Abstract: A device that uses a motor may quickly and safely stop the motor using a rapid braking system. For example, the device may stop to avoid collision with an object, upon determining a failure of an internal component, upon receipt of a command, and so forth. Responsive to a signal to stop, the motor is disconnected from the battery. A braking circuit is activated that dissipates, in a controlled fashion, power produced by continuing motion of the motor. When the voltage produced by the motor's continuing motion drops below a threshold, a stop circuit shorts the terminals of the motor, causing the motor to resist further rotation. When the stop condition no longer applies the signal to stop is removed resulting in the motor being reconnected to the battery, the braking circuit being deactivated, the stop circuit opens the short between the terminals of the motor, and normal operation resumes.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile device (AMD) builds up electrostatic charges from moving and generates heat from the operation of internal components. In addition to possible user discomfort, electrostatic discharges may damage sensors and electronics. Electrostatic charges are dissipated from the AMD using an electrostatic dissipation structure and conductive wheels. A conductive path between a chassis ground, the electrostatic dissipation structure, and the conductive wheels improves the dissipation of electrostatic charges. Electrostatic charges are also dissipated from components by mounting the components using conductive materials. Sensors may be affixed to a support structure that is affected by thermal expansion. Thermal expansion may distort precise positioning of sensors, reducing accuracy of sensor data. An elastomeric foam may be used to mount sensors to a support structure, allowing for thermal expansion without distorting the positioning of the sensors.

Abstract: A wearable birthing simulator and method of operating thereof are disclosed. The simulator includes a housing that is securable to a subject and the housing defines an opening. Positioned within the housing is a uterus simulator and a removable fetal model contained therein. Coupled to the uterus simulator is a birth canal simulator. A birthing device comprises an actuator assembly in communication with the controller for automatically moving the fetal model towards the birth canal simulator. One or more sensors are mounted to the housing and are electrically connected to the controller for detecting movement of the fetal model by the birthing device. The feedback device is configured to provide the haptic feedback to the subject in response the movement of the fetal model toward the birth canal simulator. The disclosed simulator may be used to simulate a variety of childbirth scenarios.

Abstract: An orthotic device with an integrated compression knee sleeve that is less prone to slippage includes a waistband configured to encircle a wearer's waist; a seat portion and a front portion attached below the waistband to encircle the wearer's seat and crotch; a first leg portion attached below the seat portion and the front portion to partially cover a first leg of the wearer; and a second leg portion attached below the seat portion and the front portion to partially cover a second leg of the wearer. The second leg portion includes the integral compression knee sleeve, which encircles the wearer's knee to exert compressive forces on the knee.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile device may use a pair of main wheels and a caster assembly to provide mobility. The main wheels are driven by motors, providing steering and movement. Each main wheel may include a cover that conceals and protects a hub of the main wheel from the external environment. The covers may be held in place by elastomeric posts, allowing easy changeout. The caster assembly has a minimal overall height and a field replaceable caster wheel. The caster wheel may include a target that is detectable by a non-contact sensor to detect caster wheel rotation. The caster wheel may comprise an axle, caster wheel hub, and a pair of caster wheel endcaps on each end of the axle. A set of features on the caster wheel hub and each of the caster wheel endcaps provide a labyrinthian path that prevents debris from fouling around the axle.

Abstract: This invention details a universal, self-contained, removable head and ring system for upgrading or nesting your acoustic musical drum kit.

Abstract: This invention; details a universal, self-contained, removable head and ring system upgrading or nesting your acoustic musical drum kit.

Abstract: An AC tied inverter connectable to an AC source, the AC tied inverter including a DC to DC current fed push-pull converter operable to generate a current waveform from a DC voltage source, the current waveform being substantially synchronized to the AC source, the push-pull converter including a transformer including a first side connectable to a battery and a second side connectable to the AC source, wherein each of the two primary sides is connected to ground via a switching transistor; and respective voltage clamps are connected between the respective primary side of the transformer and the respective switching transistor, the voltage clamp commutating the current from the respective primary side of the transformer when the switching transistor is turned off.

Abstract: An AC tied inverter connectable to an AC source, the AC tied inverter including a DC to DC current fed push-pull converter operable to generate a current waveform from a DC voltage source, the current waveform being substantially synchronized to the AC source, the push-pull converter including a transformer including a first side connectable to a battery and a second side connectable to the AC source, wherein each of the two primary sides is connected to ground via a switching transistor; and respective voltage clamps are connected between the respective primary side of the transformer and the respective switching transistor, the voltage clamp commutating the current from the respective primary side of the transformer when the switching transistor is turned off.

