Abstract: A plug connection system that autonomously charges an electric vehicle (EV) is provided. The method includes: adjusting configuration settings of an image capturing device; capturing an image using the image capturing device, wherein a portion of the image comprises an optically distinctive object associated with a charging portal of the EV, and wherein the image comprises a plurality of pixels; applying a pixel value threshold associated with a pixel metric to the image to filter the plurality of pixels of the image to a first subset of pixels; determining, based on filtering the plurality of pixels to the first subset of pixels, a location of the optically distinctive object associated with the charging portal of the EV within the image; and providing information to maneuver a robotic arm to a physical position associated with the location of the optically distinctive object within the image.

Abstract: A system and method for applying a coating to a surface. The coating can include any typical coating, but in some examples includes a styrenated acrylic coating. The coating is first applied. Thereafter, a quick-set formula which includes a brine solution is applied atop the first coating. The quick-set formula sets the first coating. Thereafter, a second coating, or multiple coatings, can be applied atop the first coating. Due to the quick-set formula, the second coating can be applied in less than 15 minutes.

Abstract: A charging device autonomously charges an electric vehicle. The charging device includes: a main body and an arm coupled to the main body. The main body is controllably moveable, and the arm is controllably extendable and retractable in a longitudinal direction. A charging plug is included at a distal end of the arm. The charging plug is controllably moveable and insertable into a charging portal of the electric vehicle. The arm comprises: a rigid chain, the rigid chain being compliant in a first direction from a neutral axis and resistant in an opposite second direction past the neutral axis, or at least one scissor arm.

Abstract: A robotic unit for manipulating items and products may receive assistance from a product management system if an exception occurs indicating the robotic unit cannot complete a given task with respect to handling the product. The product management system may be associated with a plurality of different assistance centers and response centers providing different types or levels of assistance. The product management system can classify the exception according to hierarchal tiers to determine the type of assistance required. The product management system can then generate and direct an intervention request to one of the response centers based on the classification. The assistance and response centers may be equipped and staffed to provide particularized assistance to the robotic unit. In an example, the robotic unit may store data and instructions received from the assistance and response center for future implementation.

Abstract: A system and method for filling pot holes. The system includes transferring aggregate from an aggregate tank. Activator is likewise transferred from an activator tank. The activator is mixed with the aggregate to form a homogenized mixture. A liquid is introduced into a homogenized mixture to form a slurry and then a pot hole filler. The pot hole filler is directed through an exit end of a mixing tube.

Abstract: A launching tube for use with a liquid filled tank can be sized to accommodate a submersible vehicle for dispensing into the liquid tank. The tank can be an electrical transformer or any other liquid containing tank such as but not limited to a chemical tank. The launching tube can include a valve for insertion into a launching chamber, and a tank side valve for launching of the submersible into the tank. In one form the launching tube includes an antenna for communication with the submersible and/or a base station. The launching tube can also include a sensor such as a camera, as well as an agitator. The agitator can be used to facilitate bubble removal from the inside of the launching tube.

Abstract: Described is a system and medical device for the electromagnetic tracking of a medical instrument transported through a medical device, the medical device having a central axis, a channel that receives and transports a medical instrument through the medical device, the channel extending to a distal portion of the medical device. According to some aspects, the system includes tracking circuitry and a plurality of coordinated electromagnetic sensors for generating a virtual axis of travel for the medical instrument. According to some aspects, the virtual axis passes through the opening of the device and is aligned with a tool insertion axis.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking and determining characteristics of an inflatable medical instrument that is configured for interventional deployment. The system includes a guidewire that is positioned within a lumen of the inflatable medical instrument. The guidewire includes an optical fiber for a FORS system. The FORS system is configured to measure a shape of the guidewire during the interventional deployment of the inflatable medical instrument. A shape analysis module is configured to analyze the FORS data from the FORS system and determine characteristics of the inflatable medical instrument, including the diameter of the inflatable instrument, the pressurization of the instrument, whether the instrument has ruptured and the position of the inflatable instrument during an interventional procedure.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for electric vehicle (EV) charging are disclosed. Devices include a base and at least one vertical rail coupled to the base and extending upward therefrom, and at least one slide engaged with the rail(s). Single rail devices include at least two slides engaged with the rail. Devices having at least two rails include at least one slide engaged with each of the rails. A connector unit having a first end and a second end is pivotably coupled to a plurality of elongate support arms at portions of the second end. An opposite end of each support arm is pivotably coupled to individual slide(s). The disclosed devices, systems and methods enable precise positioning of charger electrical connectors for mating engagement with vehicle electrical connectors for EV charging. Automation features are integratable for hands-free operation in a variety of residential and commercial EV charging environments.

Abstract: A product manipulation tool for interacting with products and containers at, for example, a retail facility can include a securing mechanism to secure an exposed portion of the container with respect to a horizontal surface such as a shelf. The product manipulation tool can also include a stabilizing device to stabilize the container with respect to the horizontal surface prior to securing the container. The product manipulation tool can also include a support structure for insertion underneath the container to support the load. The stabilizing mechanism may lift or tilt the container prior to insertion of the support structure. In an example, the product manipulation tool may be disposed on a mobile unit configured for locomotion about the retail facility.

