Abstract: A selectively operable door (50) for a robotic vehicle (10) may include a doorframe disposable in a barrier dividing two areas in which the robotic vehicle (10) is enabled to travel, a door body (54) hingedly connected to the door frame (52), and a latching assembly configured to alternately allow movement of the door body (54) such that the robotic vehicle (10) to enabled to pass through the selectively operable door (50) via displacement of the door body (54) and prevent movement of the door body (54) such that the door body (54) is retained in a closed state. The latching assembly may include an automatic lock configured to define a release position in which movement of the door body (54) from the closed state is allowed, and a capture position in which movement of the door body to the closed state is allowed and movement of the door body from the closed state is prevented.

Abstract: An RPM module for insertion into outdoor power equipment driven by an engine may include an extraction interface configured to be inserted proximate to the engine to passively extract information indicative of RPM from the engine, an RPM monitor operably coupled to the extraction interface to convert the information indicative of RPM into RPM data, and processing circuitry configured to utilize the RPM data to perform control or monitoring of the engine based on the RPM data.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle (10) may include a chassis supporting a storage tank (14) in which an aqueous solution is contained, a mobility assembly operably coupled to the chassis to provide mobility for the robotic vehicle (10) about a service area, a positioning module configured to provide guidance for the robotic vehicle (10) during transit of the robotic vehicle (10) over the service area, a spray assembly and control circuitry. The spray assembly may be operably coupled to the storage tank to spray the aqueous solution via a nozzle and a pump during the transit of the robotic vehicle (10) over the service area. The control circuitry (12) may be operably coupled to the spray assembly. The control circuitry (12) may be configured to determine characteristics of the nozzle to control an amount of the aqueous solution applied to the service area based on the characteristics of the nozzle.

Abstract: A selectively operable door (50) for a robotic vehicle (10) may include a door frame disposable in a barrier dividing two areas in which the robotic vehicle (10) is enabled to travel, a door body (54) hingedly connected to the door frame (52), and a latching assembly configured to alternately allow movement of the door body (54) such that the robotic vehicle (10) to enabled to pass through the selectively operable door (50) via displacement of the door body (54) and prevent movement of the door body (54) such that the door body (54) is retained in a closed state. The latching assembly may include an automatic lock configured to define a release position in which movement of the door body (54) from the closed state is allowed, and a capture position in which movement of the door body to the closed state is allowed and movement of the door body from the closed state is prevented.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle (10) charging station (40) may include a charge interface configured to charge a battery (210) of a robotic vehicle (10) responsive to docking of the robotic vehicle (10) at the charging station (40), and a mixing assembly (240) configured to facilitate mixing a solid material and a liquid to form an aqueous solution for provision to a storage tank (14) of the robotic vehicle.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle (10) may include a chassis supporting a storage tank in which an aqueous solution is contained, a mobility assembly operably coupled to the chassis to provide mobility for the robotic vehicle about a service area (20), a positioning module (60) configured to provide guidance for the robotic vehicle (10) during transit of the robotic vehicle (10) over the service area (20), a spray assembly (90) and control circuitry (12).

Abstract: An RPM module for insertion into outdoor power equipment driven by an engine may include an extraction interface configured to be inserted proximate to the engine to passively extract information indicative of RPM from the engine, an RPM monitor operably coupled to the extraction interface to convert the information indicative of RPM into RPM data, and processing circuitry configured to utilize the RPM data to perform control or monitoring of the engine based on the RPM data.

Abstract: A system and method for using imprinting as part of a security function that involves a user, for a security and/or identification mechanism. Imprinting is preferably used for cryptographic primitives, for determining a one-way function that operates at least partially according to a characteristic and/or function of the human brain.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the commutation position in a DC machine using a single-bit rotor sensor and the back EMF signal from a stator winding by calculating a delay value, which is equal to the time elapsed between detection of the position signal and the back EMF signal, and establishing commutation after a period of time equal to the delay value has elapsed from when the position signal is detected.

Abstract: A system and method for using imprinting as part of a security function that involves a user, for a security and/or identification mechanism. Imprinting is preferably used for cryptographic primitives, for determining a one-way function that operates at least partially according to a characteristic and/or function of the human brain.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the commutation position in a brushless DC machine using a single-bit position sensor and the back EMF signal from a stator winding by measuring a delay value, which is equal to the time elapsed between detection of the position signal and the back EMF signal, and establishing commutation after a period of time equal to the delay value has elapsed from when the position signal is detected.

Abstract: A computer system is described including a camera, a display device (e.g., a display monitor) having a display screen, and a processing system coupled to the camera and the display device. The camera produces image signals representing one or more images of an object under the control of a user. The processing system receives the image signals, and uses the image signals to determine a state of the object. The state of the object may be, for example, a position of the object, an orientation of the object, or motion of the object. Dependent upon the state of the object, the processing system controls cursor movement and selection of a selectable item at a current cursor location. The object may be a body part of the user, such as a face, a hand, or a foot. The object may also be a prominent feature of a body part, such as a nose, a corner of a mouth, a corner of an eye, a finger, a knuckle, or a toe. The object may also be an object held by, attached to, or worn by the user.

Abstract: A metal or alloy nanoparticle is provided which exhibits hysteresis at room temperature having a carbon coating. The nanoparticle has a diameter in the range of approximately 0.5 to 50 nm, and may crystalline or amorphous. The metal, alloy, or metal carbide nanoparticle is formed by preparing graphite rods which are packed with the magnetic metal or alloy. or an oxide of the metal or alloy. The packed graphite rods are subjected to a carbon arc discharge to produce soot containing metal, alloy, or metal carbide nanoparticles and non-magnetic species. The spot is subsequently subjected to a magnetic field gradient to separate the metal, alloy, or metal carbide nanoparticles from the non-magnetic species.