Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling autonomous vehicles are provided. In one example embodiment, a computing system can obtain data indicative of a service assignment associated with an autonomous vehicle. The service assignment is indicative of a destination location. The computing system can determine a checklist associated with the destination location. The computing system can provide, for display via a display device, data indicative of a user interface. The user interface can present the checklist associated with the destination location. The computing system can obtain data indicative of user input associated with the checklist. The computing system can determine that the checklist has been completed based at least in part on the user input associated with the checklist. The computing system can, in response to determining that the checklist has been completed, cause the autonomous vehicle to initiate a motion control to travel to the destination location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling autonomous vehicles are provided. In one example embodiment, a computing system can obtain data indicative of a service assignment associated with an autonomous vehicle. The service assignment is indicative of a destination location to which to transport a user. The computing system can obtain data indicative of an item associated with the user that is to be transported to the destination location. The computing system can determine a first drop-off location for the user and a second drop-off location for the item based at least in part on the destination location. The first drop-off location for the user is different than the second drop-off location for the item. The computing system can cause the autonomous vehicle to initiate motion control to travel to the first drop-off location for the user and to travel to the second drop-off location for the item.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for positioning an interactive-display device within an interior of an autonomous vehicle. In particular, an autonomous vehicle can include an interior comprising at least two different interior portions configured to accommodate one or more passengers. The autonomous vehicle can also include an interactive-display device. The autonomous vehicle can further include an apparatus for positioning the interactive-display device within the interior such that it is accessible by at least one of the passenger(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to interior arrangements for autonomous vehicles. In particular, an autonomous vehicle can comprise an interior that includes a plurality of different portions. Each portion of the plurality of different portions can include one or more mechanical interfaces associated therewith. The interior can also include at least one modular interior unit configured to accommodate one or more passengers. The at least one modular unit can be coupled to one or more mechanical interfaces of at least one portion of the plurality of different portions of the interior.

Abstract: A method is provided of using a cooking appliance having a first heating assembly having a first cooking surface, a second heating assembly having a second cooking surface, and a guide post. The method includes causing the guide post to be placed into a receiving aperture. The method further includes translating the first heating assembly from a first operative position to a second operative position, wherein the placement of the guide post into the receiving aperture causes the first heating assembly to translate in a substantially linear manner and to be maintained substantially parallel to the second heating assembly during translation of the first heating assembly from the first operative position to the second operative position. The method also includes removing the guide post from the receiving aperture and causing the guide post to be placed in a resting aperture.

Abstract: A cooking appliance is provided which includes a lower heating assembly and an upper heating assembly. The lower heating assembly includes a lower cooking surface, and the upper heating assembly includes an upper cooking surface. The upper cooking surface is translatable relative to the lower cooking surface in at least a substantially vertical manner, wherein the upper cooking surface and lower cooking surface remain substantially parallel to one another when the upper cooking surface translates relative to the lower cooking surface.

Abstract: A cooking appliance is provided which includes a lower heating assembly and an upper heating assembly. The lower heating assembly includes a lower cooking surface, and the upper heating assembly includes an upper cooking surface. The upper cooking surface is translatable relative to the lower cooking surface in at least a substantially vertical manner, wherein the upper cooking surface and lower cooking surface remain substantially parallel to one another when the upper cooking surface translates relative to the lower cooking surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a weight redistribution system including an axle carrier slideably engaged along a length of a trailer frame, wherein the axle carrier including a threaded fixture and the trailer frame includes parallel longitudinal beams having a plurality of equally spaced openings; an axle carrier positioning means including a motor means and a threaded shaft mounted to the trailer frame being in rotational engagement with the threaded fixture of the axle carrier; a weight monitoring system integrated into the axle carrier; an axle carrier locking means including at least one extendable pin mounted on the axle carrier for locking engagement into one of the equally spaced openings in the longitudinal beams; and a control interface for displaying data from the weight monitoring system, actuating the axle carrier positioning means, and actuating the axle carrier locking means.