Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods to bore or tunnel through various geologies in an autonomous or substantially autonomous manner including one or more non-contact boring elements that direct energy at the bore face to remove material from the bore face through fracture, spallation, and removal of the material. Systems can automatically execute methods to control a set of boring parameters that affect the flux of energy directed at the bore face. Systems can further automatically execute the methods to: monitor, direct, maintain, and/or adjust a set of boring controls, including for example a standoff distance between the system and the bore face, a temperature of exhaust gases directed at the bore face, a removal rate of material from the bore face, and/or a thermal or topological characterization of the bore face during boring operations.

Abstract: Methods and systems for securing a data connection for communicating between two end-points are described herein. One of the end-points may be a server and the other of the end-points may be a client that wants to communicate with the server. The data connection may be secured based on a previously-established secure connection and/or a self-signed or self-issued certificate. In some variations, by using the previously-established secure connection and/or a self-signed or self-issued certificate, the secure communication between the server and the client may be conducted without using a third-party authentication service and without requiring a third-party CA to issue a certificate for the server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.

Abstract: A deployable charging point assembly for a vehicle includes a connecting part for connecting to a supply of electrical power separate from the vehicle. The connecting part is mountable on the vehicle, such that the connecting part is movable relative to a body of the vehicle between a first position and a second position. The charging point assembly is configured to establish an electrical connection between the supply of electrical power and an electrical system of the vehicle when the connecting part is in one or more predetermined positions between the first and second positions.

Abstract: Provided are turbine engines and methods of operating thereof by heating and evaporating liquid fuels in a controlled manner prior to burning. Specifically, a fuel is heated and evaporated while avoiding coking. Coking is caused by pyrolysis when the fuel contacts a metal surface within a certain temperature range, which is referred herein to a coking temperature range. In the described methods, the fuel is transferred from one component, maintained below the coking temperature range, to another component, maintained above this range. The fuel is airborne and does not contact any metal surfaces during this transfer, and coking does not occur. In some examples, the fuel is also mixed with hot air during this transfer. The heated fuel, e.g., as an air-fuel mixture, is then supplied into a combustor, where more air is added to reach flammability conditions.

Abstract: Provided are hydraulic systems comprising variable speed drives coupled to hydraulic pumps and methods of operating such systems. The drive speed is controlled based on the position of a hydraulic servo-control valve in order to reduce the flow through a bypass line. Specifically, the drive speed may be decreased as the valve is opening and sending a greater portion of the hydraulic fluid into the bypass line. This approach allows to reducing losses in the bypass line thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the hydraulic system. The position of the hydraulic servo-control valve may be determined using a position sensor or a flow sensor. Alternatively, the position may be estimated by increasing the drive speed and monitoring the pressure change in the hydraulic actuator. The differential pressure-speed ratio obtained during this speed increase is compared to a calibration set of values corresponding to different valve positions.

Abstract: Provided are drivetrain systems of electrical vehicles comprising range extending turbines operable to dissipate some or all power generated by electrical drive motor-generators coupled to vehicle wheels. Also provided are methods of operating such systems. Power dissipation using turbines may be used, for example, when batteries cannot be further charged because of their current state of charge or some other conditions. This turbine power dissipation effectively extends engine braking capabilities of electrical vehicles and reduces operation of friction brakes. The power generated by an electrical drive motor-generator may depend on various limits, such as a vehicle deceleration limit, traction limit, power generation limit, and power receiving limit. Specifically, the electrical power is generated at a level when at least one of these limits is reached but neither is exceeded. Furthermore, the power generation level is continuously and dynamically controlled based on changes in operating conditions.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a support garment testing system comprising a torso form having a motion tracking sensor associated with one or more breast structures of the torso form. A support garment is secured to the torso form, and the torso form is mounted on a motion platform that, when actuated, causes displacement of the breast structures. The amount of displacement is measured by the sensor, and the data is used to assign a level of support provided by the support garment.

Abstract: Provided are methods for monitoring temperatures of permanent magnets disposed on rotors of permanent magnet motors. Also provided are vehicle drivetrains including permanent magnet motors and controllers operable to monitor temperatures of permanent magnets used in these motors. A magnet temperature is determined based on the rotational speed of the motor and also based on the open circuit voltage of the motor at this rotational speed. The motor may be specifically calibrated to determine its response to magnet temperature changes for any rotational speed. During operation, an inverter connected to the motor and controlling motor's operation may pause its switching for a period of time and check the open circuit voltage of the motor during this period. The corresponding rotor speed may be obtained from other sensors. The controller uses this information to determine the magnet temperature and, in some embodiments, to perform various control operations to avoid overheating.

