Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a workpiece using optical dimensioning. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to alter at least one feature of the workpiece. An imaging system is coupled to the tool and defines an optical axis. The imaging system is configured to capture a plurality of images of the at least one feature of the workpiece. A controller comprises one or more processors. The controller is configured to analyze the plurality of images to determine measured dimensions of the at least one feature of the workpiece. The controller is further configured to define a three-dimensional path for operating the tool by applying a predefined modification to the measured dimensions of the at least one feature of the workpiece.

Abstract: Improved inspection techniques are described herein for checking for the presence of and identifying surface defects on a honeycomb body. The improved inspection utilizes measurement of travel of an outer surface of the honeycomb body to collect images of the outer surface. The images are combined into a composite image showing the outer surface of the honeycomb body. The composite image is analyzed to identify surface defects.

Abstract: Systems and method for self-cleaning extraction cleaners, including upright or robot extraction cleaner are provided. In one system, a tray can be provided for docking the extraction cleaner during the self-cleaning mode. The tray may include one or more sprayers for spraying a cleaning fluid toward an agitator of the extraction cleaner. In another system, a nozzle flushing manifold mounted on the nozzle assembly of the extraction cleaner includes a plurality of distributor outlets configured to spray cleaning fluid into the suction pathway.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for implementing a scalable hierarchical energy distribution grid utilizing homogeneous control logic are disclosed that provide distributed, autonomous control of a multitude of sites in an energy system using abstraction and aggregation techniques. A hierarchical energy distribution grid utilizing homogeneous control logic is provided that includes multiple control modules arranged in a hierarchy. Each control module can implement a same energy optimization scheme logic to directly control site energy resources and possibly energy resources of sites associated with control modules existing below it in the hierarchy. Each control module can act autonomously through use a similar set of input values to the common optimization scheme logic.

Abstract: A disclosed system may include (1) an artificial-reality display dimensioned to be worn by a user, the artificial-reality display comprising (A) a battery and (B) at least one recipient charging element, and (2) a charging case dimensioned to accommodate the artificial-reality display, the charging case comprising (A) at least one source charging element configured to interface with the recipient charging element of the artificial-reality display to facilitate charging the battery of the artificial-reality display and (B) at least one alignment guide that forces the recipient charging element of the artificial-reality display to energizingly couple with the source charging element of the charging case. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaner can include a brush chamber, a brushroll rotatably mounted in the brush chamber, a controller adapted to control the operation of the autonomous floor cleaner, and a fluid delivery system with a supply tank and at least one fluid distributor configured to deposit cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: Inspection methods, apparatuses, and techniques are described herein for identifying defects in a plugged honeycomb body (100). The inspection apparatuses and methods herein utilize reduced distortion imaging to identify the defects in the plugged honeycomb body. Backlit and/or directly illuminated images (by e.g. first light source 308) of the plugged honeycomb body (100) can be captured (by e.g. camera 302) and analyzed to align (by e.g. actuators 306) the plugged honeycomb body (100) in an imaging apparatus and to identify the defects.

Abstract: A method of printing composition(s) on a web is disclosed. The method includes the steps of advancing the web and printing a plurality of composition sites on the web. The method further includes the step of forming one or more discontinuities in the web. The discontinuities correspond to the printed composition sites.

Abstract: A computer system receives a freight request from a shipper, where the freight request specifies a destination for a load of the shipper. The computer system implements a selection process to select a freight operator to haul a corresponding trailer of the trailer module from a location of the shipper to a destination. The trailer module may be monitored using information transmitted from the trailer, to determine when the trailer is picked up and/or delivered at the destination.

