Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle platform, the system comprising on onboard controller and an off-board controller that work together to provide autonomous navigation in fields or similar areas where the vehicle is deployed, perception for obstacle detection and avoidance, and a user interface for user/vehicle interaction and control.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle platform, the system comprising on onboard controller and an off-board controller that work together to provide autonomous navigation in fields or similar areas where the vehicle is deployed, perception for obstacle detection and avoidance, and a user interface for user/vehicle interaction and control.

Abstract: A system and method for estimation of round trip times (RTTs) within a TCP based data network is described. The system provides for a passive monitoring of the network round-trip latency by simply observing existing TCP connections in operation. In this way, it is possible to measure RTT out to a remote site without having to send any traffic to that site with the result that there is no impact on the network, and it is possible to estimate what production traffic is experiencing.

Abstract: A system and method for estimation of round trip times (RTTs) within a TCP based data network is described. The system provides for a passive monitoring of the network round-trip latency by simply observing existing TCP connections in operation. In this way, it is possible to measure RTT out to a remote site without having to send any traffic to that site with the result that there is no impact on the network, and it is possible to estimate what production traffic is experiencing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may relate to methods of traffic measurement on a network. In some embodiments, the methods may include obtaining a measure of shaped traffic before shaping on the basis of passive traffic observations of the shaped traffic. In one embodiment, the method may include analysing a traffic aggregate of packets in a network comprising: separating the traffic aggregate into a series of individual co-temporal sub-aggregates; and performing a measurement using the individual sub-aggregates of the series to obtain a statistical measure for the traffic aggregate.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the fuel efficiency of an internal combustion engine includes a generally conical-shaped member positioned in a gas flow generated by the engine. One or more deformations, such as tabs and notches, are formed in the conical member to alter one or more characteristics, such as pressure and velocity, of the gas flow. The apparatus may be positioned in the air intake system. Alternatively, the apparatus may be positioned in the exhaust system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and recording traffic at nodes in a data transmission network is described. In particular, a method of accurately counting individual activities of traffic at individual nodes. The invention uses a counter or number of counters which count individual activities of traffic on a preset activity condition being sensed at a node. The data output from the counter is then fed to a buffer so as to provide an historical overview of the traffic may be provided. The invention has the advantage that accurate measurement of traffic at a node is achieved.

Abstract: A data network in which at least one switch is provided with the facility for estimating current network demands using a polygonal approximation to scaled cumulant generating function. The approximation is iteratively refined in accordance with sampled data passing through the switch. The switch estimates the demand associated with a new data processing request as it is received by the switch and decides whether to accept the request based on available resources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring and recording traffic at nodes in a data transmission network. In particular the invention provides a method of accurately counting individual activities of traffic at individual nodes. The invention is carried out in hardware by using a counter or number of counters which count individual activities of traffic on a preset activity condition being sensed at a node. The invention has the advantage that accurate measurement of traffic at a node is achieved. The invention is also easy to implement in hardware and overcomes the problems inherent in present software solutions.

Abstract: A system for performing surgery by vibrational heating employs an ultrasonic transducer 80 for focusing a spherical ultrasound wave on a focal region. In one embodiment a refraction plate 410 having a spherical surface facing the transducer and a refracting surface with refracting pyramid elements 450 facing the subject causes the ultrasound beam to impinge on a plurality of overlapping focal regions and thereby expand the focal area of the transducer. In a second embodiment the refraction plate comprises a phased lens 600 having a constant thickness at any angular location but with its thickness varying linearly over 2.pi. radians or multiples thereof.

Abstract: A candy dispensing device uses an impeller to impart centrifugal force to a mass of candies held in the dispenser's housing. The swirling mass of candies may be a source of amusement to the user and may be used to dispense the candies through a spout. In one version of the invention, the dispensing device includes a handle and is sized to be portable by the user. The dispensing device uses a combination cap with two cap portions, one to cover the fill mouth, and the other to cover the spout.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel apparatus which can be used for cleaning the interiors of fouled chimneys. More particularly, this novel apparatus can be adjusted to fit the interiors of various chimney sizes. The apparatus cleans not only soot but also tar and creosote from the interior of the chimney. The device for cleaning the interior of a chimney comprises: (a) a scraper for contacting and scraping the side of the chimney; (b) a constant angle contact member for contacting the side of the chimney at a constant angle; (c) a member for contacting the side of the chimney opposite to the scraper; (d) a device for enabling the distance between the scraper and the contact member to be adjusted; (e) a force applying member for causing a force to be applied between the scraper and the contact member; and (f) a handle attachment device for enabling the scraper and the contact member to be secured to a handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming serrated edges in wooden panels for interengagement with abutting panels in a wooden I-beam assembly comprises opposed sets of broaches operable for cutting a toothed serration pattern cleanly and accurately in opposed edges of a stack of up to 40 such panels simultaneously. The panels are loaded in infeed means of the apparatus which transports the stack into position for broaching. The stack of panels is aligned laterally by lateral stack alignment means upon placement of the panels in the infeed means. Longitudinal stack alignment means aligns the stack longitudinally when it is transported by the infeed means to a position for broaching. During broaching the stack is supported on opposed anvils in a manner for forming the serrations symmetrically with respect to each end of the stack, hold down means clamps the stack on the anvils, and actuation means drives the broaches downwardly.