Abstract: A loading assembly for crimping and loading a prosthetic heart valve into a delivery device includes a loading base, a base funnel, and a compression member. The loading base has a support and a body extending from the support with a recess defined within the body. The recess is configured to receive a substantial portion of the annulus section of the heart valve in an at least partially collapsed condition. The base funnel is configured to be coupled to the loading base and to at least partially collapse the annulus section of the heart valve as it is inserted into the recess in the loading base. The compression member is configured to be coupled to the loading base with the heart valve inserted in the recess for further collapsing the heart valve and loading it into the delivery device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for securing a data connection for communicating between two end-points are described herein. One of the end-points may be a server and the other of the end-points may be a client that wants to communicate with the server. The data connection may be secured based on a previously-established secure connection and/or a self-signed or self-issued certificate. In some variations, by using the previously-established secure connection and/or a self-signed or self-issued certificate, the secure communication between the server and the client may be conducted without using a third-party authentication service and without requiring a third-party CA to issue a certificate for the server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.

Abstract: A loading assembly for crimping and loading a prosthetic heart valve into a delivery device includes a loading base, a base funnel, and a compression member. The loading base has a support and a body extending from the support with a recess defined within the body. The recess is configured to receive a substantial portion of the annulus section of the heart valve in an at least partially collapsed condition. The base funnel is configured to be coupled to the loading base and to at least partially collapse the annulus section of the heart valve as it is inserted into the recess in the loading base. The compression member is configured to be coupled to the loading base with the heart valve inserted in the recess for further collapsing the heart valve and loading it into the delivery device.

Abstract: Provided are self-powered actively steerable converter dollies (SPASCDs) for long combination vehicles (LCVs), LCVs utilizing SPASCDs, and methods of operating such LCVs. These SPASCDs could be used with conventional tractors and/or specifically configured tractors. A SPASCD may include an electrical drive, which can generate power (e.g., to charge SPASCD's battery) or generate torque using the electrical power stored in SPASCD's battery (e.g., to assist the tractor during acceleration or going uphill). The SPASCD also comprises steerable wheels and a steering component, configured to change the steering angle of the steerable wheels. The steering angle may be changed in response to various inputs, such as the steering angle of the tractor's front steerable wheels, the steering angle of the steerable wheels of another trailer in the same LCV, sensor inputs, and the like. This steering feature allows change the track of the SPASCD, e.g., to follow the tractor's track.

Abstract: Methods and systems for securing a data connection for communicating between two end-points are described herein. One of the end-points may be a server and the other of the end-points may be a client that wants to communicate with the server. The data connection may be secured based on a previously-established secure connection and/or a self-signed or self-issued certificate. In some variations, by using the previously-established secure connection and/or a self-signed or self-issued certificate, the secure communication between the server and the client may be conducted without using a third-party authentication service and without requiring a third-party CA to issue a certificate for the server.

Abstract: An image acquisition and analysis system is disclosed. The system enables high throughput, objective analysis of microbial samples over days or weeks. The system may accommodate upwards of twelve 96- or 384-well plates simultaneously (liquid or solid media). The system may acquire and analyze a large number of samples in a short period of time. For example, over 384 samples per minute or 18,432 samples per hour. The system hardware may include a multi-spectral imager (fluorescence and bright field detection), electro-mechanical assemblies, and an optional high-resolution stage. The system may automate image acquisition, image data processing, simplify data storage, and enable automated analysis tools to significantly reduce the manual labor and time associated with such tasks. The system may allow for quick processing and analysis of data into clear phenotypic classes.

Abstract: Provided are turbine engines and methods of operating thereof by heating and evaporating liquid fuels in a controlled manner prior to burning. Specifically, a fuel is heated and evaporated while avoiding coking. Coking is caused by pyrolysis when the fuel contacts a metal surface within a certain temperature range, which is referred herein to a coking temperature range. In the described methods, the fuel is transferred from one component, maintained below the coking temperature range, to another component, maintained above this range. The fuel is airborne and does not contact any metal surfaces during this transfer, and coking does not occur. In some examples, the fuel is also mixed with hot air during this transfer. The heated fuel, e.g., as an air-fuel mixture, is then supplied into a combustor, where more air is added to reach flammability conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.

Abstract: A loading assembly for crimping and loading a prosthetic heart valve into a delivery device includes a loading base, a base funnel, and a compression member. The loading base has a support and a body extending from the support with a recess defined within the body. The recess is configured to receive a substantial portion of the annulus section of the heart valve in an at least partially collapsed condition. The base funnel is configured to be coupled to the loading base and to at least partially collapse the annulus section of the heart valve as it is inserted into the recess in the loading base. The compression member is configured to be coupled to the loading base with the heart valve inserted in the recess for further collapsing the heart valve and loading it into the delivery device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for securing a data connection for communicating between two end-points are described herein. One of the end-points may be a server and the other of the end-points may be a client that wants to communicate with the server. The data connection may be secured based on a previously-established secure connection and/or a self-signed or self-issued certificate. In some variations, by using the previously-established secure connection and/or a self-signed or self-issued certificate, the secure communication between the server and the client may be conducted without using a third-party authentication service and without requiring a third-party CA to issue a certificate for the server.