Abstract: Improved alkylation catalysts, alkylation methods, and methods of making alkylation catalysts are described. The alkylation method comprises reaction over a solid acid, zeolite-based catalyst and can be conducted for relatively long periods at steady state conditions. The alkylation catalyst comprises a crystalline zeolite structure, a Si/Al molar ratio of 20 or less, less than 0.5 weight percent alkali metals, and further having a characteristic catalyst life property. Some catalysts may contain rare earth elements in the range of 10 to 35 wt %. One method of making a catalyst includes a calcination step following exchange of the rare earth element(s) conducted at a temperature of at least 575° C. to stabilize the resulting structure followed by an deammoniation treatment. An improved method of deammoniation uses low temperature oxidation.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaner can include a brush chamber, a brushroll rotatably mounted in the brush chamber, a controller for controlling the operation of the autonomous floor cleaner; and a fluid delivery system with a supply tank and at least one fluid distributor configured to deposit cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A manually controlled coupling mechanism for onsite energy generation and storage systems includes a first contact portion having a first electrical contact for coupling to an utility grid and a second electrical contact for coupling to an on-grid AC terminal of an inverter, a second contact portion having a third electrical contact for coupling to an off-grid output terminal of the inverter, and a manually activated multi-position switch, wherein in a first position, only the first contact portion is activated to allow power transfer between the utility grid, the on-grid AC terminal of the inverter and a main electrical panel, and in the second position, only the second contact portion is activated to allow power transfer from the off-grid output terminal of the inverter to the main electrical panel.

Abstract: A method of printing composition(s) on a web is disclosed. The method includes the steps of advancing the web and printing a plurality of composition sites on the web. The method further includes the step of forming one or more discontinuities in the web. The discontinuities correspond to the printed composition sites.

Abstract: A system for refilling, emptying and/or recharging of an autonomous floor cleaner includes a docking station adapted to be coupled with a household plumbing infrastructure. The docking station can be provided on a household appliance, which may be a toilet, a dishwasher, or another appliance coupled with the plumbing infrastructure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to align ceramic honeycomb bodies. The apparatus includes a light source to direct light toward a first end of a ceramic honeycomb body, a lens to receive at least a portion of the light directed to the first end of the ceramic honeycomb body, an imaging device to capture an image of the received light, wherein the image comprises a portion of a side surface of the honeycomb body. The apparatus comprises a controller configured to receive the captured image, to analyze the captured image based on the portion of the side surface, to adjust the ceramic honeycomb body and/or the lens based on the analysis to align the ceramic honeycomb body and the lens optical axis.

Abstract: Improved alkylation catalysts, alkylation methods, and methods of making alkylation catalysts are described. The alkylation method comprises reaction over a solid acid, zeolite-based catalyst and can be conducted for relatively long periods at steady state conditions. The alkylation catalyst comprises a crystalline zeolite structure, a Si/Al molar ratio of 20 or less, less than 0.5 weight percent alkali metals, and further having a characteristic catalyst life property. Some catalysts may contain rare earth elements in the range of 10 to 35 wt %. One method of making a catalyst includes a calcination step following exchange of the rare earth element(s) conducted at a temperature of at least 575° C. to stabilize the resulting structure followed by an deammoniation treatment. An improved method of deammoniation uses low temperature oxidation.

Abstract: A computer system receives a freight request from a shipper, where the freight request specifies a destination for a load of the shipper. The computer system implements a selection process to select a freight operator to haul a corresponding trailer of the trailer module from a location of the shipper to a destination. The trailer module may be monitored using information transmitted from the trailer, to determine when the trailer is picked up and/or delivered at the destination.

Abstract: A system for refilling, emptying and/or recharging of an autonomous floor cleaner includes a docking station adapted to be coupled with a household plumbing infrastructure. The docking station can be provided on a household appliance, which may be a toilet, a dishwasher, or another appliance coupled with the plumbing infrastructure.

Abstract: Solar inverter power output communications methods are provided. A solar inverter power output communications method includes receiving, via a communications network, data regarding a plurality of solar power plants that include a plurality of solar inverters. The method includes identifying, based on the data, power output underperformance occurring at a first of the solar inverters. Moreover, the method includes providing an indication of the power output underperformance to a graphical user interface of an electronic device. Related computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a program for recovering access to a service associated with an account. The program provides a login credential to log into the account to receive the associated service. Next, the program receives an access continuation parameter (ACP) after logging into the account. The program then accesses the service and receives a rejection of a subsequent access to the service. The program then provides the ACP in lieu of the login credential to continue to receive the service.