Abstract: A method of determining the real time state of a machine includes receiving, with at least one processor, from each of a plurality of Inertial Measurement Units (IMU's) mounted on different components of the machine, a time series of signals indicative of acceleration and angular rate of motion measurements for each of the components of the machine on which one or more of the plurality of IMU's are mounted. For each one of the IMU's on a separate component of the machine, the signals received from the IMU are fused with a separate Kalman filter module by combining an acceleration measurement and an angular rate of motion measurement from the IMU to estimate an output joint angle for the component of the machine on which the IMU is mounted.

Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) tier a machine having a swing motor and/or an actuator includes a hydraulic motor/pump that can output pressurized fluid for operating at least one of: the swing motor and the actuator. A first shaft of the hydraulic motor/pump can be rotated by fluid returning from at least one of: the swing motor and the actuator back to the hydraulic motor/pump. Further, the KERS also includes a flywheel that can selectively couple with the first shaft with the help of a first clutch. The flywheel stores drive power generated by the hydraulic motor/pump from the return flow of fluid when the first clutch couples the flywheel with the first shaft of the hydraulic motor/pump. A gearing arrangement is coupled to the flywheel and can selectively engage with a second shaft associated with a prime mover of the machine with the help of a second clutch.

Abstract: An easy assembly control panel and method is disclosed. In one example, an enclosure is provided having a pilot device coupled to the enclosure. A pre-assembled control panel is inserted into the enclosure, quick coupling the control panel to the pilot device and providing control communication between the pilot device and the control panel. No additional manual wiring or manual mechanical coupling is needed to couple the user interface device to the control panel. The control panel can be used as part of a system, such as a submersible pump system.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a stationary walker assembly configured for use by a person. The stationary walker assembly includes a stationary base assembly. A first track is configured to be connectable to the stationary base assembly. A second track is configured to be connected to the stationary base assembly. The first track and the second track are spaced apart from each other once the first track and the second track are connected to the stationary base assembly. A yoke assembly is configured to be coupled to the first track and the second track. The yoke assembly is also configured to receive and support the person. This is done in such a way that the yoke assembly, in use, facilitates support of the person relative to the stationary base assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system is disclosed for an excavation machine including a tool linkage system. The hydraulic control system may have a first actuator configured to move a first link of the tool linkage system in response to input from an operator of the excavation machine, and a pressure sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a pressure of the first actuator. The hydraulic control system may also have a second actuator configured to move a second link of the tool linkage system in response to input from the operator. In addition, the hydraulic control system may have a controller in communication with the pressure sensor, the first actuator, and the second actuator. The controller may be configured to automatically affect operation of the first actuator based on the pressure signal at times when movement of the second actuator is being requested by the operator and movement of the first actuator is being requested by the operator at a level less than a threshold.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed for use with a machine. The hydraulic system may have a pump configured to pressurize fluid, a first actuator configured to receive pressurized fluid from the pump, and an accumulator configured to receive fluid from the first actuator. The hydraulic system may also have a second actuator configured to receive pressurized fluid from the pump and the accumulator, and a pilot circuit configured to receive pressurized fluid from the pump and the accumulator. The hydraulic system may further have at least one valve movable to provide priority of fluid flow from the accumulator to the pilot circuit over the second actuator when a pressure of the accumulator is less than a low-pressure threshold.

Abstract: An optical device such as a telescope may be connected to a camera through the use of a camera that acts as a lens cap for the optical system. The optical device may have an eyepiece and a housing within which a lens is retained. The adapter may have a cover portion, a housing attachment feature, an eyepiece attachment feature, and one or more camera attachment features. The cover portion may cover an end of the housing, and may have an imaging aperture. The housing attachment feature may be positioned at a periphery of the cover portion, and may attach the cover portion to the housing. The eyepiece attachment feature may be positioned proximate the imaging aperture to attach the cover portion to the eyepiece. The camera attachment features may facilitate attachment of a camera to the cover portion in alignment with the imaging aperture.

Abstract: A telescope system may facilitate the capture of images of light, and may have a housing, a primary mirror, a Schmidt corrector plate, and a lens group. The housing may have a mirror end and an aperture end with an entrance aperture that receives the light. The primary mirror may be positioned proximate the mirror end, and may have a spherical shape. The Schmidt corrector plate may be positioned proximate the entrance aperture to direct the light toward the primary mirror in a manner that substantially compensates for the spherical shape. The lens group may include multiple lenses, one or more of which may be positioned within the housing proximate the aperture end such that the light is directed through the lens group by the primary mirror. The lens group may focus the light at a focal location further than the Schmidt corrector plate from the primary mirror.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is a system that includes a thermal valve having a first position and a second position, a heat transfer fluid, and an energy converter where, when in the first position, the thermal valve prevents the transfer of heat from the heat transfer fluid to the energy converter, and when in the second position, the thermal valve allows the transfer of heat from the heat transfer fluid to the energy converter, such that at least a portion of the heat transferred is converted to electricity by the energy converter.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing system is disclosed. The liquid level sensing system includes a float system and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is configured to provide an output signal representative of a position of the float system.

