Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting vehicle collisions are provided. The methods involve operating at least one processor to: receive telematics data originating from a telematics device installed in a vehicle, the telematics data including acceleration data; detect a putative collision event based on the acceleration data exceeding a predetermined acceleration threshold; identify a portion of the acceleration data associated with the putative collision event, the portion of the acceleration data spanning from a time prior to the putative collision event to a time subsequent to the putative collision event; identify at least one impulse in the portion of the acceleration data based on a predetermined jerk threshold; use a trained classifier on the at least one impulse to determine that the putative collision event is a collision event; and in response to determining the collision event, trigger at least one action responsive to the collision event.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting a difference in orientation between a lawn mower and a surface on which the mower is mowing, or between portions of such surface, based on one or more of sensor data or map data are discussed. The difference in orientation may then be used to control the lawn mower by, for example, raising a deck height or idling a blade speed, though other actuations are contemplated. In some examples, an amount the deck height is raised may be based on the difference in orientation. Based on a subsequent difference detected being at or below a threshold difference, the mower may return to previous operating conditions including, but not limited to, returning a blade speed to a previous blade speed and/or returning the deck height to a previous deck height, among other controls. Such techniques may prevent undercutting turf due to such differences.

Abstract: Techniques and architectures for manually controlling a lawn mower while a user is positioned on or within proximity to the lawn mower are discussed herein. For example, the lawn mower can include a control interface having a handle that the user grips with one or more fingers and a control attached to the handle to receive input from one or more other fingers of the user. The control can include a lever or other element with opposing tabs configured to receive input from fingers of the user.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of drones to survey a location, the method comprising, at a computing system: automatically generating preliminary flight plans for a plurality of drones to survey the location based on a 3D model; receiving survey data from the plurality of drones as the plurality of drones are surveying the location based on the preliminary flight plans; updating the 3D model based on the survey data received from the plurality of drones; and automatically updating at least a portion of the flight plans based on the updated 3D model

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improving the resilience of a network of positioning-unit devices to failure of the reference device that controls the network timebase via timing information in its signal. In certain embodiments a predetermined one of the positioning-unit devices is configured to monitor the reference signal, assess serviceability of that signal and take control of the network if it determines that signal is unserviceable. Continuity of network synchronisation is thereby maintained despite the reference signal being unserviceable. Preferably the predetermined positioning-unit device is configured to obtain information on the reference signal from at least one other positioning-unit device for assessing reference signal serviceability.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving data for one or more aircraft currently flying within an airspace. The received data for each of the one or more aircraft includes a current position and at least one aircraft parameter. Based on the current position and the at least one aircraft parameter, the method also includes determining an initial volume and a predicted future trajectory for each of the one or more aircraft. The method additionally includes determining, based on the predicted future trajectory and the initial volume, an extended volume for each of the one or more aircraft. The method further includes determining, based on the extended volume determined for each of the one or more aircraft, a composite extended volume space. The method includes planning a flight path for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) through the airspace based on the composite extended volume space.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for generating a set of connected segments for a device or system to traverse in order to reach every point of the region (a coverage plan). Nodes defining the region to be traversed define a polygon. The polygon is decomposed into a mesh and a graph of the mesh is generated. The graph may be used to determine a longest funneled path which, in turn, may be used to either optimize for a longest path or to divide the polygon for eroding sides. The longest path and/or erosions are used to define a set of segments. The segments are connected, which in some examples is done via an optimization to minimize an amount of time or energy to traverse all segments and connections. The resultant coverage plan is sent to a system configured to receive the plan and traverse the region.

Abstract: The present systems, devices, and methods relate to managing shared vehicle access. Vehicle access can be provided to a candidate user based on whether the user is included in a list of at least one user associated with a respective virtual key. Virtual keys can be created, or lists of at least one user can be updated to include the candidate user, to in turn provide vehicle access. Virtual keys can be stored in a plurality of virtual key slots, with vehicle access being provided based on a virtual key stored in an active key slot. Status reports can be sent to a reservation management device, for updating virtual keys or lists of at least one user.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of making and methods of using are provided for topical administration of pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more activin receptor-like kinase-5 (ALK-5) kinase inhibitors. The pharmaceutical compositions can be used for treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the skin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improving the resilience of a network of positioning-unit devices to failure of the reference device that controls the network timebase via timing information in its signal. In certain embodiments a predetermined one of the positioning-unit devices is configured to monitor the reference signal, assess serviceability of that signal and take control of the network if it determines that signal is unserviceable. Continuity of network synchronisation is thereby maintained despite the reference signal being unserviceable. Preferably the predetermined positioning-unit device is configured to obtain information on the reference signal from at least one other positioning-unit device for assessing reference signal serviceability.

