Abstract: Concepts of an omnidirectional pinion wheel are described. In one embodiment, the wheel includes first and second rims each including inner and outer rim surfaces, and an annular ring of rollers affixed on the outer surface of one of the first and second annular rim. Using an axis of freedom of the rollers, the wheel can move sideways in addition to forward and backward. Further, when used with a vertical rack gear, the wheel can provide vertical displacement by engagement between teeth of the gear and the pinion ring. Additionally, various racks and tracks with teeth for pinion ring engagement are described along with an example vehicle capable of vertical displacement using the wheels.

Abstract: A system for synchronizing central processing units (CPU) includes a schedule module that communicates a synchronization point, a first CPU that writes a first memory address to a first register in response to the first CPU reaching the synchronization point, and a second CPU that writes a second memory address to a second register in response to the second CPU reaching the synchronization point. The system further includes a first logical AND module that writes a first value to a third register based on the first and second memory addresses and a second logical AND module that writes a second value to a fourth register based on the first and second memory addresses. The system also includes a scheduler module that selectively generates a processor sync signal based on the first and second value.

Abstract: The invention provides a use of a particle to absorb and retain odiferous compounds, wherein the particle comprises: —(a) a solid core comprising a first hydrophobic polymer, and (b) a shell comprising a second hydrophobic polymer wherein the Tg of the first hydrophobic polymer is lower than the Tg of the second hydrophobic polymer; wherein the particles have a mean particle size of less than 1 micron, preferably from 0.1 to 0.3 microns, and wherein the odiferous compound is a malodor compound.

Abstract: A cooling system having integrated cold plate extending member and cold plate for an electronics enclosure includes a chassis having multiple heat producing boards positioned in side-by-side parallel configuration having successive ones of the boards separated by a cavity thereby defining multiple ones of the cavities. A cold plate assembly includes a base unit of a thermally conductive material. The cold plate assembly also includes multiple cold plate extending members connected to the base unit. Successive ones of the cold plate extending members are spaced to be slidably received in one of the cavities such that the cold plate extending member received between any two successive boards is in direct contact with both of the successive ones of the boards.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a recirculating gantry system operating in parallel with multiple actuators on one or more gantries. A plurality of items are retrieved from a plurality of picking locations via a plurality of actuators disposed on a gantry spanning the picking locations. The gantry is moved along a horizontal track toward a plurality of stowage locations. The gantry is centered on the horizontal track. Individual items are deposited in respective ones of the stowage locations via the plurality of actuators as the gantry moves over the stowage locations.

Abstract: An example storage module may include an upper support structure, a lower support structure, and a frame. The upper support structure may engage with a corresponding lower support structure of a first different storage module. The lower support structure may engage with a corresponding upper support structure of a second different storage module. The frame may include a first component and a second component. Each component may include an upper portion, a lower portion, and a set of connecting portions. The upper portion may define an upper level of the storage module. The lower portion may define a lower level of the storage module. The set of connecting portions may connect the upper and lower portions. The storage module may also include a set of carrier devices to move in accordance with a movement path and support a set of storage containers.

Abstract: An example item storage system may include a shipping container and a plurality of storage modules disposed within the interior of the shipping container. Each storage module may include an upper support structure, a lower support structure, and a frame. The upper support structure may engage with a corresponding lower support structure of a first different storage module. The frame may define an upper level to support a first plurality of moveable container carriers, and a lower level to support a second plurality of moveable container carriers.

Abstract: An example process may include receiving a request identifying an action with respect to an item and a modular storage system. The modular storage system may include a plurality of shipping containers accessible from an item transfer facility. The process may also include identifying a particular shipping container of the plurality of shipping containers to fulfill the request. The process may also include identifying, within the particular shipping container, a particular storage module to fulfill the request. The particular storage module may include a particular plurality of storage containers. The process may also include identifying, from among the particular plurality of storage containers, a particular storage container to fulfill the request. The process may also include causing movement of the particular plurality of storage containers to move the particular storage container to an access position.

Abstract: A computing system may be configured to implement a plurality of agents each associated with a predetermined number of CPU cores and a predetermined amount of memory and to receive requests to perform tasks. A request may specify the number of CPU cores and amount of memory for performing the task. Allocation of resources may include determining multiple allocation profiles, each describing a possible allocation of cores and memory to the task from currently available CPU cores and memory associated with the agents. For each agent and for each of said allocation profiles, respective efficiency measures for memory usage and CPU usage may be calculated. An allocation profile may be selected using said calculated memory usage and CPU usage efficiency measures.