Abstract: A telescope system may facilitate the capture of images of light, and may have a housing, a primary mirror, a Schmidt corrector plate, and a lens group. The housing may have a mirror end and an aperture end with an entrance aperture that receives the light. The primary mirror may be positioned proximate the mirror end, and may have a spherical shape. The Schmidt corrector plate may be positioned proximate the entrance aperture to direct the light toward the primary mirror in a manner that substantially compensates for the spherical shape. The lens group may include multiple lenses, one or more of which may be positioned within the housing proximate the aperture end such that the light is directed through the lens group by the primary mirror. The lens group may focus the light at a focal location further than the Schmidt corrector plate from the primary mirror.

Abstract: A mobile device camera stand includes a flat, planar base comprising a platform for receiving a document, an adjustable shaft projecting from the base at a first end of the shaft, and a flat, planar cradle having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface connected to a second end of the shaft. The top surface of the cradle receives a mobile device having a camera, and the cradle includes a cutout such that the camera is placed on the cutout such that the cutout does not obstruct the camera, thereby enabling the camera to image the document.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed for use with a machine. The hydraulic system may have a pump configured to pressurize fluid, a first actuator configured to receive pressurized fluid from the pump, and an accumulator configured to receive fluid from the first actuator. The hydraulic system may also have a second actuator configured to receive pressurized fluid from the pump and the accumulator, and a pilot circuit configured to receive pressurized fluid from the pump and the accumulator. The hydraulic system may further have at least one valve movable to provide priority of fluid flow from the accumulator to the pilot circuit over the second actuator when a pressure of the accumulator is less than a low-pressure threshold.

Abstract: An optical device such as a telescope may be connected to a camera through the use of a camera that acts as a lens cap for the optical system. The optical device may have an eyepiece and a housing within which a lens is retained. The adapter may have a cover portion, a housing attachment feature, an eyepiece attachment feature, and one or more camera attachment features. The cover portion may cover an end of the housing, and may have an imaging aperture. The housing attachment feature may be positioned at a periphery of the cover portion, and may attach the cover portion to the housing. The eyepiece attachment feature may be positioned proximate the imaging aperture to attach the cover portion to the eyepiece. The camera attachment features may facilitate attachment of a camera to the cover portion in alignment with the imaging aperture.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system is disclosed for an excavation machine including a tool linkage system. The hydraulic control system may have a first actuator configured to move a first link of the tool linkage system in response to input from an operator of the excavation machine, and a pressure sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a pressure of the first actuator. The hydraulic control system may also have a second actuator configured to move a second link of the tool linkage system in response to input from the operator. In addition, the hydraulic control system may have a controller in communication with the pressure sensor, the first actuator, and the second actuator.

Abstract: The Diamond Roller is a diamond shaped exercise device that contains a main roller which mobilizes the device to move freely in 360 degrees. This is a unique device made to enhance an athlete and non-athletes work out. The device targets the smaller and larger muscles in the body. One of the purposes of the device is to give smaller muscles in the body a chance to develop before injury. You want to start out with one device to work out one side of your body. The goal is to get to the point where you can use two devices at once and see your full potential. The device is a simulation of swimming without water. With this device you will never have to touch a weight again.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to enhanced control of user configurable devices, such as robots. One system may include a user-configurable device and an on-vehicle programmable controller coupled to the user-configurable device. This system may further include a wireless receiver coupled to the on-vehicle programmable controller via one signal wire, where a substantial portion of the receiver-controlled communications occur using the one signal wire. Another system may include (alternatively or in combination as appropriate) a user-configurable device including an on-vehicle programmable controller and a first tether port. The system may also include a remote control transmitter with at least one wireless output and a second tether port, where the transmitter is communicably coupled to the user-configurable remote control device.

Abstract: A method of controlling a machine power source includes receiving a request indicative of desired machine implement movement. The desired movement will require a corresponding change in loading on a hydraulic pump. The method also includes determining a steady state torque required for the request, and determining a transient torque required for the request. The transient torque is based on a desired rate of implement movement associated with the request. The method further includes generating a power source fueling signal corresponding to a total torque required for the change in loading on the pump, and providing fuel to the power source based on the fueling signal prior to transmission of the change in loading on the pump to the power source.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for managing communications with robots. In some implementations, a computer network, where operators interface with the network to control movement of robots on a wireless computer network includes a network arena controller and a plurality of robot controllers. The network arena controller is configured to provide firewall policies to substantially secure communication between robot controllers and the associated robots. Each controller is included in a different robot and configured to wirelessly communicate with the network arena controller. Each robot controller executes firewall policies to substantially secure wireless communication.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for managing communications with robots. In some implementations, a computer network, where operators interface with the network to control movement of robots on a wireless computer network includes a network arena controller and a plurality of robot controllers. The network arena controller is configured to provide firewall policies to substantially secure communication between robot controllers and the associated robots. Each controller is included in a different robot and configured to wirelessly communicate with the network arena controller. Each robot controller executes firewall policies to substantially secure wireless communication.