Abstract: A system and methods for monitoring work processes. Once example computer-implemented method includes recording a three-dimensional work trajectory. The work trajectory comprises a representation of the actual motion of one or more markers. The method further includes comparing the work trajectory to a work template. The work template comprises a representation of the desired motion of the one or more markers. The method further includes sending a success indication to a display when the work trajectory is similar to the work template and sending a failure indication to the display when the work trajectory is dissimilar to the work template.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ergonomically supporting a worker while performing a work operation includes an automatic guided vehicle capable of moving a seat carrying the worker between a first non-work position relative to a work piece and a second work position at which the worker performs the work operation. The automatic guided vehicle includes controls to enable the worker to ergonomically position the angle of a seatback relative to a seat bottom and the height of the seat relative to the automatic guided vehicle for ergonomic support of the worker while performing the work operation. Under program control, the automatic guided vehicle is movable from one work position to another work position and/or back to the non-work position.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for training workers to recognize distortions. One example method includes positioning vacuum arms on a tilt-table top of a distortion training table situated in a horizontal position. The method further includes positioning locator arms on the tilt-table top in proximity to the vacuum arms, positioning a body panel on the locator arms to situate an inner surface of the body panel adjacent to each of the vacuum arms, applying suction to the inner surface of the body panel using the vacuum arms wherein the suction creates non-destructive distortions on an outer surface of the body panel, instructing the workers in tactile recognition of the distortions on the outer surface of the body panel, moving the tilt-table top from the horizontal position to a vertical position, and instructing the workers in visual recognition of the distortions on the outer surface of the body panel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of evaluating stability of software code for a control system includes receiving a set of initial trajectories by a semidefinite programming solver module, and determining one or more candidate Lyapunov functions based on the set of initial trajectories. The method further includes performing a plurality of simulations using a model of the control system to create a set of discovered trajectories, and evaluating the set of discovered trajectories to determine one or more counterexample trajectories that violate one or more Lyapunov conditions. If one or more counterexample trajectories are discovered, then the method includes inputting the set of discovered trajectories including the one or more counterexample trajectories into the semidefinite programming solver module, and determining, by the semidefinite programming solver module, one or more additional candidate Lyapunov functions from the set of initial trajectories and the set of discovered trajectories.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for attaching a bumper cover to a headlamp housing. The system includes a plurality of holes defined in an upper portion of the bumper cover and a plurality of protrusions extending from a lower portion of the headlamp housing for engaging the plurality of holes in the upper portion of the bumper cover. The system further includes a plurality of ribs extending from the lower portion of the headlamp housing for locating the upper portion of the bumper cover proximate to the lower portion of the headlamp housing. In this system, each rib of the plurality of ribs is located proximate to at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating time of arrival for vehicle navigation are described. One embodiment of a method includes determining a route for a vehicle to reach a destination from a current location determining, by the computing device, an estimated time for reaching the destination from the current location. Embodiments of the method additionally include determining, by the computing device, a current range of the vehicle, based on current fuel level and vehicle fuel efficiency and determining, by the computing device and based on the current range, whether the vehicle can reach the destination without refueling. Some embodiments include revising, by the computing device, the estimated time for reaching the destination to include a waypoint to refuel in response to determining that the vehicle cannot reach the destination without refueling and providing, by the computing device, the estimated time for reaching the destination for display to a user.

Abstract: A method and system for determining and displaying a rate corresponding to the distance travelled by a vehicle per an amount of fuel-equivalent energy consumption, and more particularly for determining and displaying a number of miles or kilometers travelled per a gallon or a liter of total fuel and fuel-equivalent non-fuel energy consumed. The system includes an electronic control unit, an engine, a fuel controller, a battery, a battery management and control unit and a display. The method and system determine the fuel-equivalent energy consumption sum based on a constant energy conversion factor or an energy conversion efficiency loss number or factor determined in real time. The method and system also determine and display a fuel-equivalent cost for travelling a kilometer or a mile of the distance travelled. The method and system also change an operation of the vehicle based on the determined rate and fuel-equivalent cost.

Abstract: A system for simulated shifting for a hybrid vehicle, the system includes a plurality of wheels, an engine, a sensor, a transmission, a memory for storing target engine speeds and deceleration torques for a plurality of simulated gears, and a processor. The engine provides a torque to the plurality of wheels. The sensor detects a requested deceleration torque. The transmission simulates a current simulated gear by delivering an applied torque, which corresponds to the requested deceleration torque, to the plurality of wheels and an engine speed corresponding to the simulated gear. The processor simulates a downshift by increasing an engine speed of the engine without changing the applied torque to the plurality of wheels when the requested deceleration torque exceeds a deceleration torque of a lower simulated gear.

Abstract: Processes of forming an irreversibly loose packed structure of particulate material useful as a photonic or phononic crystal are provided. Matrix material is infilled between particles and extends above the particles to form a particulate free matrix layer. Removing the matrix layer causes deformation of or exposes the spacing between the particles. The spaces are infilled by additional matrix material that when cured produces a supported and irreversibly loose packed crystalline structure of particles producing differing bandgaps and transmissive properties relative to the original structure. The processes provided allow for economical tuning of the transmissive properties of photonic or phononic crystals.

