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: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide smart alerts to users, e.g., alerts to users about diabetic states that are only provided when it makes sense to do so, e.g., when the system can predict or estimate that the user is not already cognitively aware of their current condition, e.g., particularly where the current condition is a diabetic state warranting attention. In this way, the alert or alarm is personalized and made particularly effective for that user. Such systems and methods still alert the user when action is necessary, e.g., a bolus or temporary basal rate change, or provide a response to a missed bolus or a need for correction, but do not alert when action is unnecessary, e.g., if the user is already estimated or predicted to be cognitively aware of the diabetic state warranting attention, or if corrective action was already taken.

Abstract: A cooling device is disclosed for a computer having a drive bay region with at least one drive bay adapted to receive a drive. The device comprises a case configured to mount within the drive bay of the computer having at least a first and at least a second opening. When mounted within the drive bay, the first opening is exposed to ambient air about the computer and the second opening is disposed within the drive bay region of the computer. The device also comprises at least one air movement device mounted within the case. The air movement device is configured in one of two ways. In a first way, it draws cooling air through the first opening and exhausts substantially all of the cooling air though the second opening into the drive bay region. In a second way, the air movement device draws air through the second opening from the drive bay region and exhausts it through the first opening. A mechanism for supplying power to the air movement device is also provided.

Abstract: A wire clamping ligature for use with single reed musical instruments such as clarinets and saxophones which includes two retaining wires extending circumferentially around the mouthpiece and reed of the instrument to affix the reed to the mouthpiece and yet allow normal musical vibration thereof wherein the retaining wires are approximately thirty thousandths of an inch (0.030 inches) and including two drawbars each attached to the opposite ends of the two retaining wires with an adjustable clamp secured therebetween. The adjustable clamp can comprise one or two threaded screws rotatably mounted in one drawbar and threadedly engaged with respect to the other drawbar to urge the drawbars together for tightening of the two retaining wires about the reed and mouthpiece for detachably affixing them together.

Abstract: A vibration isolator has four fluid filled variable volume load bearing chambers, with two arranged on one side of a core and the other two on the other side. The core and chambers are contained within a frame, with the chambers extending between the core and the frame, so that vibrating the core axially compresses or extends the chambers. Diagonally opposite pairs of chambers are each connected with a separate fluid track, and the two fluid tracks may be tuned to have different resonant frequencies or the same resonant frequency. The chambers are defined by elastomeric bodies which may be reinforced using a tubular shaped reinforcing element adjacent to the chamber, to help contain the pressures within the chamber without materially increasing the compression strength of the elastomeric bodies.

Abstract: A linkage rod for absorbing shocks and vibrations has a housing with a central bore. A spacer tube and a spacer load plate are inserted into the central bore. Several resilient members preferably formed of crimped metal wire strands are located in the central bore between the spacer load plate and a piston load plate. A mounting member has a shoulder formed between body and neck portions. A snubber cap having a central opening with an inwardly-directed wall is positioned around the mounting member. A snubber nut is attached to the mounting member to trap the inwardly-directed wall between the snubber nut and the shoulder. The snubber cap is fastened to the housing and the mounting member may move axially relative to the housing. The resilient members resist axial movement of the mounting member.

Abstract: Packaging pads comprise top and bottom sheets laminated together along peripheral surface portions with a pocket of comminuted filler material centrally disposed between the sheets. Apparatus for manufacturing the pads continuously feeds an endless bottom sheet along a predetermined travel path, and liquid adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the sheet as it so travels. A stream of filler material is divided into spaced apart individual pocket amounts and these filler amounts are joined to the adhesive coated surface of the bottom sheet. A top sheet coated with liquid adhesive on the underside thereof is laminated onto the bottom sheet and the pocket amounts of filler material. The thus formed continuous laminate is transversely cut midway between adjacent pockets of filler material to thereby form individual packaging pads.

Abstract: The invention is applied to an apparatus for filling storage boxes with lemons or other articles. The articles are first diverted from a conveyor into a measuring and collecting bin. When articles fill the bin to a level which will fill a box beneath the apparatus, a photoswitch stops the conveyor to prevent overfilling of the bin. The photoswitch also tilts a chute at the bottom of the bin whereby the entire contents of the bin are emptied into the box. Although the level of articles in the bin falls below the beam which operates the photoswitch, an internal time delay in the photoswitch holds the conveyor in stopped position and it also holds the chute in tilted position until sufficient time has passed for the box to be filled. Immediately thereafter, the chute is returned to upright position, the conveyor is restarted, and an unfilled box takes the position of the filled box.