Abstract: A system of object detection for a trailer. In one example, the system includes a camera configured to capture images of the trailer, where the images include an object other than the trailer. The system also includes a sensor configured to capture sensor data, a display configured to display images from the perspective of the camera, and a controller on the vehicle. The controller includes an electronic processor configured to receive the image data from the camera, receive the sensor data from the sensor, determine a blind spot, analyze the sensor data for radar data associated with the object, calculate the position of the object relative to the blind spot and the trailer, determine that the object is within the blind spot using an object detection algorithm, and in response to the determining that the object is within the blind spot, generate an augmented image.

Abstract: A method may include accessing a financial account of a user to detect an expenditure. The method may include determining a category of the expenditure. The method may include determining whether the user has a financial goal pertaining to the category. The method may include generating a user interface, the user interface including a non-textual visualization pertaining to the financial goal. The method may include presenting the user interface on a computing device of the user.

Abstract: In some implementations, an apparatus includes a curved portion of a storage tank having an exterior surface, having an interior surface and having a defect, the apparatus also includes a steel patch positioned over the curved portion of a storage tank, a plurality of studs and nuts positioned near an outer perimeter of the steel patch, in which the plurality of studs being friction welded to the exterior surface of the curved portion of a storage tank.

Abstract: Dialysis systems and methods are described which can include a number of features. The dialysis systems described can be to provide dialysis therapy to a patient in the comfort of their own home. The dialysis system can be configured to prepare purified water from a tap water source in real-time that is used for creating a dialysate solution. The dialysis systems described also include features that make it easy for a patient to self-administer therapy. For example, the dialysis systems include disposable cartridge and patient tubing sets that are easily installed on the dialysis system and automatically align the tubing set, sensors, venous drip chamber, and other features with the corresponding components on the dialysis system. Methods of use are also provided, including automated priming sequences, blood return sequences, and dynamic balancing methods for controlling a rate of fluid transfer during different types of dialysis, including hemodialysis, ultrafiltration, and hemodiafiltration.

Abstract: A modular plank is provided. The modular plank includes a body portion extending in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of protrusions extending outward from a first end of the body portion in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of protrusions each include a cross-section that changes size as the cross-section extends outwardly from the body portion in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the cross-section includes an upper end that is sized differently than a lower end.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a column for construction using bundled tube are provided. The column having a bottom portion, a middle portion, and a top portion. Each portion consists of a bundle of individual pillars, comprising a center pillar, a plurality of corner pillars, and a plurality of middle pillars. From the bottom portion of the column, addition pillars can be affixed on top of the pillars of the bottom portion, thus forming the middle and the top portion of the column. Each pillar can be secured to another component using a thread stepped dowel comprising of a base section, at least one middle section, and a tip section, with each section being progressively smaller in circumference than the last. The at least one middle section of the threaded stepped dowel further comprises thread spiraling around the outer surface of the at least one middle section.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for facilitating accessing home surveillance device data, preferably an IP camera video stream, by a remote user device at the remote user device's instigation, over the Internet through a home router, the facilitating including incorporating a smart gateway in local communication with the home router and in persistent or intermittent communication with a remote Internet server to facilitate communication of data over the Internet at the remote user device's request through direct communication between the remote user device and the smart gateway, the smart gateway in local communication With the home surveillance device such as an IP camera, the direct communication facilitated by a “hole punch” type of technique.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing a crush strength of a panel. The system having a panel being made from side-grain wood, a bore that extends partly or completely through the panel, and a plug made from end-grain wood. Because end-grain wood has a significantly higher crush strength per square inch than side-grain wood, a topical crush strength of the panel can be increased through the use of the plug. The plug can further be provided with a hollow portion to be used with a thread stepped dowel comprising of a base section, at least one middle section, and a tip section, with each section being progressively smaller in circumference than the last. The at least one middle section of the threaded stepped dowel further comprises thread spiraling around the outer surface of the at least one middle section.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a column for construction using bundled tube are provided. The column having a bottom portion, a middle portion, and a top portion. Each portion consists of a bundle of individual pillars, comprising a center pillar, a plurality of corner pillars, and a plurality of middle pillars. From the bottom portion of the column, addition pillars can be affixed on top of the pillars of the bottom portion, thus forming the middle and the top portion of the column. Each pillar can be secured to another component using a thread stepped dowel comprising of a base section, at least one middle section, and a tip section, with each section being progressively smaller in circumference than the last. The at least one middle section of the threaded stepped dowel further comprises thread spiraling around the outer surface of the at least one middle section.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a column for construction using bundled tube are provided. The column having a bottom portion, a middle portion, and a top portion. Each portion consists of a bundle of individual pillars, comprising a center pillar, a plurality of corner pillars, and a plurality of middle pillars. From the bottom portion of the column, addition pillars can be affixed on top of the pillars of the bottom portion, thus forming the middle and the top portion of the column. Each pillar can be secured to another component using a thread stepped dowel comprising of a base section, at least one middle section, and a tip section, with each section being progressively smaller in circumference than the last. The at least one middle section of the threaded stepped dowel further comprises thread spiraling around the outer surface of the at least one middle section.