Abstract: A unique digital identifier of a bundled set of items may be generated based on imaging data or other information captured from the bundled set, stored, and used for any purpose. The imaging data or other information may depict or describe the bundled set after the items have been wrapped or otherwise combined in a unique manner using a binding agent, e.g., a sheet of shrink wrap, a rubber band, or any other materials. Unique digital identifiers of bundled sets of items may be stored in association with information regarding the items. When a bundled set of items is recognized based on its unique digital identifier, information regarding the bundled set may be accessed and used for any purpose, such as to identify a common container for the bundled set based on attributes of any of the items or an order with which the bundled set is associated.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for an automated package unloading system. An automated package unloading system can include an end effector supported by a supporting frame which is mounted to a conveyor system. The end effector and/or the conveyor can be configured to move into and out of a container containing stacked packages. The end effector can be configured to attach to the packages and pull the packages from their original position. The end effector can further be configured to release the packages onto the underlying conveyor.

Abstract: A fluid conduit comprises a wall defining a fluid flow path and a confinement feature within the wall and being configured to confine energy within a cavity, wherein at least a portion of the fluid flow path extends through the cavity. The confinement feature may be configured to confine electromagnetic energy. The fluid conduit may comprise an oscillator defined by the cavity and a positive feedback arrangement. The fluid conduit may be configured for sensing a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit or for use in sensing a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-in-oil antiperspirant composition comprising: A) an aqueous phase containing dissolved antiperspirant active; B) an oil phase comprising: i) an amido gelator; ii) a fatty alcohol that is liquid at 25° C.; iii) a primary non-volatile emollient oil having a refractive index of from 1.47 to 1.56; iv) a secondary non-volatile emollient oil having a refractive index of from 1.38 to 1.451 and C) and emulsifier; and further to a method of production of said antiperspirant composition.

Abstract: A unique digital identifier of a bundled set of items may be generated based on imaging data or other information captured from the bundled set, stored, and used for any purpose. The imaging data or other information may depict or describe the bundled set after the items have been wrapped or otherwise combined in a unique manner using a binding agent, e.g., a sheet of shrink wrap, a rubber band, or any other materials. Unique digital identifiers of bundled sets of items may be stored in association with information regarding the items. When a bundled set of items is recognized based on its unique digital identifier, information regarding the bundled set may be accessed and used for any purpose, such as to identify a common container for the bundled set based on attributes of any of the items or an order with which the bundled set is associated.

Abstract: A tap off box (22) for use with a busbar trunking system (24) comprising at least one conducting bar (26), the tap off box (22) comprising: an inlet contact (34); a movable sheath (36) for the inlet contact (34); and an electrical outlet (50) in electrical communication with the inlet contact (34), wherein, when the tap off box (22) is in a mounted position on the busbar trunking system (24), movement of the sheath (36) to a first position breaks an electrical connection between a conducting bar (26) and the electrical outlet (50).

Abstract: A section of a busbar trunking system, referred to herein as “a BTS section”, comprising: a plurality of conducting bars; and a female electrical connector at a first end of the BTS section; wherein the female electrical connector is arranged to receive a male electrical connector of an adjacent BTS section to electrically connect the conducting bars of the BTS section to conducting bars of the adjacent BTS section as part of a plug-and-play connection.

Abstract: Unwinding systems and methods are provided for unwinding a fiber from a bobbin. The unwinding system can include an axle defining a first axis extending an axial direction, a bobbin rotatably mounted around the axle, a pulley positioned to receive the fiber from the bobbin, wherein the pulley is rotatable around a second axis, and a sensor positioned between the bobbin and the pulley. The bobbin is moveable along the axial direction, and wherein the fiber extends tangentially from a surface of the bobbin.

Abstract: Methods for coating a fiber are provided. The method can include unwinding a silicon carbide-containing fibrous material from a bobbin rotatably mounted around an axle and forming a boron nitride coating onto the silicon carbide-containing fibrous material. The bobbin is moved along the axial direction such that the silicon carbide-containing fibrous material defines an unwind angle with the axial direction, with the unwind angle being maintained between about 80° to about 100°.

Abstract: A pipe comprises a pipe wall formed of a composite material of a matrix and a plurality of reinforcing fibres embedded within the matrix, wherein the composite material in at least one region of the pipe wall is pre-stressed. The composite material in at least one region of the pipe wall comprises or defines at least one of a level of pre-tension and pre-compression.

Abstract: Described are systems, methods, and apparatus for automated item singulation. The system includes a singulation station in which a plurality of different type items may be transitioned onto a singulation table. The singulation table activates and the movement of the singulation table causes the items to de-shingle, separate in distance with respect to one another and migrate along the singulation table toward a pick conveyor. As the de-shingled and singulated items arrive on the pick conveyor they are detected and individually picked by a robotic unit and transitioned from the singulation station.