-compression fluid. This grout is cured without external additional pressure. Grout may be used in lieu of non hardening pre-compression fluids to affect end bearing enhancement provided that external additional pressure is not applied to the grout while it cures.

Abstract: A fluid pulse damper having increased dynamic range and sensitivity, being especially useful in suppressing pulsations in the fuel supply rail of an internal combustion engine. The damper is a longitudinal gas-filled plastic pillow having walls formed by opposed flexible short sides and opposed flexible long sides, and includes at least one internal self-contact element, and preferably a plurality of such elements. As the short sides flex, the elements make contact internally, shifting the damper into a different compression regime and extending the pressure/response over an increased range of pressures. A feature of some embodiments is that the inner surface within the contact elements is shifted into tension after the elements make contact, thereby stiffening the damper and increasing the damper's resistance to further deformation. The damper is formed of a plastic such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes, high flow polyetherimides, or tubing grade polyphthalamides.