Abstract: The present invention provides improved paving vehicles for following a supply truck for use in paving asphalt roadways. The paving vehicles of the present invention need not be transported on a trailer, and are capable of traveling at low or relatively high speeds on their own. This is accomplished through the use of novel chassis and propulsion systems having two rear axles, with each axle coupled directly to its own hydraulic motor, such that each of the two hydraulic motors provides power to one axle. Embodiments of the invention also include reciprocating conveyor apparatus and methods, such that the conveyor apparatus may be moved to a lowered position to receive the gravity discharge of materials from a hopper and supply truck during a paving operation, and moved to a raised position in order to provide a wide margin of ground clearance when driving the paving vehicle, or loading or unloading the paving vehicle from a trailer.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and systems that enable grid-based enrollment for face authentication. The techniques and systems include overlaying a three-dimensional (3D) tracking window over a preview image of the user's face displayed via a display device. The 3D tracking window includes a plurality of segments, which persist to correspond to an approximate direction that the user's face is facing. Based on the tracking, segments are highlighted to indicate the approximate direction that the user's face is facing, a camera captures enrollment images of the user's face facing that direction, and embeddings are generated based on the enrollment images and stored in a fixed grid of pose cells corresponding to various facial poses for use in face authentication. Responsive to generation and storage of the embeddings, an indication that the one or more segments are completed is provided.

Abstract: Examples provide a system for watering plants on a rack. Sensor data is analyzed to generate a status of a plant on a rack and updated water instructions are generated. A robotic device moves the selected plant rack to a watering zone. A release of water onto the selected plant rack within the watering zone is detected and a set of rotational maneuvers is initiated to enable equal water distribution across the selected plant rack. The selected plant rack is then return to the original, assigned location based on a cessation of water emissions being detected.

Abstract: Examples provide a system for watering plants on a rack. A robotic device attaches to a portion of the rack and pulls or pushes the rack to a watering zone. A sprinkler device sprays water to evenly distribute water across all plants on the rack. The system determines quantity of water, duration of watering, and frequency of watering based on real-time sensor data and context data associated with the environment, historical watering data, condition of the plants on the rack and a set of customized maintenance rules based on the type of plants on the rack. When watering is complete, the robotic device returns the rack to a designated location and detaches from the rack. The robotic device then attaches to another rack having plants on it scheduled for watering. The watering schedule is updated dynamically based on changing weather and plant state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of decorating metallic containers are provided. More specifically, the present invention provides novel apparatus and methods of forming an indicia or a decorative shape on a closed end-wall of a metallic container body. A tool of one embodiment of the present invention is operable to form an indicia in a metallic sheet. A cupping apparatus can subsequently form a cup from the metallic sheet which includes the indicia. The cup can be formed into a container body by a bodymaker. In another embodiment, a tool of a bodymaker is operable to form an indicia or a decorative shape in a closed end-wall during formation of a metallic container body. The indicia or decorative shape can be formed by coining, punching, embossing, debossing, and other techniques of forming and shaping metal material from which the metallic container body is formed. In this manner, the indicia may include one or more raised portions and sunken portions in the closed end-wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and a necking apparatus to reduce a first diameter of an open end of a container body to a second diameter. The necking apparatus includes a necking die and a die guide. The die guide is selectively moveable relative to the necking die to guide the open end of the container body into engagement with the necking die. The die guide includes a flange that extends into a cylindrical bore of the die guide. The flange is configured to engage a shoulder of the container body when the die guide is in a first clamping position relative to the necking die. After engaging the container shoulder with the flange, the die guide moves toward the necking die into a second necking position such that the open end contacts the necking die and the first diameter of the open end is reduced to the second diameter.

Abstract: A single storage allocation unit of a distributed storage is mapped to multiple different data temperature metric values (metric value), and each metric value calculated and produced by a data temperature generator. Each generator is designed to provide a metric value used to optimize performance of a specific data management feature for the storage subsystem. At any given point in time, the storage allocation unit has multiple up-to-date metric values available for managing the underlying data of the storage allocation unit by storage subsystems and storage management processes. Based on changing performance characteristics associated with the underlying data, a current metric value being used to manage the storage allocation unit can be dynamically switched to a different up-to-date metric value. This automatically causes the underlying storage subsystems/storage management processes to optimize arrangement and organization of the underlying data for a desired data management feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to forming a threaded neck in a metal bottle manufactured by a process known as impact extrusion. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods, apparatus and alloy compositions used in the impact extrusion manufacturing of containers and other articles with sufficient strength characteristics to allow threading the container necks to receive a threaded closure on the threaded neck.

Abstract: A clipless pedal system is provided. In various embodiments, systems of the present disclosure comprise pedals and cleats for interaction with the pedals. At least one of a pedal and an associated cleat comprises a magnet, and at least one of the pedal and the associated cleat comprises a ferrous metal for interaction with the magnet. Geometric features are provided to enable both a secure connection between a cleat and a pedal and to enable a user-friendly release of the cleat from the pedal.

Abstract: A single storage allocation unit of a distributed storage is mapped to multiple different data temperature metric values (metric value), and each metric value calculated and produced by a data temperature generator. Each generator is designed to provide a metric value used to optimize performance of a specific data management feature for the storage subsystem. At any given point in time, the storage allocation unit has multiple up-to-date metric values available for managing the underlying data of the storage allocation unit by storage subsystems and storage management processes. Based on changing performance characteristics associated with the underlying data, a current metric value being used to manage the storage allocation unit can be dynamically switched to a different up-to-date metric value. This automatically causes the underlying storage subsystems/storage management processes to optimize arrangement and organization of the underlying data for a desired data management feature.