Abstract: A price management system that is capable of automatically or manually determining price adjustments based on current competitor pricing, retail site sales and other price related factors, such as cost of the product, freight charges, state and federal laws and state and federal taxes. Once price adjustments are determined they are able to be instantaneously and automatically implemented at the point of sale. In one of the most relevant applications, retail automotive fuel pricing, the system is able to automatically adjust and display prices on the fuel pumps as well as the advertising signs in the vicinity of the retail site. This system and methods provide for a comprehensive and efficient means of determining price adjustments and implementing the price adjustments in real-time fashion at the point-of-sale.

Abstract: A field mountable interface module is provided. The intelligent interface module includes at least one data connection port configured to couple to a data communication network as well as at least one process communication connection port configured to couple to a field device bus. The intelligent interface module also includes a controller and memory coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to provide a higher order function with respect to one or more field devices and/or field device buses. Higher order functions include calibration support, complex device support, diagnostic support, distributed control system support, and virtual field device functions.

Abstract: A method and system for publishing network content is provided. Using an administrator interface, changes to content are made in a staging area. The staging area allows access to the remainder of the network for verifying links. Content is then published to a plurality of production areas in response to a single command.

Abstract: A composition comprises polyol-based fabric care materials, particularly esterified saccharides. The composition further comprises deposition agents, dispersing medium, and optional adjunct ingredients. The compositions of the present invention are used to treat fabrics to provide one or more of the following benefits: fabric softness, wrinkle reduction after drying, ease of ironing, in-wear shape retention, fabric elasticity, fabric tensile strength, fabric tear strength, and color protection. Various products containing the composition and methods for using the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A structured product application can be configured by an administrator of a first version of the structured product application by configuring at least one field, configuring at least one view, or configuring at least one permission, and storing the attributes of at least one field, at least one view, and at least one permission. Upon a change to a property of the structured product, the administrator reconfigures the first version of the structured product application to create a second version of the structured product application by either reconfiguring at least one field, adding or deleting a field, reconfiguring at least one view, adding or deleting a view, reconfiguring at least one permission, or adding or deleting a permission. The reconfigured attributes of at least one field, at least one view, and at least one permission are then stored.

Abstract: A network and method of providing near 100% availability of services is provided. According to one feature, redirectors are implemented to direct network traffic to any of two or more application processors providing the same service. The redirectors are provided in data paths at network access points and at data centers with the application processors. The redirectors re-route traffic to other application processors when one processor is unavailable and load balance between available processors. To load balance, the redirectors collect various network management statistics from the processors to determine the most responsive processor for receiving traffic. The various network management statistics are shared among the redirectors for efficient load balancing.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for use with a removable operator interface has a non-volatile memory and a latching component. The non-volatile memory stores device settings. The latching component prohibits changes to transmitter settings if the removable operator interface is absent. Circuitry in the transmitter detects the presence of the removable operator interface. The removable operator interface can include zero and span settings.

Abstract: By excluding shot attempts on which a player is fouled, current methods used to track shooting proficiency in basketball do not display the consequences of a player's poor free throw shooting as directly and simply as POPPS. Under POPPS, field goal shot attempts of all kinds are included in one statistical expression—points per shot—and a field goal attempt on which a player is fouled is included in his/her POPPS shot attempts. Then, any points scored on the ensuing free throws are included as points scored on that field goal attempt. This new method provides the simplest and most comprehensive composite of shooting proficiency.

Abstract: A field mountable interface module is provided. The intelligent interface module includes at least one data connection port configured to couple to a data communication network as well as at least one process communication connection port configured to couple to a field device bus. The intelligent interface module also includes a controller and memory coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to provide a higher order function with respect to one or more field devices and/or field device buses. Higher order functions include calibration support, complex device support, diagnostic support, distributed control system support, and virtual field device functions.

Abstract: A diaphragm diagnostic system for use in an industrial field device has a diaphragm and a diagnostic feature. The diaphragm is configured to couple the field device to a process fluid and has a plurality of layers. A first layer of the plurality of layers is exposed to process fluid of an industrial process. A diagnostic feature is coupled to the diaphragm to monitor an electrical parameter of the diaphragm and responsively infer an operative state of the diaphragm based on a change in the monitored electrical parameter.

Abstract: A fully scalable and survivable network architecture and method is disclosed. In particular, a system for providing network or intranet processing and stored data access and an associated method is provided. The system includes a plurality of sets of at least first and second application processors. Each of the first and second processors within a set apply substantially the same application. One or more switches operatively connect to at least the first and second processors and a plurality of data storage devices. The data stored in the data storage device is associated with the application and mirrored, and at least the first and second processors operate at substantially the same time to obtain data. Both sources of mirrored data are operational at the same time to output data.