Abstract: A system for safely operating an automated vehicle includes a first network including a sensor set comprising a plurality of sensors configured to detect the surroundings of the vehicle. The sensor set is coupled to a high-performance electronic control unit (ECU) configured to process the signals of the sensors for orientation, control, and collision avoidance. The system further includes a secure motion-control ECU redundantly coupled to at least one drive element via at least two control signals for controlling the vehicle. The high-performance ECU is configured to output an object recognition indicator signal for orientation, control, and collision avoidance to the motion-control ECU. The system also includes a second, hierarchical, redundant network for safely operating the vehicle. The motion-control ECU is designed to securely evaluate the signals of a human/remote-machine interface (HMI/RMI), a ground truth sensing device, and a perception-safety ECU for the recognition of an emergency state.

Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a communication unit that performs a wireless connection with a terminal device and a processing unit that generates a two-dimensional code including address information that specifies a network setting page used for performing network setting with the image processing device. When the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, the processing unit performs processing of outputting the generated two-dimensional code.

Abstract: The invention refers to a driving circuit (2) for a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer (4) in an ultrasonic transducer system (1), comprising: a transformer (21) having at least one primary-side winding (22, 22?, 22?); a switching unit having a semiconductor switch (24?, 24?) connected to the at least one primary-side winding (22, 22?, 22?) via a switched connection (A?, A?); and, a control unit (5) which is configured to alternately apply an operating voltage (UB) to the at least one primary-side winding (22, 22?, 22?) or to disconnect it therefrom, a protection circuit (25) which is electrically coupled to the switched connection (A?, A?) and which has a Zener diode (ZD1) which limits a switch-off voltage at the switched connection (A?, A?) in terms of magnitude to a limiting voltage (UG) which corresponds to at least twice the operating voltage.

Abstract: A transport and storage pallet device with modular, self-contained, and collapsible features is described. The device includes a top frame, a bottom frame, a linking system, hooks, hoist rings, and a collapsing mechanism. The top frame and the bottom frame each include a topside and an underside. The topside of the bottom frame is configured with modular inserts to accommodate full or partial loads of varying sizes. The linking system includes rods extending from and connecting the top frame to the bottom frame. The rods are extensible in length such that the distance between the top frame and the bottom frame is sufficient to secure full or partial loads of varying sizes.

Abstract: A hoisting device includes a sling and first and second fork-pocket adaptors interconnected to the sling for engaging first and second fork pocket sets on opposite sides of a palletized structure. The first fork-pocket adaptor includes a first locking mechanism for mating with a corresponding locking feature of the first fork pocket set. In an exemplary embodiment, the first locking mechanism includes a retractable first engagement member at one end of the first fork-pocket adaptor for engaging a corresponding first locking feature of the first fork pocket set. The opposite end of the first fork-pocket adaptor includes a second locking mechanism with a second engagement member for engaging a corresponding second locking feature of the first fork pocket set.

Abstract: A retractable fitting assembly may include a cover that is rotatable around a first axis between closed and open positions, and a fitting that is rotatable around a second axis between closed and open positions. The first and second axes may be spaced apart and generally parallel. The direction of rotation of the fitting from the closed position to the open position may be opposite the direction of rotation of the cover from the closed position to the open position. In the closed position of the cover and the open position of the fitting, at least a portion of the cover abuts the fitting to thereby hinder rotation of the fitting.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can be used to implement a method, system, device, software program product, machine-readable medium, signal, and/or user interface for, among other things: automatically down-sampling a first version of a digital image product to a second version; automatically uploading or downloading a predetermined version of the digital image product; automatically applying a transformation to a predetermined version of the digital image product; and/or automatically synchronizing versions across a server and/or multiple clients.

Abstract: Shipping and storage systems convertible between containers and racks are provided. Collapsible shipping and storage systems are provided, which include pallets with novel locking mechanisms. An embodiment includes a first pallet having an interface fitting and a locking component, a second pallet having a second interface fitting and a second locking component, and structural support members positionable between the pallets for supporting one of the pallets in spaced relation over the other pallet. The structural support members may include frame members and walls interchangeable with one another. The frame members may be combined with the pallets to establish a rack system having an open storage area. The walls also may be combined with the pallets to establish a storage container having a compartment.

Abstract: Shipping and storage containers, racks, and pallets including interlocking mechanisms are provided. An embodiment of the pallet includes openings, interface fittings aligned with the openings, respectively, and sized to fit into openings of identical sizes and configurations as the first and second openings, respectively, locking components operatively connected to one another, and an actuator for moving concomitantly the locking components into and out of the openings, respectively.

Abstract: Shipping and storage containers, racks, and pallets including automatic interlocking mechanisms are provided. An embodiment of the automatically locking pallet includes a pallet frame including a forklift tine opening, a pallet platform, a locking component movable into and out of a locking arrangement with an interface fitting of a storage assembly when the automatically locking pallet and the storage assembly are stacked, and an actuator operatively connected to the locking component. The actuator may be activated by a forklift tine entering the forklift tine opening to move the locking component out of the locking arrangement.

Abstract: A pallet has a bottom frame with saddles conforming to two generally cylindrical objects, such as bombs, and has a plurality of A-frames disposed at each side and transversely oppositely of the bombs. The wider portion of each A-frame is mounted on the bottom frame for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the axis of the bombs. The narrower portion of each A-frame has a captive cap screw disposed to extend vertically when the A-frame is pivoted into an upright position beside an adjacent bomb. The pallet has a top frame having inverted saddles conforming to the bombs; has a member which extends across the bombs at the positions of lifting lugs protruding radially from the bombs and which has slots to receive and engage the lifting lugs; and has pockets disposed to receive the cap screws. The bottom frame and the A-frames are configured so that the A-frames may pivot into the bottom frame when the pallet is empty.

Abstract: A pallet has a bottom frame with saddles conforming to two generally cylindrical objects, such as bombs, and has a plurality of A-frames disposed at each side and transversely oppositely of the bombs. The wider portion of each A-frame is mounted on the bottom frame for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the axis of the bombs. The narrower portion of each A-frame has a captive cap screw disposed to extend vertically when the A-frame is pivoted into an upright position beside an adjacent bomb. The pallet has a top frame having inverted saddles conforming to the bombs; has a member which extends across the bombs at the positions of lifting lugs protruding radially from the bombs and which has slots to receive and engage the lifting lugs; and has pockets disposed to receive the cap screws. The bottom frame and the A-frames are configured so that the A-frames may pivot into the bottom frame when the pallet is empty.

Abstract: An automated process of conducting an online sweepstakes and marketing to sweepstakes entrants. The software system enables a non-technical individual (e.g., sweepstakes manager, marketer, etc.) to create a sweepstakes entry form that is integrated with back-end data processing systems. The entry form and entry form processing system are kept consistent with sweepstakes rules chosen by the non-technical individual and automatically generated by the system. The system enforces compliance with applicable laws with integrated tools to pick winners, to determine eligibility and to collect winner affidavits. A back-end database is integrated directly with a sweepstakes entry form. Online tools permit a marketer to view entrants and select entrants to receive direct email. Direct-email marketing tools are integrated with the sweepstakes front-end system, which allows a marketer to send out promotional offers and business communications directly from the sweepstakes system.

Abstract: A technique for updating the software in a remote computer (e.g., a base station, a spacecraft in space, an electronic postage meter in an office, a medical monitoring device in a patient's home, etc.) from a central control (e.g., a wireless switching center, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Houston Control, a postage meter facility, a medical equipment manufacturer's factory, etc.) is disclosed.