Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are described for compact radar systems. In some examples, a compact radar system can include a first set of transmit antennas, a second set of receive antennas, one or more processors, and at least one computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the radar system to coordinate digital beam steering of the first set of transmit antennas and the second set of receive antennas, and coordinate digital beam forming with one or more of the second set of receive antennas to detect one or more objects within a distance of the radar system.

Abstract: An on-board navigation system for an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operating in an unknown environment. A point-cloud sensor system generates point cloud data representing the unknown environment. An on-board processing system processes the point cloud data to generate both a 2-D occupancy grid and a 3-D voxel map, with the 2-D occupancy grid having cells with known (seen) and unknown data. Additional processing determines an amount of known-to-unknown (transitional) data in each cell, thereby determining unexplored regions. A cost is assigned to each unexplored region, based at least in part on the amount of transitional data in cells of the region. The unexplored regions are then sorted based on their costs, thereby determining an optimal region to explore. The 3-D voxel map is used to find a safe area within the optimal region where the UAS may fly. A flight path to the optimal region is then calculated.

Abstract: An employee scheduling system provides a primary work schedule and a standby work schedule based on assignment of workers to teams and subteams. The scheduling system automatically assigns works to shifts based on user inputs, such as design constraints. The output schedule is displayed to a user on the graphical user interface of an output device, including the standby work schedule indicating subteam assignments to off-days.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cellulosic composites that include mechanical or chemical pulp, and methods for producing such cellulosic composites. Embodiments of such composites may exhibit improved mechanical properties and moisture resistance when compared to composites derived from conventional cellulosic feedstock.

Abstract: A multiple screw extruder (50) combines application of vacuum to a vacuum vent (62) positioned between material feed locations (70, 72) of the extruder and use of specially configured extruder screws (58) to extract gases, primarily air, out of the extruder to densify the materials introduced into it and to extract unwanted fluid from material introduced for mixture with molten polymeric material flowing through the extruder. The multiple screw extruder is operationally versatile in that it is capable of carrying out the material densification and fluid extraction processes either separately or simultaneously. Implementation of the disclosed vacuum feed technology provides an increase in rate of extrudate throughput as compared with that achievable by implementation of atmospheric venting (16) in a conventionally configured extruder (10a, 10b).

Abstract: Cellulosic composites comprising cellulosic filaments and a polymer matrix are described. Embodiments of such composites may exhibit improved mechanical properties and moisture resistance. Methods for producing the cellulosic composites include melt processing and articles are produced by extrusion.

Abstract: A multiple screw extruder (50) combines application of vacuum to a vacuum vent (62) positioned between material feed locations (70, 72) of the extruder and use of specially configured extruder screws (58) to extract gases, primarily air, out of the extruder to densify the materials introduced into it and to extract unwanted fluid from material introduced for mixture with molten polymeric material flowing through the extruder. The multiple screw extruder is operationally versatile in that it is capable of carrying out the material densification and fluid extraction processes either separately or simultaneously. Implementation of the disclosed vacuum feed technology provides an increase in rate of extrudate throughput as compared with that achievable by implementation of atmospheric venting (16) in a conventionally configured extruder (10a, 10b).

Abstract: The present invention discloses cellulosic composites that include mechanical or chemical pulp, and methods for producing such cellulosic composites. Embodiments of such composites may exhibit improved mechanical properties and moisture resistance when compared to composites derived from conventional cellulosic feedstock.

Abstract: Puck and collar alignment device embodiments facilitate simultaneous insertion of free end portions of screw shafts into open end portions of complementary drive couplings. The embodiments have alignment keys that correct deviations in alignment and rotation introduced while moving the screw shafts though a barrel of an extruder. Tapered front faces of the alignment keys incrementally adjust coaxial alignment, and tapered side faces of the alignment keys incrementally adjust rotational position cooperatively between the alignment devices and drive couplings. The coaxial and rotational position adjustments cooperate to simultaneously guide multiple alignment keys to fit within corresponding keyway sections while providing alignment of external splines on the screw shafts to interlock in a timed relationship with internal splines on the drive couplings during the simultaneous insertion.

Abstract: Puck and collar alignment device embodiments facilitate simultaneous insertion of free end portions of screw shafts into open end portions of complementary drive couplings. The embodiments have alignment keys that correct deviations in alignment and rotation introduced while moving the screw shafts though a barrel of an extruder. Tapered front faces of the alignment keys incrementally adjust coaxial alignment, and tapered side faces of the alignment keys incrementally adjust rotational position cooperatively between the alignment devices and drive couplings. The coaxial and rotational position adjustments cooperate to simultaneously guide multiple alignment keys to fit within corresponding keyway sections while providing alignment of external splines on the screw shafts to interlock in a timed relationship with internal splines on the drive couplings during the simultaneous insertion.

Abstract: A dual-skin structure (10, 210) comprises a first skin (12, 112, 212), a second skin (14, 114, 214) and an intermediate structure (16, 116, 216). The intermediate structure (16, 116, 216) comprises a plurality of first contact portions (18, 118, 218) connected to an interior surface of the first skin (12, 112, 212), a plurality of second contact portions (20, 120, 220) connected to an interior surface of the second skin (14, 114, 214) and a plurality of interconnecting web portions integral to the first (18, 118, 218) and second (20, 120, 220) contact portions and extending between ones of the first (18, 118, 218) and second (20, 120, 220) contact portions to form an internal supporting structure (16, 116, 216) alternating between the interior surfaces of the first (12, 112, 212) and second (14, 114, 214) skins.