Abstract: A server has a processor and a memory storing instructions executed by the processor to maintain an ephemeral gallery of ephemeral messages. An ephemeral message is posted to the ephemeral gallery. The ephemeral message has an associated message duration parameter and a gallery participation parameter. An ephemeral message is removed from the ephemeral gallery in response to the identification of an expired gallery participation parameter.

Abstract: A server has a processor and a memory storing instructions executed by the processor to maintain an ephemeral gallery of ephemeral messages. In response to a view request received from a client device over a distributed computer network, the message collection is supplied to the requesting device by causing automated sequential display on the client device of the ephemeral messages in the collection. The automated sequential display provides display of the messages one after another in chronological sequence such that the oldest message is displayed first.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic and efficient intersection traffic control for autonomous or semi-autonomous ground vehicles. In accordance with some embodiments, the systems and methods comprise a centralized controller associated with an intersection that comprises a sensor for detecting data corresponding to ground vehicles approaching the intersection and a controller for generating and transmitting an instruction to at least one of the ground vehicles approaching the intersection, the instruction for causing the at least one vehicle to adjust at least one of its speed and path in order to avoid a collision with another of the ground vehicles.

Abstract: A system can have a database that stores a plurality of behaviors for various operational phases of an autonomous truck. The stored behaviors can include predetermined maneuvers for the autonomous truck, sensing behaviors, and logic behaviors. An operator can select one or more of the stored behaviors via a user interface. A controller can control the autonomous truck to perform the selected behaviors, for example, by assembling the selected behaviors together into an operation script. In some embodiments, performance of the selected behaviors can be used to load the autonomous truck.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selective and/or opportunistic GNSS/GPS navigation that actively mask or filter satellite signals based on identified “clear sky” or “obstructed sky” regions.

Abstract: A system can autonomously or semi-autonomously guide a driver to a dock or parking location. The system can include a sensor or sensors that collect data to create a map of the dock or parking location, a user interface that allows the driver to select a dock or a feature in the map and to determine the final pose of the tractor and trailer, and a planner that creates a kinematically-correct and obstacle-free trajectory from the current location to the dock or parking location. The system can provide user aids, such as a ground guide avatar or avatars, that provide the distance to the dock, speed and turning directions, or other guidance.

Abstract: A server has a processor and a memory storing instructions executed by the processor to maintain an ephemeral gallery of ephemeral messages. An ephemeral message is posted to the ephemeral gallery. The ephemeral message has an associated message duration parameter and a gallery participation parameter. An ephemeral message is removed from the ephemeral gallery in response to the identification of an expired gallery participation parameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices for removal of hair, such as by cutting of the hair. The devices can include a cutting assembly or blade assembly that can include at least one moving blade and at least one stationary blade. The blades may be provided within a blade assembly housing. A stationary blade can include an externally facing edge with a curved arrangement that improves passage of the blade assembly across skin for hair removal with reduced chance for nicking of skin or other discomfort. The blade assembly may be combined with a handle. The blade assembly may be attached to the handle so that the blade assembly is arrange for continuous rotation to a desired angle to improve case of use thereof.

Abstract: An autonomous truck loading system can have a database that stores a plurality of elementary behaviors for various phases of a process of loading the autonomous truck by the one or more loaders. The stored elementary behaviors can include predetermined maneuvers for the autonomous truck, sensing behaviors; and logic behaviors. An operator can select multiple ones of the stored behaviors via user interface. A controller can assemble the selected behaviors together into an operation script for loading of the autonomous truck by a loader. The controller can control the autonomous truck to perform the operation script.

Abstract: A method includes capturing, by a content generation component of a computing device, initial content comprising video, and audio associated with the video; identifying one or more audio clips in the audio associated with the video based on one or more transient points in the audio; extracting, for each audio clip, a corresponding video clip from the video of the initial content; providing a control interface to enable a user-generated sequence of audio clips, wherein each audio clip in the sequence of audio clips is selected from the one or more identified audio clips; generating new audiovisual content comprising a sequence of video clips to correspond to the user-generated sequence of audio clips, wherein each video clip in the sequence of video clips is the extracted corresponding video clip for each audio clip in the user-generated sequence of audio clips; and providing, by the control interface, the new audiovisual content.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X15R410 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X15R410 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X15R410 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X15R410, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X15R410 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X15R410 and methods of using maize variety X15R410 are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems, apparatuses, and methods for operating the systems and apparatuses are disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a negative pressure source, a connector port, at least one switch, and a controller. The negative pressure source is connected through the connector port to either (i) a wound dressing having a canister configured to store fluid aspirated from the wound or (ii) a wound dressing without a canister between the connector port and the wound dressing. The controller determines, based on a signal received from the at least one switch, whether the canister is positioned in the fluid flow path and adjusts one or more operational parameters of negative pressure wound therapy based on the determination. The switch is activated by the connection of either the canister or canisterless wound dressing to the apparatus.

