Abstract: A break management system automatically calculates employee break schedules for a large number of employees according to both legal requirements as well as business operating needs. Businesses may enter preference rules regarding the timing of breaks relative to other breaks and relative to other employees and work positions. The break management system provides a user interface with required breaks, suggested break windows, and break timing requirements for each employee and allows a shift leader to manage breaks from the interface.

Abstract: A power supplying device that can be used during emergencies is disclosed. The device comprises multiple adjustable battery compartments that can be connected, via switches, to deliver power to an external device connected to at least one power delivery port of the power supplying device. Each adjustable battery compartment includes a fixed lead and a sliding lead so that the multiple different battery sizes can be inserted into the compartment and connected to the device. An external battery connection device or harness can also be used with the power supplying device. The external battery connection device can be used to connect various different kinds of batteries with the power supplying device, such as cordless power tool batteries, cordless appliance batteries, and batteries for radio controlled (RC) devices.

Abstract: In some examples, apparatus comprises a multiplexer (MUX) adapted to be coupled to a set of battery cells and configured to provide a voltage of a different battery cell in the set of battery cells based on a MUX control signal. Apparatus comprises a comparator coupled to the MUX and configured to compare a MUX output signal to a threshold voltage to provide a comparator output signal. Apparatus comprises a digital control circuit configured to provide the MUX control signal to the MUX, to store the comparator output signal, and to use a logic AND gate to provide an AND gate output signal based on the stored comparator output signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel personal pop-up pods designed for a single user. In one embodiment, a personal pop-up pod can provide a user with privacy and/or protection from the surrounding environment. The personal pop-up pods can be designed such that a user can remain mobile, i.e., able to move from one location to another while using a personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pods can be designed such that a user can selectively gain access to the environment surrounding the pop-up pod by opening windows and other points of access. The personal pop-up pods can protect the user form a variety of conditions surrounding the personal pop-up pods such as, for example, rain, snow, wind, low temperatures, and other such climate related elements or communicable diseases and other such health risks.

