Abstract: Processing O-rings in an automated mass production system includes advancing an O-ring retainer toward a loading position in alignment with an output end of a feed device, discharging a leading O-ring from the output end in electronic synchronization with advancement of the O-ring retainer to the loading position to initiate loading of the O-ring into the retainer prior to the retainer arriving at the loading position, after loading the O-ring into the retainer, advancing the retainer away from the loading position toward an unloading position, and moving an end effector in electronic synchronization with advancement of the retainer to the unloading position to synchronize arrival of the retainer at the unloading position with arrival of the end effector at a pick-up position in alignment with the O-ring at the unloading position for pick up of the O-ring by the end effector.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure include receiving a color image and an IR image, the IR image taken contemporaneously with the color image, providing a set of facial landmarks depicted in the color image, determining a depth value for each facial landmark in the set of color landmarks, depth values being provided from the IR image, determining an average depth difference based on at least a sub-set of facial landmarks in the set of facial landmarks, comparing the average depth difference to a difference threshold to provide a comparison, and selectively authenticating the person based on the comparison.

Abstract: A leash extender with a larger round wrist loop and a smaller round handle loop connected by an extension. A user will wrap the leash extender around the handle of a pet leash and pass the wrist loop through the handle loop and pull securely. The leash extender is made of a soft, flexible material and has no edges, so is very comfortable around the user's wrist.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure include applying UV light to a first target identification, generating a first UV image of the first target identification, and determining that a model brightness fingerprint is unavailable for the first target identification, and in response: calculating a region brightness value for a particular region of the first target identification based on the first UV image, calculating an identification brightness value for the first target identification based on the first UV image, and comparing the region brightness value to the identification brightness value to determine whether the first target identification has been tampered with.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure include receiving a color image and an IR image, the IR image taken contemporaneously with the color image, providing a set of facial landmarks depicted in the color image, determining a depth value for each facial landmark in the set of color landmarks, depth values being provided from the IR image, determining an average depth difference based on at least a sub-set of facial landmarks in the set of facial landmarks, comparing the average depth difference to a difference threshold to provide a comparison, and selectively authenticating the person based on the comparison.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable devices to share network authentication credentials or other information. For example, a computing device authorized to access a wireless network can be used to manage access to the wireless network, such as by modifying, sharing, or creating a password to access the wireless network. A peer-to-peer connection can be established between the authorized computing device and at least one other computing device (e.g., a guest computing device). Upon establishing the peer-to-peer connection between the devices, a service, application, or system component operating on each device can be used to share network authentication credentials between the devices. For example, the user of the authorized device can cause to be transmitted network authentication credentials to a guest computing device.

Abstract: A heatable electric connector for preventing frosting of an electrical connector of the heatable electric connector is provided. A heating element provides indirect heating or optionally direct heating of the electrical connector. A temperature controller senses an approximate temperature of the electrical connector and compares the connector temperature to a set-point temperature and either turns on or off the heating element thereby ensuring that the electrical connector is of a suitable temperature so that frost does not form and/or accumulate on the connector.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety-enhancing automatic brake control system that automatically applies and maintains the brakes in the applied state, in response to sensors at various stations around/in the vehicle or equipment that signal an invented controller when conditions exist that make vehicle movement potentially dangerous. The controller validates the signals and then actuates a mechanism that manages the air, brake fluid, or mechanical brake linkage/cable that applies the brakes. The control system preferably includes a vehicle motion override system that prevents automatic application of the brakes if the vehicle is in motion above a set speed, and a manual brake-releasing override that allows a driver to override the controller temporarily at the driver's discretion.

Abstract: A brake control device prevents movement of a vehicle, when an unsafe condition exists, by automatically applying the parking or other brake. The brake control system may prevent movement should the unsafe condition exist within, on or around, a towed device such as a trailer, a trailer-house or other recreational or non-recreational equipment. The brake control system may set a brake or parking device on the towed device whenever the towed device is disconnected from the motorized vehicle, or whenever equipment on the towed vehicle is extending outward or is otherwise un-stowed in a position unsafe for traveling, whether or not the towed vehicle is connected to the towing vehicle. Interface connections from the towed device to the powered towing vehicle may include wireless, electrical wire, fiber optics, analog, digital, or others.

Abstract: A brake control device prevents movement of a vehicle, when an unsafe condition exists, by automatically applying the parking or other brake. The brake control system may prevent movement should the unsafe condition exist within, on or around, a towed device such as a trailer, a trailer-house or other recreational or non-recreational equipment. The brake control system may set a brake or parking device on the towed device whenever the towed device is disconnected from the motorized vehicle, or whenever equipment on the towed vehicle is extending outward or is otherwise un-stowed in a position unsafe for traveling, whether or not the towed vehicle is connected to the towing vehicle. Interface connections from the towed device to the powered towing vehicle may include wireless, electrical wire, fiber optics, analog, digital, or others.

Abstract: A safety-enhancing automatic brake control system automatically applies and maintains the brakes in the applied state, when one or more conditions exist at various stations around/in the vehicle or equipment that make vehicle movement dangerous. A preferred controller electrically, electronically, or otherwise connects to various sensors at the vehicle stations, validates the signal(s), and then actuates a mechanism that manages the air, brake fluid, mechanical brake linkage/cable, electric, or other mechanism that applies the brakes. In an air brake system, a solenoid valve blocks and vents the air line to release a piston that normally counteracts a spring mechanism. In a hydraulic brake system, a piston or spring, for example, powers a secondary piston rod and piston in a master cylinder to apply the brakes. In the case of a spring-actuated system, a release unit such as a piston may be used to counteract the spring for releasing the brakes.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety-enhancing automatic air parking brake actuator system that automatically actuators the air brakes in an engaged condition when one or more dangerous conditions exist at various stations around/in the vehicle or equipment. The preferred actuator system operates on the principle that the brake actuator system is electrically connected to the various stations, and, when a circuit including the actuator unit is interrupted, a solenoid valve of the actuator system closes and vents, to cut off the air supply to the air brakes to engage the brakes. The stations may include the vehicle ignition, one or more doors, a wheelchair lift, a dump truck bed, a backhoe arm, or other equipment.