Abstract: A protective arrangement for an electric vehicle charging system includes a floor unit forming a recess and a linkage disposed in the recess. The linkage is extendable from the recess from a stowed position to an extended position. A cleaning device is disposed to discourage accumulation of debris into the recess and on the linkage when the linkage is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic charging of electric vehicles in which a plug head of a charging unit is automatically received in a receiving compartment of a vehicle charger actuation device. A push wall of the vehicle charger actuation device is displaced into contact the plug head in a manner that facilitates rotation of the plug head into angular alignment with the plug head receptacle. The charging unit can align a position of the plug head with the plug head receptacle such that continued displacement of the push wall displaces the plug head to a position at which the plug head is electrically coupled to the plug head receptacle. After a charging event, the push wall moves away from the plug head receptacle and engages a pull rod that is coupled to a pin skirt such that the pin skirt is displaced in a direction that ejects the plug head from the plug head receptacle.

Abstract: A robot is disclosed which includes a dynamic safety zone feature capable of defining a space around the robot to be monitored to provide safe operating conditions for personnel or property. The dynamic safe zones can be a volume around one or more moving components of the robot. Such dynamic safe zones can be scaled depending on the nature of the operation (fast moving robot having a larger dynamic safety zone). Multiple different zones can be used in some embodiments. The zones can further be scaled depending on the nature of the sensors used in the operation of the robot. Multiple different moving components can have different dynamic safety zones.

Abstract: An automatic charging device and method is described that is positionable to access an underside of an electrical vehicle that facilitates hands-free connection of a vehicle-side electrical connector with a floor unit electrical connector. The automatic charging device includes a floor unit, a first slidable carriage disposed in the floor unit, a second slidable carriage disposed in the floor unit, a pivotal link coupled to the floor unit electrical connector, and a lift mechanism connected to the second slidable carriage and the pivotal link. The floor unit electrical connector is arranged to rise away from the floor unit in a direction of the vehicle-side electrical connector to facilitate a mating of the vehicle-side electrical connector and the floor unit electrical connector. The first and the second slidable carriages are configured to move in a linear xy-direction, respectively, and the lift mechanism is configured to move in a linear z-direction.

Abstract: A system and medical device for the electromagnetic tracking of a medical instrument transported through the medical device. The medical device has a central axis and a channel that receives and transports a medical instrument through the medical device. The channel extends to a distal portion of the medical device and connects with an opening in the medical device that is not aligned with the central axis. The medical device includes a tracking component that is a plurality of coordinated electromagnetic sensors for generating a virtual axis of travel for the medical instrument, with the virtual axis passing through the opening of the device and being aligned with tool insertion axis.

Abstract: A charging station for automatically conductively charging an electric vehicle having an underbody receptacle cavity is provided. When charging, the charging station and the electric vehicle may spaced apart by a linear distance. Other alignment discrepancies may also exist between the electric vehicle and the charging station. To traverse the linear distance and align and insert the plug into the receptacle, the charging station may be capable of moving in multiple translational degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic charging of electric vehicles in which a plug head of a charging unit is automatically received in a receiving compartment of a vehicle charger actuation device. A push wall of the vehicle charger actuation device is displaced into contact the plug head in a manner that facilitates rotation of the plug head into angular alignment with the plug head receptacle. The charging unit can align a position of the plug head with the plug head receptacle such that continued displacement of the push wall displaces the plug head to a position at which the plug head is electrically coupled to the plug head receptacle. After a charging event, the push wall moves away from the plug head receptacle and engages a pull rod that is coupled to a pin skirt such that the pin skirt is displaced in a direction that ejects the plug head from the plug head receptacle.

Abstract: A vehicle-side receptacle unit is described that is positionable on an underside of an electrical vehicle (EV) and a method for operating such unit. The vehicle-side receptacle facilitates hands-free connection of an automatic charging device including a charger electrical connector of a floor-positioned recharging unit. The automatic charging device includes a plurality of movable links including a distal link and a proximal link and a pivotal lift arm connected to the distal link coupled to the plurality of movable links and to the charger electrical connector. The plurality of movable links include rounded edges and the rounded edges are configured to minimize rotational interference between links during motion. The plurality of movable links include spring loaded casters. The plurality of movable links are coplanar when in a non-operational position and when in an operational position.

Abstract: An automatic charging device and method is described that is positionable to access an underside of an electrical vehicle that facilitates hands-free connection of a vehicle-side electrical connector with a floor unit electrical connector. The automatic charging device includes a floor unit, a first slidable carriage disposed in the floor unit, a second slidable carriage disposed in the floor unit, a pivotal link coupled to the floor unit electrical connector, and a lift mechanism connected to the second slidable carriage and the pivotal link. The floor unit electrical connector is arranged to rise away from the floor unit in a direction of the vehicle-side electrical connector to facilitate a mating of the vehicle-side electrical connector and the floor unit electrical connector. The first and the second slidable carriages are configured to move in a linear xy-direction, respectively, and the lift mechanism is configured to move in a linear z-direction.

Abstract: A charging connection is provided for charging a battery of a vehicle using an external power source. The first connector is coupled to the external power source with an electric cable. The second connector is coupled to the vehicle. The first connector is automatically guided for connection to the second connector using radio frequency signals to couple the first and second connectors so that electrical energy is supplied to the vehicle from the first connector to the second connector.