Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a voice assistance system with proactive routines that couples a remote server and respective user voice interactive devices to deliver a complete experience to the end user of the device. The voice assistance system can also provide a platform to connect remote users to customize commands (e.g., proactive or reactive) to improve day-to-day operation across groups of devices and/or users. For example, routines can be built for an organization and made available to voice interactive devices distributed by or on behalf of the organization. Administrators can select features for the device and pre-configure voice assistance devices with groups of pre-selected routines to deliver a device that is ready to go out of the box. Updates to a device or routines can be based on such groups. Additionally, primary routine instances can be linked to groups where changes to the primary instance are propagated to any linked users.

Abstract: Provided is a voice assistance system with proactive routines that couples a remote server and respective user voice interactive devices to deliver a complete experience to the end user of the device. The user devices can be managed by groups and/or associated entities who manage voice services for their users. For example, the entities can provide pre-configured voice routines that perform actions on behalf of their users. The voice assistance system can also allow users to customize these routines to improve day to day operation. In addition, external services and/or providers can be linked to the system and allowed to define routines that have external system dependencies. Avoiding and managing conflicts in this environment becomes quite challenging. Some approaches use execution queues and priority, others invoke time slices and limitations on assignment of routines to time slices to resolve these issues, among other examples.

Abstract: Provided is a voice assistance system with proactive routines that couples a remote server and respective user voice interactive devices to deliver a complete experience to the end user of the device. The voice assistance system can also provide a platform to connect remote users to customize commands (e.g., proactive or reactive) to improve day-to-day operation across groups of devices and/or users. For example, routines can be built for an organization and made available to voice interactive devices distributed by or on behalf of the organization. Administrators can select features for the device and pre-configure voice assistance devices with groups of pre-selected routines to deliver a device that is ready to go out of the box. Updates to a device or routines can be based on such groups. Additionally, primary routine instances can be linked to groups where changes to the primary instance are propagated to any linked users.

Abstract: Provided is a voice assistance system with proactive routines that couples a remote server and respective user voice interactive devices to deliver a complete experience to the end user of the device. The user devices can be managed by groups and/or associated entities who manage voice services for their users. For example, the entities can provide pre-configured voice routines that perform actions on behalf of their users. The voice assistance system can also allow users to customize these routines to improve day to day operation. In addition, external services and/or providers can be linked to the system and allowed to define routines that have external system dependencies. Avoiding and managing conflicts in this environment becomes quite challenging. Some approaches use execution queues and priority, others invoke time slices and limitations on assignment of routines to time slices to resolve these issues, among other examples.

Abstract: A method for advanced batch control of a batch process. The method discloses completing at least one cycle of the batch process and collecting data on at least one process variable and at least one product property. A model is created based on the data, wherein the model comprises inputs. Thereafter the batch process is initiated. At one or more decision points the model is utilized to obtain outputs. A controller utilizes the model outputs to control the batch in accordance with the model outputs. Final product properties are reached at decreased variability compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A method for batch control in a system. The system comprises at least two batch processing sets that share at least one shared equipment. A batch is initiated in each processing set. Process variables from each batch are monitored. At least one process variable from at least one batch are adjusted using bang-bang control to prevent conflicts.

Abstract: A table including a collapsible umbrella and a hollow main body is provided. The hollow main body is adapted to receive the umbrella when the umbrella is in a collapsed position. The collapsible umbrella may include a pole coupled to a plurality of hinged ribs supporting a canopy. Each of the ribs may include a first hinge coupled to the pole that facilitates a downward folding of the umbrella, and a second hinge disposed between a first end of the rib and a second end of the rib that facilitates an upward folding of a portion of the umbrella. A method for storing the umbrella of the table is also provided.

Abstract: A method for advanced batch control of a batch process. The method discloses completing at least one cycle of the batch process and collecting data on at least one process variable and at least one product property. A model is created based on the data, wherein the model comprises inputs. Thereafter the batch process is initiated. At one or more decision points the model is utilized to obtain outputs. A controller utilizes the model outputs to control the batch in accordance with the model outputs. Final product properties are reached at decreased variability compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A method for batch control in a system. The system comprises at least two batch processing sets that share at least one shared equipment. A batch is initiated in each processing set. Process variables from each batch are monitored. At least one process variable from at least one batch are adjusted using bang-bang control to prevent conflicts.

Abstract: A table including a collapsible umbrella and a hollow main body is provided. The hollow main body is adapted to receive the umbrella when the umbrella is in a collapsed position. The collapsible umbrella may include a pole coupled to a plurality of hinged ribs supporting a canopy. Each of the ribs may include a first hinge coupled to the pole that facilitates a downward folding of the umbrella, and a second hinge disposed between a first end of the rib and a second end of the rib that facilitates an upward folding of a portion of the umbrella. A method for storing the umbrella of the table is also provided.