Abstract: A cooperative robot (Cobot) system can perform multiple machining tasks. For example, a Cobot system can include a machining end-effector. The machining end-effector can include a main part. The main part can include a machining bit extendable from the main part. The main part can also include a motor for rotation the machining bit. The machining end-effector can also include a subpart. The subpart can include a linear guiding mechanism. The linear guiding mechanism can passively align the machining bit by generating a reaction torque that utilizes a compliance of the Cobot system.

Abstract: A method comprising receiving a plurality of images of a scene captured by at least one drone; identifying features within the plurality of images; identifying similar images of the plurality of images based on the features identified within the plurality of images; comparing the similar images based on the features identified within the similar images to determine a proportion of features shared by the similar images; selecting a subset of the plurality of images that have a proportion of shared features that meets a predetermined range; generating a first 3D model of the scene from the subset of images using a first 3D model building algorithm; generating a second 3D model of the scene from the subset of images using a second 3D model building algorithm; computing errors for the first and second 3D models; and selecting as the model of the scene the first or second 3D model.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for compensating for the forces exerted on the autonomous lawn mower exerted by operating on a sloped region to be mowed are provided herein. In some examples, such systems and techniques may include receiving a coverage plan of an area to be mowed that includes a sloped region, determining, based on data for the one or more sensors, an orientation of the autonomous lawn mower and determining a slope force to compensate for the slope on which the autonomous lawn mower is operating. The slope force is then converted into signals to generate torques at one or more wheels to compensate for the slope.

Abstract: A semicrystalline polyarylethersulfone (PAES) useful for additive manufacturing may be made by a method comprising: dissolving an amorphous polyarylethersulfone in a polar aprotic halogenated hydrocarbon solvent at a temperature adequate to effectively form a solution, and subsequently and spontaneously bring about reprecipitation of a semicrystalline polyarylethersulfone from the solution. The semicrystalline polyarylethersulfone may have a crystallinity of at least 30% by weight. The semicrystalline PAES, upon being heated, melting and uniting together in layers during additive manufacturing cools without substantially recrystallizing, allows for deformation-free articles to be formed having low residual stress.

Abstract: A photoionization sensor assembly includes a housing defining a chamber with a first end and an opposing second end and being permeable to the analyte gas and non-analyte gases. A radiation source is structured to emit photons into the chamber. A first, second and third electrode are positioned in the chamber. The photons ionize the analyte gas, are insufficient to ionize the non-analyte gases, and causing ejection of photoelectrons from the third electrode. A controller is structured to receive a measurement of a total pressure and electrically bias the electrodes to collect the photoelectrons on the first and second electrodes in a ratio dependent on the total pressure. The controller is structured to determine the ratio of photoelectrons that are collected on the first and second electrodes at the total pressure and determine an amount of electrical current due to ionization by correcting the measured current using the determined ratio.

Abstract: A plasma generation device for generating a plasma comprises a support having a first side and an opposing second side. The support is comprised of a ceramic matrix and a split-ring conductor is embedded in the ceramic matrix. A hermetically sealed via extends from the split-ring conductor to the second side of the support and connects to an electrical supply. A ground plane is formed on the second side of the support. A plasma is generated proximate to the first side of the support, and the support seals to a wall of the chamber such that the first side is exposed to the one or more gases inside the chamber and the second side is isolated from the plasma and the one or more gases inside of the chamber.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving an indication of presence of an aircraft in a vicinity of an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) which is flying along a flight path. The method also includes decelerating, based on the received indication, the UAV to reduce a ground speed along the flight path. The method additionally includes descending, after reducing the ground speed, the UAV to a hover position. The method further includes determining, while the UAV is in the hover position, whether to resume the flight path or to land the UAV based on a determination of continued presence of the aircraft in the vicinity of the UAV. The method also includes controlling the UAV based on the determination of whether to resume the flight path or to land the UAV.

Abstract: The present systems, devices, and methods relate to managing shared vehicle access. Vehicle access can be provided to a candidate user based on whether the user is included in a list of at least one user associated with a respective virtual key. Virtual keys can be created, or lists of at least one user can be updated to include the candidate user, to in turn provide vehicle access. Virtual keys can be stored in a plurality of virtual key slots, with vehicle access being provided based on a virtual key stored in an active key slot. Status reports can be sent to a reservation management device, for updating virtual keys or lists of at least one user.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system includes a vehicle seat and a child restraint system integrated with the vehicle seat. The child restraint system includes an illuminated status indicator system. The child restraint system includes an occupant detection system. The child restraint system includes one or more position sensors configured to determine seat bottom position. The child restraint includes a harness system. The harness system is stored behind a door panel in a seat back of the vehicle seat. The harness system includes one or more load sensors. The load sensors work in combination with a motor to automatically adjust harness fit. The child restraint system is configured to automatically deploy. The child restraint system is configured to automatically stow. The vehicle safety system includes an input/output (I/O) device configured to facilitate interactions with the child restraint system.