Abstract: A system includes a welding torch, a welding power supply unit, a remote device, and control circuitry. The welding power supply unit is configured to supply power to the welding torch. The remote device is coupled between the welding torch and the welding power supply unit. Additionally, the remote device is configured to detect a polarity of a welding operation. The control circuitry is configured to determine if the detected polarity is appropriate based on one or more welding parameters. Further, the control circuitry is configured to adjust the polarity of the welding operation.

Abstract: An air distribution coupling interface is configured to removably secure to a floor of an internal cabin of a vehicle. The air distribution coupling interface includes a main tube extending between an air inlet port and an air outlet port. The air inlet port is configured to couple to one or more conduits that are in fluid communication with an air distribution system. A securing flange is configured to removably secure the air distribution coupling interface to the floor of the internal cabin. The air outlet port is configured to deliver airflow provided by the air distribution system.

Abstract: There is provided a subject location system, including a master processing unit, a receiver, and at least one Tag associated with the subject. The system includes a Hub with a master processing unit and the Tag includes transponders. Range and phase data are used to calculate the position of the Tag in relation to the Hub, and phase cycle errors are eliminated by, the use of a cyclical search minimizing an innovation inner product.

Abstract: An HVAC system can include a multiport valve for controlling refrigerant circulation that permits refrigerant flow in a first direction through an interior heat exchanger and in a first direction through an auxiliary heat exchanger and at least one additional configuration in which refrigerant flows in a second direction through at least one of the interior heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger. The at least one configuration can include a second configuration in which refrigerant flows in the first direction through the interior heat exchanger and in the second direction through the auxiliary heat exchanger and a third configuration in which refrigerant flows in the second direction through the interior heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger.

Abstract: A number of techniques are disclosed for making it more convenient and efficient for customers to conduct various rental vehicle transactions. As an example, a technique for performing an automated pickup of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for performing an automated return administration of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for permitting customer to select a particular rental vehicle for a rental vehicle transaction using a mobile device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a technique for permitting a customer to keylessly start a rental vehicle using a machine-sensible item such as his/her mobile device without requiring the customer to possess a smart key.

Abstract: Provided are various systems and processes for improving last-mile delivery of real-time, on-demand orders for perishable goods. In one aspect, an automated vehicle (AV) comprises a body including a storage compartment for storing perishable goods. The storage compartment is accessible by a user upon authentication of the user. The AV further comprises a sensor module for receiving data for navigating the AV. The sensor module is positioned above the body on a support structure at a predetermined height above the ground, such as three to five feet. The data includes one or more of the following: audio data, video data, radio waves, and backscattered light waves. The AV further comprises an onboard computer system configured to process the data to navigate the AV along motor vehicle routes and pedestrian routes. The AV may be configured to interface with an automated locker system to retrieve or deposit the perishable goods.

Abstract: Provided are various systems and processes for improving last-mile delivery of real-time, on-demand orders for perishable goods. In one aspect, a method is provided for aggregating on-demand deliveries using a depot dispatch protocol which may implement automated order transport and retrieval systems. The method comprises dispatching merchant couriers to transport on-demand orders from merchants to a merchant depot where the orders are aggregated and batched based on optimized delivery routes and destination proximities. Batches of orders are then transported to a customer depot corresponding to an area of delivery destinations. Orders are then assigned to delivery couriers for completion of delivery to customers. Such delivery routing systems and processes may be implemented alongside a delivery tracking system for generating estimated time of arrival predictive updates for real-time delivery of perishable goods.

Abstract: A number of techniques are disclosed for making it more convenient and efficient for customers to conduct various rental vehicle transactions. As an example, a technique for performing an automated pickup of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for performing an automated return administration of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for permitting customer to select a particular rental vehicle for a rental vehicle transaction using a mobile device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a technique for permitting a customer to keylessly start a rental vehicle using a machine-sensible item such as his/her mobile device without requiring the customer to possess a smart key.

Abstract: Provided are various systems and processes for improving last-mile delivery of real-time, on-demand orders for perishable goods. In one aspect, an automated vehicle (AV) comprises a body including a storage compartment for storing perishable goods. The storage compartment is accessible by a user upon authentication of the user. The AV further comprises a sensor module for receiving data for navigating the AV. The sensor module is positioned above the body on a support structure at a predetermined height above the ground, such as three to five feet. The data includes one or more of the following: audio data, video data, radio waves, and backscattered light waves. The AV further comprises an onboard computer system configured to process the data to navigate the AV along motor vehicle routes and pedestrian routes. The AV may be configured to interface with an automated locker system to retrieve or deposit the perishable goods.

Abstract: A system and method can determine the position of a tag antenna relative to a plurality of spaced apart fixed base antennae using ultrawideband signals by using an angle of arrival determined by time of arrival of an ultrawideband signal from the tag antenna to disambiguate a differential phase angle of arrival measured from the differential phase of the ultrawideband signal between the two base antennae. Accordingly, a non-ambiguous phase angle of arrival of the ultrawideband signal from the tag antenna may be used with a range of the tag antenna measured by one or more methods including by 2-way time of flight, to determine the position of the tag antenna relative to the base antennae. The system and method can also use a plurality of pairs of antennae to determine a 3D position of the tag antenna.