Abstract: A smart locker system with assistance for a visually impaired user is disclosed. Each locker in the smart locker system includes a beacon that emits a signal either before the locker door is released or at the same time as the locker door is released. The beacon is used by a visually impaired user to locate the specified locker before it opens or at the same time as it opens. The beacon may be a haptic device that causes the specified locker to vibrate, which allows the user to find the locker by feel. The beacon may also be an auditory device that causes the specified locker to emit a sound, which allows the user to find the locker by sound.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission is configured to transfer power from the engine to at least one drive wheel to propel the vehicle. The controller programmed to, in response to a command to shift the transmission, reduce a torque of the engine from a desired engine torque to a reduced value based on a flare at an input to the transmission during the shift. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the reduced value exceeding a threshold, retard an engine spark and maintain operation of all cylinders of the engine to reduce the torque of the engine during the shift. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the reduced value being less than the threshold, retard the engine spark and shutdown at least one cylinder of the engine to reduce the torque of the engine during the shift.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which a playback device transmits a first sound signal including a predetermined waveform. In one example, the playback device receives a second sound signal including at least one reflection of the first sound signal. The second sound signal is processed to determine a location of a person relative to the playback device, and a characteristic of audio reproduction by the playback device is selected, based on the determined location of the person.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure includes a body formed by a plurality of walls including a front, a back, a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom wall coupled to one another to form an interior. Each wall includes at least one of a plurality of deformable frame members. A window is defined in one of the front, back, first side and second side wall, and is selectively engageable with the respective wall such that the window is disposable between an open and closed position. A door is defined in one of the front, back, first side, and second side wall, and is further selectively engageable with the respective wall such that the door is disposable between an open and closed position. The front wall defines a first plane and the back wall defines a second plane, the first plane and second plane are substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: An estimated time of arrival (ETA) of a vehicle is predicted by receiving a request for the vehicle to conduct a trip that includes a first location. A predicted ETA for the vehicle to travel from a particular location to the first location is computed. The predicted ETA is refined to compute a refined ETA using a machine-learned model that takes as input a plurality of features associated with the trip. The plurality of features including at least geospatial features transformed using a locality-sensitive hashing function. An action is performed based on the refined ETA. The action may include one or more of estimating a pickup time or drop-off time for the trip, matching a driver to the trip, and planning a delivery.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which a playback device transmits a first sound signal including a predetermined waveform. In one example, the playback device receives a second sound signal including at least one reflection of the first sound signal. The second sound signal is processed to determine a location of a person relative to the playback device, and a characteristic of audio reproduction by the playback device is selected, based on the determined location of the person.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data comprises modulating data symbols for transmission onto a sonic carrier signal and transmitting the modulated data using an electroacoustic transducer. The modulated data is transmitted by transmitting a portion of the modulated data for a first duration; pausing transmission for a second duration; and repeating the transmitting and pausing with further portions of the modulated data.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure includes a body formed by a plurality of walls including a front, a back, a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom wall coupled to one another to form an interior. Each wall includes at least one of a plurality of deformable frame members. A window is defined in one of the front, back, first side and second side wall, and is selectively engageable with the respective wall such that the window is disposable between an open and closed position. A door is defined in one of the front, back, first side, and second side wall, and is further selectively engageable with the respective wall such that the door is disposable between an open and closed position. The front wall defines a first plane and the back wall defines a second plane, the first plane and second plane are substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel personal pop-up pods designed for a single user. The personal pop-up pods can provide a user with privacy and/or protection from the surrounding elements. The personal pop-up pods are designed such that a user can remain mobile, i.e., able to move from one location to another while using a personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pods are designed such that a user can selectively gain access to the area surrounding the pop-up pod by opening windows and other points of access.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel personal pop-up pods designed for a single user. The personal pop-up pods can provide a user with privacy and/or protection from the surrounding elements. The personal pop-up pods are designed such that a user can remain mobile, i.e., able to move from one location to another while using a personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pods are designed such that a user can selectively gain access to the area surrounding the pop-up pod by opening windows and other points of access.

Abstract: In some examples, apparatus comprises a multiplexer (MUX) adapted to be coupled to a set of battery cells and configured to provide a voltage of a different battery cell in the set of battery cells based on a MUX control signal. Apparatus comprises a comparator coupled to the MUX and configured to compare a MUX output signal to a threshold voltage to provide a comparator output signal. Apparatus comprises a digital control circuit configured to provide the MUX control signal to the MUX, to store the comparator output signal, and to use a logic AND gate to provide an AND gate output signal based on the stored comparator output signal.

Abstract: A smart locker system with assistance for a visually impaired user is disclosed. Each locker in the smart locker system includes a beacon that emits a signal either before the locker door is released or at the same time as the locker door is released. The beacon is used by a visually impaired user to locate the specified locker before it opens or at the same time as it opens. The beacon may be a haptic device that causes the specified locker to vibrate, which allows the user to find the locker by feel. The beacon may also be an auditory device that causes the specified locker to emit a sound, which allows the user to find the locker by sound.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data comprises modulating data symbols for transmission onto a sonic carrier signal and transmitting the modulated data using an electroacoustic transducer. The modulated data is transmitted by transmitting a portion of the modulated data for a first duration; pausing transmission for a second duration; and repeating the transmitting and pausing with further portions of the modulated data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel personal pop-up pods designed for a single user. The personal pop-up pods can provide a user with privacy and/or protection from the surrounding elements. The personal pop-up pods are designed such that a user can remain mobile, i.e., able to move from one location to another while using a personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pods are designed such that a user can selectively gain access to the area surrounding the pop-up pod by opening windows and other points of access.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which a playback device transmits a first sound signal including a predetermined waveform. In one example, the playback device receives a second sound signal including at least one reflection of the first sound signal. The second sound signal is processed to determine a location of a person relative to the playback device, and a characteristic of audio reproduction by the playback device is selected, based on the determined location of the person.