Abstract: Autonomous ground vehicles equipped with one or more sensors may capture data regarding ground conditions at a location. The data may refer to or describe slopes, surface textures, terrain features, weather conditions, moisture contents or the like at the location, and may be used to select one or more areas for receiving a delivery of an item. The sensors may include one or more inclinometers, imaging devices or other systems. The autonomous ground vehicles may also engage in one or more direct interactions or communications with a delivery vehicle, and may select an appropriate area that is suitable for such interactions. The autonomous ground vehicles may also prepare the area for an arrival of a delivery vehicle, such as by making one or more visible markings in ground surfaces at the area.

Abstract: A spring damper element in the form of a cap made of an elastomeric material and adapted to be mounted over the end of a coil spring. In one embodiment, the cap includes a top circumferential wall defining a central opening and a circumferential side wall depending outwardly from a peripheral circumferential edge of the top wall. In one embodiment, the cap is used in a vehicle pedal assembly to eliminate contact and noise between the inner and outer coil springs of a double coil spring assembly extending between the base and the pedal arm. In this embodiment, the top wall of the cap is seated against the top of the end of the inner coil spring and the side wall extends and is wedged between the inner and outer coil springs.