Abstract: The invention relates to a method performed by a first control device for controlling assembly of a vehicle from a set of modules, the set of modules comprising: at least one drive module and at least one functional module, wherein the at least one drive module comprises a pair of wheels and is configured to be autonomously operated, and wherein each module in the set of modules comprises at least one interface releasably connectable to a corresponding interface on the other module, the method comprising: commanding a second control device of the at least one drive module to physically connect the at least one drive module with the at least one functional module to assemble a vehicle; and receiving, from at least one of the modules of the assembled vehicle, a verification of the connection between the modules.

Abstract: A snow and ice removal system is disclosed. The system includes a container element and a strap element wherein both ends of the strap element are affixed to the same side of the container element. The user can place his arm through a loop in the strap and secure the strap over his shoulder. Securing the strap at two points on the same side enables the container apparatus to be carried in a horizontal position relative to the ground surface. For example, the container element may be carried in a position substantially parallel to the ground enabling the user to readily access the ice removal product. The user can easily reach in to grab the product and apply it.

Abstract: A snow and ice removal system is disclosed. The system includes a container element and a strap element wherein both ends of the strap element are affixed to the same side of the container element. The user can place his arm through a loop in the strap and secure the strap over his shoulder. Securing the strap at two points on the same side enables the container apparatus to be carried in a horizontal position relative to the ground surface. For example, the container element may be carried in a position substantially parallel to the ground enabling the user to readily access the ice removal product. The user can easily reach in to grab the product and apply it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method performed by a first control device for controlling assembly of a vehicle from a set of modules, the set of modules comprising: at least one drive module and at least one functional module, wherein the at least one drive module comprises a pair of wheels and is configured to be autonomously operated, and wherein each module in the set of modules comprises at least one interface releasably connectable to a corresponding interface on the other module, the method comprising: commanding a second control device of the at least one drive module to physically connect the at least one drive module with the at least one functional module to assemble a vehicle; and receiving, from at least one of the modules of the assembled vehicle, a verification of the connection between the modules.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making an olefin from a dialkyl ether comprising (a) introducing an ether having a formula CxH2x+1CyH2y+1 into a thermal or catalytic cracking unit processing a hydrocarbon feedstock; and (b) decomposing at least a portion of the ether to form an olefin having a formula CxH2x and/or CyH2y and an alcohol having a formula CxH2x+1 and/or CyH2y+1OH, wherein x and y independently range from about 1 to about 30. This invention also relates to a method of reducing coking in a thermal or catalytic cracking unit comprising (a) introducing an ether, having a formula CxH2x+1OCyH2y+1, into the cracking unit processing a hydrocarbon feedstock in an amount effective to reduce coke formation relative to processing the hydrocarbon feedstock in the absence of the ether, wherein x and y independently range from about 1 to about 30.