Abstract: A produce packing device comprising: a robot positioning apparatus with an end effector, wherein the robot positioning apparatus provides at least three degrees of freedom to move the end effector in three axial (x, y and z) directions or combination of at least two of these directions with respect to items of produce to be packaged, wherein the end effector is adapted in use for individually picking up an item of produce; a sensor to determine a size of each item of produce in a plurality of items of produce presented to the robot positioning apparatus and end effector; and a controller configured to receive one or more outputs from the sensor and: determine a selection of items of produce to be picked from the plurality of items of produce based on the one or more outputs from the sensor to achieve an acceptable stack height of items of produce within a package; and cause the robot positioning apparatus and end effector to move and pick up the selection of items of produce and place within said package.

Abstract: Tray assemblies are provided for use in treating and planting batches of seeds. In one example embodiment, a tray assembly includes a first tray and a second tray configured to couple to the first tray. The first tray includes multiple wells each configured to receive a seed. And, the second tray includes multiple openings configured to align with the wells of the first tray when the second tray is coupled to the first tray. The tray assembly also includes a first divider positioned between the first tray and the second tray, and a second divider coupled to the first tray. The first divider is configured to allow selective movement of seeds from the openings of the second tray to the wells of the first tray, and the second divider is configured to allow selective movement of seeds out of the wells of the first tray.

Abstract: Recreational vehicle two-stroke engine control systems configured for location-based modification of an engine calibration may include a locator device, a throttle position sensor, and an engine speed sensor communicatively coupled to an engine control unit. The engine control unit controls a position of an exhaust valve based on a first calibration map and an input from the sensors. The engine control unit also determines, based on a location of the vehicle, a second calibration map. The engine control unit controls a position of an exhaust valve based on a second calibration map and an input from the sensors. Controlling the two-stroke engine to operate the exhaust valve at the second exhaust valve position may improve the engine run-quality, performance, efficiency, or the like.

Abstract: A blender tub for hydraulic fracturing operations and associated components are provided. A spinning proppant distributor located above the blender tub liquid level interrupts and redirects falling granular proppant material (e.g. sand) into the tub. A fluid intake channel wraps around at least part of the blender tub outside wall and introduces liquid (e.g. water) into the blender tub via a plurality of channels. The liquid is introduced with a force and angle which imparts a vortex within the blender tub. The above aspects facilitate blending of material within the tub.

Abstract: A blender tub for hydraulic fracturing operations and associated components are provided. A spinning proppant distributor located above the blender tub liquid level interrupts and redirects falling granular proppant material (e.g. sand) into the tub. A fluid intake channel wraps around at least part of the blender tub outside wall and introduces liquid (e.g. water) into the blender tub via a plurality of channels. The liquid is introduced with a force and angle which imparts a vortex within the blender tub. The above aspects facilitate blending of material within the tub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a one-piece, integrally formed universal backing ring having an integrally formed, one piece annular structure with a center opening configured to be translated over a journal of a railcar axle and engage a dust guard and a dust guard fillet of the railcar axle. The annular structure includes an inner contoured surface having a profile that is contoured for a tight surface fit with a complementary surface of the dust guard fillet. The annular structure also includes a dust guard lip which projects over the dust guard fillet and engages the dust guard. The dust guard lip has a length extending generally parallel with an axis of the annular structure, and is configured to provide a mechanical interference fit of the dust guard lip with the dust guard of 0.052-0.1875 inches with a maximum diameter of the dust guard for each Class of railcar axle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a continuous driving path for a vehicle include: (i) automatically controlling movement of the vehicle along a path while prioritizing the movement so as to minimize vehicle maneuvers, via a processor; (ii) obtaining data including location information as to a location of the vehicle and map information pertaining to the location as the vehicle is travelling autonomously via by the processor; (iii) determining, via the processor, when a decision is needed with respect to further travel of the vehicle, based on the location information and the map information; (iv) requesting, via the processor, driver input as to a driver preference of a driver for movement of the vehicle with regard to the decision; (v) receiving, via one or more sensors, the driver input including the driver preference; and (vi) determining, via the processor, the continuous driving path based on the driver preference.

Abstract: An electrical connection system for a traction battery pack includes a clamping electrical contact having a first flange and a second flange, a clamped electrical contact, and a mechanical fastener that is secured to clamp the clamped electrical contact between the first flange of the clamping electrical contact and the second flange of the clamping electrical contact.

Abstract: A cable connector assembly includes a module retainer and a set of two or more cable insert modules sized and shaped for removable retention within two or more module slots of the module retainer. A cable insert module of the set of two or more cable insert modules includes a cable insertion recess sized and shaped for insertion of a cable wire of a cable, a connectivity interface on an opposing face of the cable insert module, and a transmission path between the cable insertion recess and the connectivity interface.