Abstract: A clipless pedal system is provided. In various embodiments, systems of the present disclosure comprise pedals and cleats for interaction with the pedals. At least one of a pedal and an associated cleat comprises a magnet, and at least one of the pedal and the associated cleat comprises a ferrous metal for interaction with the magnet. Geometric features are provided to enable both a secure connection between a cleat and a pedal and to enable a user-friendly release of the cleat from the pedal.

Abstract: Examples provide a system for watering plants on a rack. A robotic device attaches to a portion of the rack and pulls or pushes the rack to a watering zone. A sprinkler device sprays water to evenly distribute water across all plants on the rack. The system determines quantity of water, duration of watering, and frequency of watering based on real-time sensor data and context data associated with the environment, historical watering data, condition of the plants on the rack and a set of customized maintenance rules based on the type of plants on the rack. When watering is complete, the robotic device returns the rack to a designated location and detaches from the rack. The robotic device then attaches to another rack having plants on it scheduled for watering. The watering schedule is updated dynamically based on changing weather and plant state.

Abstract: Examples provide a robotic plant-watering device including a set of articulated robotic arms connected to a main body. One or more adjustable water sprinkler devices attach to one or more of the robotic arms for watering one or more selected plants. One or more gripper devices removably attach to one or more of the robotic arms to grip a portion of a plant or plant container. The gripper device is utilized to modify a plant's position or location. A set of sensor devices generate sensor data associated with the plants or the conditions within a live plant center. A plant maintenance component analyzes the sensor data using a set of plant maintenance rules to generate a dynamic plant watering schedules based on the plant status and ambient conditions. The plant-watering device autonomously sprays a predetermined amount of water specified in the dynamic plant watering schedule onto a selected plant.

Abstract: Examples provide a system for budget-driven labor demand allocation to roles and/or tasks associated with a selected location. A labor demand splitter analyzes a budget plan for a role and live metric data, including weekly delivery schedules and predicted foot traffic, using a set of per-role configuration criteria, forecast metrics, and per-role metric weights. A month splitter and/or a week splitter allocates hours to each day based on the analysis. An intra-day splitter spreads the hours across a set of time-segments for a selected day based on a selected forecast spreading routine, such as an end-points spreading routine or a mid-point spreading routine. The labor demand splitter performs rounding, smoothing, edge-filling and/or coverage fill to generate a set of per-role allocation hours for each day during a selected time-period. The per-role allocation hours are output if it conforms with the goal hours specified by the budget plan.

Abstract: A clipless pedal system is provided. In various embodiments, systems of the present disclosure comprise pedals and cleats for interaction with the pedals. At least one of a pedal and an associated cleat comprises a magnet, and at least one of the pedal and the associated cleat comprises a ferrous metal for interaction with the magnet. Geometric features are provided to enable both a secure connection between a cleat and a pedal and to enable a user-friendly release of the cleat from the pedal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an airfoil system. A gas may be generated. The gas may be sent into an inflatable airfoil system comprising an inflatable air foil and a section. The inflatable airfoil may have an inner end and an outer end in which the inflatable airfoil may be comprised of a number of materials that substantially pass electromagnetic waves through the inflatable airfoil. The section may have a number of openings in which the inner end of the inflatable airfoil may be associated with the section. The section may be configured to be associated with a fuselage. The number of openings may be configured to provide communications with an interior of the inflatable airfoil. The section with the number of openings may be configured to reduce reflection of the electromagnetic waves encountering the section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of decorating metallic containers are provided. More specifically, the present invention provides novel apparatus and methods of forming an indicia or a decorative shape on a closed end-wall of a metallic container body. A tool of one embodiment of the present invention is operable to form an indicia in a metallic sheet. A cupping apparatus can subsequently form a cup from the metallic sheet which includes the indicia. The cup can be formed into a container body by a bodymaker. In another embodiment, a tool of a bodymaker is operable to form an indicia or a decorative shape in a closed end-wall during formation of a metallic container body. The indicia or decorative shape can be formed by coining, punching, embossing, debossing, and other techniques of forming and shaping metal material from which the metallic container body is formed. In this manner, the indicia may include one or more raised portions and sunken portions in the closed end-wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an airfoil system. A gas may be generated. The gas may be sent into an inflatable airfoil system comprising an inflatable air foil and a section. The inflatable airfoil may have an inner end and an outer end in which the inflatable airfoil may be comprised of a number of materials that substantially pass electromagnetic waves through the inflatable airfoil. The section may have a number of openings in which the inner end of the inflatable airfoil may be associated with the section. The section may be configured to be associated with a fuselage. The number of openings may be configured to provide communications with an interior of the inflatable airfoil. The section with the number of openings may be configured to reduce reflection of the electromagnetic waves encountering the section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an airfoil system. A gas may be generated. The gas may be sent into an inflatable airfoil system comprising an inflatable air foil and a section. The inflatable airfoil may have an inner end and an outer end in which the inflatable airfoil may be comprised of a number of materials that substantially pass electromagnetic waves through the inflatable airfoil. The section may have a number of openings in which the inner end of the inflatable airfoil may be associated with the section. The section may be configured to be associated with a fuselage. The number of openings may be configured to provide communications with an interior of the inflatable airfoil. The section with the number of openings may be configured to reduce reflection of the electromagnetic waves encountering the section.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to forming a threaded neck in a metal bottle manufactured by a process known as impact extrusion. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods, apparatus and alloy compositions used in the impact extrusion manufacturing of containers and other articles with sufficient strength characteristics to allow threading the container necks to receive a threaded closure on the threaded neck.