Abstract: An apparatus guides first and second assembly components into a predetermined configuration, each assembly component including an opening. When the assembly components are aligned into the predetermined configuration, their openings align to define a cavity for receiving a stepped dowel to fasten the components together. The guiding apparatus includes a stepped dowel member having successively-smaller dowel sections, and a collar member floating around the base of the stepped dowel member. The stepped dowel member tip can be passed through the first assembly component opening and inserted into the second assembly component opening, drawing the components into the predetermined configuration. When the components are aligned into the predetermined configuration, the collar member engages the first assembly component opening and the stepped dowel member engages the second assembly component opening.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a column for construction using bundled tube are provided. The column having a bottom portion, a middle portion, and a top portion. Each portion consists of a bundle of individual pillars, comprising a center pillar, a plurality of corner pillars, and a plurality of middle pillars. From the bottom portion of the column, addition pillars can be affixed on top of the pillars of the bottom portion, thus forming the middle and the top portion of the column. Each pillar can be secured to another component using a thread stepped dowel comprising of a base section, at least one middle section, and a tip section, with each section being progressively smaller in circumference than the last. The at least one middle section of the threaded stepped dowel further comprises thread spiraling around the outer surface of the at least one middle section.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for facilitating accessing home surveillance device data, preferably an IP camera video stream, by a remote user device at the remote user device's instigation, over the Internet through a home router, the facilitating including incorporating a smart gateway in local communication with the home router and in persistent or intermittent communication with a remote Internet server to facilitate communication of data over the Internet at the remote user device's request through direct communication between the remote user device and the smart gateway, the smart gateway in local communication With the home surveillance device such as an IP camera, the direct communication facilitated by a “hole punch” type of technique.

Abstract: A drill bit for use with construction using cross laminated timbers (CLT) is provided. The bit has both sharpened and dull portions of the cutting element of the bit, so that it can clean-out an opening in the CLT that has been partially obscured by shifts in the laminated constituents of the CLT, without elongating or otherwise changing the shape of the fastener opening. The use of the bit is made at the construction site in fastener openings previously made and otherwise obscured, thereby allowing the quick assembly and construction of a structure made of CLT.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing a crush strength of a panel. The system having a panel being made from side-grain wood, a bore that extends partly or completely through the panel, and a plug made from end-grain wood. Because end-grain wood has a significantly higher crush strength per square inch than side-grain wood, a topical crush strength of the panel can be increased through the use of the plug. The plug can further be provided with a hollow portion to be used with a thread stepped dowel comprising of a base section, at least one middle section, and a tip section, with each section being progressively smaller in circumference than the last. The at least one middle section of the threaded stepped dowel further comprises thread spiraling around the outer surface of the at least one middle section.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating assembly components into desired configurations and a method for using same, where the assembly component includes a first and second bore set at a first and second transverse angles, for receiving attaching members. The apparatus includes a pair of attaching members that engage the bores to extend toward each other, and a manipulating member securing the base portions of the attaching members to each other. The attaching members may include side struts that relieve side pressure on the bores and may also include internal air passageways. The manipulating member has a length that prevents the secured attaching members from disengaging from their bores, and provides a location for a moving device to indirectly connect to the assembly component. The moving device can move the assembly component in a different directions to achieve different configurations.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating assembly components into desired configurations and a method for using same, where the assembly component includes a first and second bore set at a first and second transverse angles, for receiving attaching members. The apparatus includes a pair of attaching members that engage the bores to extend toward each other, and a manipulating member securing the base portions of the attaching members to each other. The attaching members may include side struts that relieve side pressure on the bores and may also include internal air passageways. The manipulating member has a length that prevents the secured attaching members from disengaging from their bores, and provides a location for a moving device to indirectly connect to the assembly component. The moving device can move the assembly component in a different directions to achieve different configurations.

Abstract: A material removal device for removing material from a substrate includes a holder extending between first and second sides and a grinding wheel supported by the holder and being operable to remove the material from the substrate. The holder has a guide frame at the first side and a support frame at the second side. The guide frame has a first bottom surface and the support frame has a second bottom surface. The first and second bottom surfaces are vertically offset from each other. The grinding wheel has an axle supported by the guide frame and the support frame. The grinding wheel has a grinding surface located below the first bottom surface and above the second bottom surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for facilitating accessing home surveillance device data, preferably an IP camera video stream, by a remote user device at the remote user device's instigation, over the Internet through a home router, the facilitating including incorporating a smart gateway in local communication with the home router and in persistent or intermittent communication with a remote Internet server to facilitate communication of data over the Internet at the remote user device's request through direct communication between the remote user device and the smart gateway, the smart gateway in local communication with the home surveillance device such as an IP camera, the direct communication facilitated by a “hole punch” type of technique.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a column for construction using bundled tube are provided. The column having a bottom portion, a middle portion, and a top portion. Each portion consists of a bundle of individual pillars, comprising a center pillar, a plurality of corner pillars, and a plurality of middle pillars. From the bottom portion of the column, addition pillars can be affixed on top of the pillars of the bottom portion, thus forming the middle and the top portion of the column. Each pillar can be secured to another component using a thread stepped dowel comprising of a base section, at least one middle section, and a tip section, with each section being progressively smaller in circumference than the last. The at least one middle section of the threaded stepped dowel further comprises thread spiraling around the outer surface of the at least one middle section.