Abstract: Provided are various mechanisms and processes for optimizing real-time, on-demand delivery service for perishable goods. In one aspect, a method is provided for aggregating on-demand deliveries using a depot dispatch protocol. The method comprises dispatching runners to pick up on-demand orders for drop off at a depot where the orders are aggregated and batched based on optimized delivery routes and destination proximities. Batches of orders are then assigned to couriers who may arrive at the depot to receive the batched orders without having to navigate through areas of high congestion. Such delivery routing system may be implemented alongside a delivery tracking system for generating estimated time of arrival predictive updates for real-time delivery of perishable goods.

Abstract: An integrated valve and manifold assembly includes a water valve configured to control water flow from one or two valve outlets. At least one of the outlets is coupled to a manifold. In some examples, the manifold is a dual-extrusion manifold having at least one air channel and at least one water conduit, and the water valve has a pair of air channels attached to a periphery of the water valve and configured to couple to the manifold air channels. In examples wherein at least one of the manifolds is a dual-extrusion manifold, a top portion of the assembly includes an air valve configured to control flow of air to air channel(s) of the dual-extrusion manifold. In other examples, the assembly includes a one-outlet or two-outlet water valve configured to couple to water manifolds, with no attached air channels or air valves.

Abstract: A system includes a welding torch, a welding power supply unit, a remote device, and control circuitry. The welding power supply unit is configured to supply power to the welding torch. The remote device is coupled between the welding torch and the welding power supply unit. Additionally, the remote device is configured to detect a polarity of a welding operation. The control circuitry is configured to determine if the detected polarity is appropriate based on one or more welding parameters. Further, the control circuitry is configured to adjust the polarity of the welding operation.

Abstract: Provided are various systems and processes for improving last-mile delivery of real-time, on-demand orders for perishable goods. In one aspect, an automated vehicle (AV) comprises a body including a storage compartment for storing perishable goods. The storage compartment is accessible by a user upon authentication of the user. The AV further comprises a sensor module for receiving data for navigating the AV. The sensor module is positioned above the body on a support structure at a predetermined height above the ground, such as three to five feet. The data includes one or more of the following: audio data, video data, radio waves, and backscattered light waves. The AV further comprises an onboard computer system configured to process the data to navigate the AV along motor vehicle routes and pedestrian routes. The AV may be configured to interface with an automated locker system to retrieve or deposit the perishable goods.

Abstract: Provided are various systems and processes for improving last-mile delivery of real-time, on-demand orders for perishable goods. In one aspect, an automated vehicle (AV) comprises a body including a storage compartment for storing perishable goods. The storage compartment is accessible by a user upon authentication of the user. The AV further comprises a sensor module for receiving data for navigating the AV. The sensor module is positioned above the body on a support structure at a predetermined height above the ground, such as three to five feet. The data includes one or more of the following: audio data, video data, radio waves, and backscattered light waves. The AV further comprises an onboard computer system configured to process the data to navigate the AV along motor vehicle routes and pedestrian routes. The AV may be configured to interface with an automated locker system to retrieve or deposit the perishable goods.

Abstract: A system includes a welding torch, a welding power supply unit, a remote device, and control circuitry. The welding power supply unit is configured to supply power to the welding torch. The remote device is coupled between the welding torch and the welding power supply unit. Additionally, the remote device is configured to detect a polarity of a welding operation. The control circuitry is configured to determine if the detected polarity is appropriate based on one or more welding parameters. Further, the control circuitry is configured to adjust the polarity of the welding operation.

Abstract: There is provided a subject location system, including a master processing unit, a receiver, and at least one Tag associated with the subject. The system includes a Hub with a master processing unit and the Tag includes transponders. Range and phase data are used to calculate the position of the Tag in relation to the Hub, and phase cycle errors are eliminated by, the use of a cyclical search minimizing an innovation inner product.

Abstract: A user defines a boundary of a mowed area on an image of the mowed area, on a mobile device. An optimization algorithm operates on the bounded mowing area to identify a beacon configuration that identifies a location for each of a plurality of different beacons to be placed about the mowing area. The user can then be guided to the different beacon locations, in order to place a beacon at each of the different beacon locations, using an augmented reality system that provides user assistance on a camera view of the user's mobile device.

Abstract: An induction heating system includes an induction heating head assembly configured to move relative to a workpiece. The induction heating system may also include a temperature sensor assembly configured to detect a temperature of the workpiece and/or a travel sensor assembly configured to detect a position, movement, or direction of movement of the induction heating head assembly relative to the workpiece, and to transmit feedback signals to a controller configured to adjust the power provided to the induction heating head assembly by a power source based at least in part on the feedback signals. In certain embodiments, the induction heating system may also include a connection box configured to receive the feedback signals, to perform certain conversions of the feedback signals, and to provide the feedback signals to the power source.

Abstract: An integrated valve and manifold assembly includes a water valve configured to control water flow from one or two valve outlets. At least one of the outlets is coupled to a manifold. In some examples, the manifold is a dual-extrusion manifold having at least one air channel and at least one water conduit, and the water valve has a pair of air channels attached to a periphery of the water valve and configured to couple to the manifold air channels. In examples wherein at least one of the manifolds is a dual-extrusion manifold, a top portion of the assembly includes an air valve configured to control flow of air to air channel(s) of the dual-extrusion manifold. In other examples, the assembly includes a one-outlet or two-outlet water valve configured to couple to water manifolds, with no attached air channels or air valves.