Abstract: A computer-implemented method, a system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium for the collection, monetization, validation, continuous updating, archiving for bilateral trades of greenhouse gases and environmental rights. The method includes hosting, on a processing server, a listing of one or more parcels of land with contractual rights to develop carbon offset credits; receiving, by the processing server, metrics on the one or more parcels of land with the contractual rights to develop carbon offset credits; and verifying, on the processing server, that the one or more parcels of land with the contractual rights to develop carbon offset credits comply with one or more conditions for development and potential entitlement to carbon offset credits based on at least the received metrics.

Abstract: Described herein are reprogrammable systems and methods for controlling the same. The reprogrammable system comprises a first side configured to be reprogrammable in at least a first direction. The first side is formed by a reprogrammable structure having one or more layers stacked in a second direction. An individual layer of the one or more layers has repeating unit cells. A first unit cell of the repeating unit cells has elements. The elements are connected by connecting joints. A first unit cell of the repeating unit cells shares at least one element and/or at least one connecting joint with a second unit cell of the repeating unit cells.

Abstract: In some aspects, a system comprises a computer hardware processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions for receiving, from one or more sensors, sensor data relating to a robot; generating, using a statistical model, based on the sensor data, first control information for the robot to accomplish a task; transmitting, to the robot, the first control information for execution of the task; and receiving, from the robot, a result of execution of the task.

Abstract: A modular expansion joint (e.g., for a bridge) can include an upper expansion support exhibiting a hinge design arranged for pivoting about a vertically extending axis. The upper expansion support underneath may be accompanied by a moisture seal and/or a lower expansion support. The modular expansion joint may include two beams that may be spaced apart by a gap into which the upper expansion support etc. can be received. Each of the two beams can include a top flange defining a top surface and a web extending from the flange. The upper expansion support can be positioned between the top flanges, while the lower expansion support can be positioned between the webs, for example. The upper expansion support may provide a continuation of a travel surface across the beam tops and may accordingly reduce pressure spikes and/or noise from tires moving across the travel surface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, a system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium for the collection, monetization, validation, continuous updating, archiving for bilateral trades of greenhouse gases and environmental rights. The method includes hosting, on a processing server, a listing of one or more parcels of land with contractual rights to develop carbon offset credits; receiving, by the processing server, metrics on the one or more parcels of land with the contractual rights to develop carbon offset credits; and verifying, on the processing server, that the one or more parcels of land with the contractual rights to develop carbon offset credits comply with one or more conditions for development and potential entitlement to carbon offset credits based on at least the received metrics.

Abstract: Gripper structures can be used to conform to and support complex surfaces. For example, a system described herein can include a gripper structure. The gripper structure can include a plurality of iterations in a series of layers. The series of layers can be arranged in a progression in which each successive layer is adjacent to a preceding layer. The series of layers can include an anchor layer including a single shape of the pattern. The series of layers can include intermediate layers including a plurality of shapes that are copies of the single shape and are more numerous and smaller than shapes in its preceding layer. The series of layers can include a base layer including the most and smallest shapes in the series of layers. The series of layers can also include a plurality of joints. Each shape on the base layer can include an adhesion promoting mechanism.

Abstract: A novel range of non-shearing axial auxetic structures are disclosed having useful functions and properties. The novel non-shearing axial auxetic structures have applications including compliant universal joints, structures with switchable Poisson ratios, nd multiple discrete dimensional configurations. Further, combination structures of multiple individual non-shearing axial auxetic structures having useful functions and properties are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a vibration dampening system having an adaptor with a user contact surface and a power tool contact surface. The adaptor can include a core to reduce vibration transfer from the tool to the hands of a user. In embodiments, the core comprises a viscoelastic material that lightens a base elastomer to form liquid-filled closed cells structures.

Abstract: With applications such as soft robotics being severely hindered by the lack of strong soft actuators, the invention provides a new soft-actuator material—Electrically Actuated Hydraulic Solid (EAHS) material—with a stress-density that outperforms any known electrically-actuatable material. One type of actuator is fabricated by making a closed cell that acts as highly paralyzed version of a standard paraffin actuator. Each cell exhibits microscopic expansion, which is summed to produce macroscopic motion. The closed cellular nature of the material allows the system to be cut and punctured and still operate. It can be produced in a lab or industrial scale, and can be formed using molding, 3D printing or cutting.

