Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for assisting a physically handicapped individual to obtain a ride in an autonomous vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, a physically handicapped individual can use a helper application installed in a smartphone to initiate a request for an autonomous vehicle. Upon receiving the request, the helper application determines a first set of location coordinates of the physically handicapped individual and a second set of location coordinates of an autonomous vehicle that is available to provide the ride. The helper application may use the first set and/or the second set of location coordinates to identify a parking spot for the autonomous vehicle. The smartphone then transmits to the autonomous vehicle, a first set of instructions directing the autonomous vehicle to drive to the parking spot, and a second set of instructions to the physically handicapped individual to assist in moving to the parking spot.

Abstract: A tarp system includes a flexible tarp for covering a structure, the flexible tarp having a top surface, a bottom surface and having a peripheral edge, and a set of first connector portions located on the top surface of the flexible tarp and located internal to the periphery edge of the flexible tarp and configured to engage with a second connector portion located on one of a plurality of bladders. The tarp system further can include a plurality of bladders configured to be releasably located on the top surface of the flexible tarp and configured for retention of a ballast fluid to provide weighted anchorage for the tarp system on the structure.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for assisting a physically handicapped individual to obtain a ride in an autonomous vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, a physically handicapped individual can use a helper application installed in a smartphone to initiate a request for an autonomous vehicle. Upon receiving the request, the helper application determines a first set of location coordinates of the physically handicapped individual and a second set of location coordinates of an autonomous vehicle that is available to provide the ride. The helper application may use the first set and/or the second set of location coordinates to identify a parking spot for the autonomous vehicle. The smartphone then transmits to the autonomous vehicle, a first set of instructions directing the autonomous vehicle to drive to the parking spot, and a second set of instructions to the physically handicapped individual to assist in moving to the parking spot.