Abstract: A rate based model predictive controller for air path control for a diesel engine regulates turbine lift and EGR valve flow rate to specified set points by coordinated control of intake manifold air pressure and EGR valve flow rate. The controller utilizes a rate-based reduced order linear model for model predictive control.

Abstract: A rate based model predictive controller and method for air path control for a diesel engine regulates intake manifold pressure (MAP) and EGR valve flow rate to specified set points by coordinated control of a variable geometry turbine (VGT) and EGR valve position. A decay and a flexible Lyapunov function is enforced on the rate based model predictive controller for a single step prediction and control arisen.

Abstract: A vehicle can include a navigation unit configured to determine a position of the vehicle. A detection unit can be configured to recognize position and features of objects external to the vehicle. An identification unit can be configured to identify objects expected to be detected based on a determined position of the vehicle, by comparing the recognized features to feature data of object reference data stored in a local database. When the identification unit is unable to identify an object, the identification unit can compare recognized or stored object features to the additional feature data received from a remote database. A navigation unit can update the position of the vehicle based on position data of identified objects and more accurate and safe autonomous operation of a vehicle can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a close out bracket for securing a seat mounting structure to a support rail in a floor of a vehicle. The bracket has a generally flat center portion that is rigidly engaged between the seat mounting structure and the support rail. The bracket also has a curved portion extending radially outward from the center portion. The curved portion has a generally inverted U shape and extends along the perimeter of the center portion. The bracket serves as a finish trim piece by closing out along the edge of the floor covering that was cut to expose the support rail below.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and robots for processing omni-directional image data are disclosed. A method includes receiving omni-directional image data representative of a panoramic field of view and segmenting, by one or more processors, the omni-directional image data into a plurality of image slices. Each image slice of the plurality of image slices is representative of at least a portion of the panoramic field of view of the omni-directional image data. The method further includes calculating a slice descriptor for each image slice of the plurality of image slices and generating a current sequence of slice descriptors. The current sequence of slice descriptors includes the calculated slice descriptor for each image slice of the plurality of image slices.

Abstract: Methods and robots for adjusting object detection parameters, object recognition parameters, or both object detection parameters and object recognition parameters are disclosed. Methods include receiving image data, automatically recognizing an object with an object recognition module based on the image data, determining whether a pose estimation error has occurred, and adjusting at least one object recognition parameter when the pose estimation error has occurred. Methods include receiving image data and automatically detecting a candidate object with an object detection module based on the image data, recognizing an object with an object recognition module based on the detected candidate object, determining whether an object recognition error has occurred, and adjusting the at least one object detection parameter when the object recognition error has occurred.

Abstract: An electrolyte for a magnesium battery includes a magnesium salt having the formula MgBxHy where x=11?12 and y=11?12. The electrolyte also includes a solvent, the magnesium salt being dissolved in the solvent. Various solvents including aprotic solvents and molten salts such as ionic liquids may be utilized.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for controlling a brake system for a motor vehicle. The system determines actual brake torque by measuring the strain in an elongated portion of a suspension knuckle, the elongated portion being attached to a brake caliper which engages a disc brake to create the actual brake torque. The system can use the determined actual brake torque to best apply a proper blend of brake torques between the caliper and disk brake and a regenerative braking system through a closed loop analysis method.

Abstract: Jet impingement and two-phase cooling apparatuses with sloped vapor outlet channels are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling apparatus includes a fluid inlet channel, a jet orifice surface having one or more jet orifices fluidly coupled to the fluid inlet channel such that coolant fluid within the fluid inlet channel flows through the one or more jet orifices as one or more impingement jets, and a target surface. The target surface and the jet orifice surface define an impingement chamber where the one or more impingement jets impinge the target surface at an impingement region such that at least some of the coolant fluid changes to a vapor. The cooling apparatus further includes a plurality of sloped vapor outlet channels that are fluidly coupled to the impingement chamber. Coolant fluid flows through the plurality of sloped vapor outlet channels after it impinges the target surface.

Abstract: A seat portion is pivotally mounted to a seat back at a main pivot point. A striker pin is mounted to the seat portion. The striker pin includes a free end. A bracket is further connected to the main pivot point wherein the bracket includes a main body. The bracket further includes an arm extending away from the main body. The arm extends away from the main body to support the free end of the pin to further support the striker pin during a latched construction. The main body of the bracket and the arm of the bracket support the free end of the pin during rotation of the seat portion towards the seat back from a down position to an up position allowing for a fixed latch on the seat back to engage with the pin of the seat portion.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus for removing solids and particulates from a liquid stream flowing through a filter media. A magnet is located adjacent to the filter media and the liquid steam to attract metal particles in the liquid stream to the filter media. The magnet may be a rare birth magnet. A variable speed drive motor is coupled to a carrier supporting the filter media to advance the filter media through the liquid stream.