Abstract: In some aspects, a system comprises a computer hardware processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions for receiving, from one or more sensors, sensor data relating to a robot; generating, using a statistical model, based on the sensor data, first control information for the robot to accomplish a task; transmitting, to the robot, the first control information for execution of the task; and receiving, from the robot, a result of execution of the task.

Abstract: In some aspects, a system comprises a computer hardware processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions for receiving, from one or more sensors, sensor data relating to a robot; generating, using a statistical model, based on the sensor data, first control information for the robot to accomplish a task; transmitting, to the robot, the first control information for execution of the task; and receiving, from the robot, a result of execution of the task.

Abstract: With applications such as soft robotics being severely hindered by the lack of strong soft actuators, the invention provides a new soft-actuator material—Electrically Actuated Hydraulic Solid (EAHS) material—with a stress-density that outperforms any known electrically-actuatable material. One type of actuator is fabricated by making a closed cell that acts as highly paralyzed version of a standard paraffin actuator. Each cell exhibits microscopic expansion, which is summed to produce macroscopic motion. The closed cellular nature of the material allows the system to be cut and punctured and still operate. It can be produced in a lab or industrial scale, and can be formed using molding, 3D printing or cutting.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a vibration dampening system having an adaptor with a user contact surface and a power tool contact surface. The adaptor can include a core to reduce vibration transfer from the tool to the hands of a user. In embodiments, the core comprises a viscoelastic material that lightens a base elastomer to form liquid-filled closed cells structures.

Abstract: In some aspects, a system comprises a computer hardware processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions for receiving, from one or more sensors, sensor data relating to a robot; generating, using a statistical model, based on the sensor data, first control information for the robot to accomplish a task; transmitting, to the robot, the first control information for execution of the task; and receiving, from the robot, a result of execution of the task.

Abstract: A system to control the salinity of an industrial pasta cooker. The system uses a model predictive estimator to estimate the state of the salt content, and predict an amount of salt to add to the system, in order to reach and maintain the target salinity. Salt may be added in short bursts, or gradually and continually to maintain the proper salt levels. Rather than use a human to taste, the system employs at least one sensor (conductivity, temperature and potentially a water level sensor) and a-priori knowledge of the system dynamics to estimate the system state using a state-estimating filter, such as a Kalman filter. This allows the system to reject noise from the sensor, and distinguish between NaCl and other compounds added to the water that effect the conductivity.

Abstract: With applications such as soft robotics being severely hindered by the lack of strong soft actuators, the invention provides a new soft-actuator material—Electrically Actuated Hydraulic Solid (EAHS) material—with a stress-density that outperforms any known electrically-actuatable material. One type of actuator is fabricated by making a closed cell that acts as highly paralyzed version of a standard paraffin actuator. Each cell exhibits microscopic expansion, which is summed to produce macroscopic motion. The closed cellular nature of the material allows the system to be cut and punctured and still operate. It can be produced in a lab or industrial scale, and can be formed using molding, 3D printing or cutting.

Abstract: A system to control the salinity of an industrial pasta cooker. The system uses a model predictive estimator to estimate the state of the salt content, and predict an amount of salt to add to the system, in order to reach and maintain the target salinity. Salt may be added in short bursts, or gradually and continually to maintain the proper salt levels. Rather than use a human to taste, the system employs at least one sensor (conductivity, temperature and potentially a water level sensor) and a-priori knowledge of the system dynamics to estimate the system state using a state-estimating filter, such as a Kalman filter. This allows the system to reject noise from the sensor, and distinguish between NaCl and other compounds added to the water that effect the conductivity.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing deposition tool and cartridge system and method that allows for a preassembled cartridge to be dropped into a deposition tool, pressurized once, locked into place using a combination of a locating feature and tapered valve catch, where the deposition tool can deposit pressurized material by opening and closing a valve. The deposition tool can move up and down to avoid obstacles on the work surface, with the accuracy of the tool head height governed by physical hard stop devices, which allow an inexpensive motor to exert a force against a stop to precisely locate the tool head using inexpensive, low-precision motors.