Abstract: In one example, a pallet jack cap system includes a stabilization outrigger secured around steer wheels of a pallet jack, a bonnet in an elevated position over forks of the pallet jack, an anchor base for attachment to the pallet jack, and a vertical extension system between the anchor base and the bonnet. The vertical extension system supports the bonnet in the elevated position over the forks of the pallet jack. The vertical extension system can include an elevating vertical support assembly, an elastic counterpoise to assist with positioning the bonnet at a particular elevation based on an extension of the vertical support assembly, and an extension lock to secure the vertical support assembly at the particular elevation. The bonnet can be lowered down over a unit load on a pallet transported by the pallet jack, to secure the unit load and items in transport by the pallet jack.

Abstract: A container for shipping chairs includes a floor and first and second side walls having bottoms hingedly connected to opposite sides of the floor. First and second holders configured to engage the bottom of first and second chairs, and first and second mounting members are disposed on the first and second side walls. First and second straps extend between the first and second mounting members and the first and second chairs.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an autonomous machine system having a scheduling controller configured to determine one or more windows of availability over a time period when the autonomous machine is allowed to operate to perform one or more operational tasks; determine a total operation time over the time period; and determine an operating schedule for a work region that assigns one or more operational tasks to the one or more windows of availability based on the total operation time. The autonomous machine may be commanded to operate in the work region according to the operating schedule.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine comprises a first oiling system and a second oiling system. The first oiling system includes a low-pressure pump that distributes oil from a first oil tank to the two-stroke engine. The second oiling system includes a pump mechanically coupled to a crankshaft of the two-stroke engine, wherein the pump distributes oil from a second oil tank to an accessory at a pressure greater than the first oil pressure, wherein oil distributed to the accessory is returned to the second oil tank.

Abstract: A snowmobile warning and control method for a snowmobile having an engine and a brake system, including: sensing a temperature of the brake system of the vehicle; determining that the temperature of the brake system is above a first predetermined temperature threshold; issuing a first brake-system temperature warning in response to the temperature of the brake system exceeding the first predetermined temperature threshold; determining that the temperature of the brake system is above a second predetermined temperature, the second predetermined temperature being greater than the first predetermined temperature; issuing a second brake-system temperature warning in response to the temperature of the brake system exceeding the second predetermined temperature threshold; and modifying an operation of the engine in response to the temperature of the brake system exceeding the second predetermined temperature threshold.

Abstract: Techniques for providing auxiliary power to a datacenter, which is normally serviced by a power utility, are disclosed. The system includes a controller, a first stamp, and a second stamp. A common DC bus couples the first stamp to the second stamp on a DC side. A common AC bus couples the first stamp to the second stamp on an AC side (e.g., the output of the stamps). An AC breaker is disposed on the AC bus between the first stamp and the second stamp. The controller controls whether the AC breaker is open or closed. A default state of the AC breaker is an open state. The control of the breakers can occur for various reasons, including whether the utility is available or whether the utility is not available. The utility might not be available due to a utility failure or due to other reasons.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computer-implemented method comprising aggregating PFAS remediation evaluation data for a plurality of remediation options and for a plurality of predefined criteria; graphically displaying the user modifiable chart comprising the plurality of graphical representations of the aggregated PFAS remediation evaluation data, wherein: each graphical representation depicts data points visually plotted with weights, the plurality of graphical representations for the plurality of predefined criteria are visually ordered according to a rank of the plurality of predefined criteria, and the weights are based on the rank of the plurality of predefined criteria; detecting a first user input modifying the rank of at least one predefined criterion; in accordance with the first user input, automatically updating the weights of the data points; and displaying an updated user modifiable chart comprising the plurality of graphical representations of the aggregated PFAS remediation evaluation data.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine comprises a first oiling system and a second oiling system. The first oiling system includes a low-pressure pump that distributes oil from a first oil tank to the two-stroke engine. The second oiling system includes a pump mechanically coupled to a crankshaft of the two-stroke engine, wherein the pump distributes oil from a second oil tank to an accessory at a pressure greater than the first oil pressure, wherein oil distributed to the accessory is returned to the second oil tank.

Abstract: A valve can include a solenoid coil, a plunger having a core configured to respond to a magnetic field generated by the solenoid coil, and a valve disc. The valve disc can be positioned at a head of the core and configured to cushion impact when the valve is closed. A projection can be positioned and configured to cushion impact when the valve is opened. The valve can be used in an air bed system in fluid connection between an air pump and an inflatable air chamber of a mattress.

Abstract: Described here are devices for closing one or more tissues, and handles for controlling these devices. Generally, the devices described here comprise a snare loop assembly, wherein the snare loop assembly comprises a snare loop and a suture loop, and a handle for controlling the snare loop assembly. In some variations the snare loop assembly may comprise a retention member that may releasably connect the suture loop to the snare loop. In other variations the devices comprise one or more force-reducing suture locks to help prevent the suture loop from inadvertently disengaging from the snare loop assembly. In still other variations, the excess-suture management features. The handles described here may be configured to remove excess suture from a suture loop, and may also be configured to release the suture loop from the snare loop assembly.