Abstract: A punch item management tool may be provided that coordinates and guides the process of taking a punch item from creation to completion. As one possibility, the punch item management tool may coordinate and guide the interactions between a creator of a punch item, a punch item manager for the punch item, and one or more assignees that are expected to perform work on the punch item. As another possibility, the punch item management tool may coordinate and guide the interactions between an individual serving the dual role of creator and punch item manager for a punch item and one or more assignees that are expected to perform work on the punch item. In either case, the punch item management tool may provide a user interface including various views through which these individuals may interact with one or more punch items.

Abstract: Battery powered quadrotors or drones have a limited operation time. To extend operation time, a powered tether can be used. This tether provides power to the drone allowing it to stay up indefinitely. Most tethered drones are captured to the base station. The tether can reel in and out as the drone moves, but the drone can't go higher or further than the maximum length of the tether. If the tether can be automatically disconnected, the drone could fly off for some remote mission, assuming the drone had an onboard power source such as rechargeable batteries. The present invention relates to a self-powered drone tether that comprises a rechargeable drone in flight which is referred to as the rechargeable drone, a drone that carries a powered tether which is referred to as the tether drone, a coupling mechanism between the rechargeable drone and the tether drone, and a base station with a powered tether and tether deployment system.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle can comprise winter servicing equipment, such as a snowplow, salt spreader, etc. A controller can be supported by the vehicle and can be operatively coupled thereto. The controller can be configured to control the vehicle to autonomously move through an area along a planned route to effect servicing (e.g., snow removal or remediation) of the area. For example, the controller can be configured to discretize the area into a plurality of cells and to determine a quantity of snow in each cell. The route through the area can be planned by the controller based at least in part on simulated movements of the snow quantities in the cells.

Abstract: A punch item management tool may be provided that coordinates and guides the process of taking a punch item from creation to completion. As one possibility, the punch item management tool may coordinate and guide the interactions between a creator of a punch item, a punch item manager for the punch item, and one or more assignees that are expected to perform work on the punch item. As another possibility, the punch item management tool may coordinate and guide the interactions between an individual serving the dual role of creator and punch item manager for a punch item and one or more assignees that are expected to perform work on the punch item. In either case, the punch item management tool may provide a user interface including various views through which these individuals may interact with one or more punch items.

Abstract: Current foot-launched 2-stroke commercial PPG offerings can meet the specified threshold (and in some cases, objective) requirements for flight ceiling, payload capacity and range with little to no modification. We will discuss those in the next section. The APES system enhances the effectiveness and lethality of the PPG-equipped unit by reducing weight of the PPG, increasing reliability and redundancy, reducing pilot workload, and seamlessly integrating with UAV's and UGV's. System improvements in the following areas is assessed: Series hybrid-electric powertrain, Coaxial propellers. Localization, autopilot, and formations, Auto landing and other advanced features, Integration with unmanned systems, and Launch Considerations.

Abstract: Battery powered quadrotors or drones have a limited operation time. To extend operation time, a powered tether can be used. This tether provides power to the drone allowing it to stay up indefinitely. Most tethered drones are captured to the base station. The tether can reel in and out as the drone moves, but the drone can't go higher or further than the maximum length of the tether. If the tether can be automatically disconnected, the drone could fly off for some remote mission, assuming the drone had an onboard power source such as rechargeable batteries. The present invention relates to a self-powered drone tether that comprises a rechargeable drone in flight which is referred to as the rechargeable drone, a drone that carries a powered tether which is referred to as the tether drone, a coupling mechanism between the rechargeable drone and the tether drone, and a base station with a powered tether and tether deployment system.

Abstract: A system can autonomously or semi-autonomously guide a driver to a dock or parking location. The system can include a sensor or sensors that collect data to create a map of the dock or parking location, a user interface that allows the driver to select a dock or a feature in the map and to determine the final pose of the tractor and trailer, and a planner that creates a kinematically-correct and obstacle-free trajectory from the current location to the dock or parking location. The system can provide user aids, such as a ground guide avatar or avatars, that provide the distance to the dock, speed and turning directions, or other guidance.

Abstract: A punch item management tool may be provided that coordinates and guides the process of taking a punch item from creation to completion. As one possibility, the punch item management tool may coordinate and guide the interactions between a creator of a punch item, a punch item manager for the punch item, and one or more assignees that are expected to perform work on the punch item. As another possibility, the punch item management tool may coordinate and guide the interactions between an individual serving the dual role of creator and punch item manager for a punch item and one or more assignees that are expected to perform work on the punch item. In either case, the punch item management tool may provide a user interface including various views through which these individuals may interact with one or more punch items.