Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide a network control center that coordinates candidate vehicles suited for platooning based at least in part on the hours of service (HOS) requirements, customer constraints, and service time of each candidate vehicle. Further, the network control center may integrate a navigation system that incorporates one or more of the above factors to manage logistics associated with platooning vehicles.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide a network control center that coordinates candidate vehicles suited for platooning based at least in part on the hours of service (HOS) requirements, customer constraints, and service time of each candidate vehicle. Further, the network control center may integrate a navigation system that incorporates one or more of the above factors to manage logistics associated with platooning vehicles.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide a network control center that coordinates candidate vehicles suited for platooning based at least in part on the hours of service (HOS) requirements, customer constraints, and service time of each candidate vehicle. Further, the network control center may integrate a navigation system that incorporates one or more of the above factors to manage logistics associated with platooning vehicles.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide a network control center that coordinates candidate vehicles suited for platooning based at least in part on the hours of service (HOS) requirements, customer constraints, and service time of each candidate vehicle. Further, the network control center may integrate a navigation system that incorporates one or more of the above factors to manage logistics associated with platooning vehicles.

Abstract: A removable scraper device is described herein. The removable scraper device includes an attachment element and a socket defined by the attachment element, wherein the socket is configured to receive a post of a scraper element therein. The removable scraper device further includes a slot defined by the attachment element, wherein the slot is configured to receive a portion of a bucket of a wheeled-machine therein. The removable scraper device further includes an aperture defined by the attachment element and a bolt sized to be received within the aperture. In some embodiments of the removable scraper device, the bolt and aperture are configured to selectively press the attachment element against the bucket to removably secure the removable scraper device thereto.

Abstract: A removable scraper device is described herein. The removable scraper device includes an attachment element and a socket defined by the attachment element, wherein the socket is configured to receive a post of a scraper element therein. The removable scraper device further includes a slot defined by the attachment element, wherein the slot is configured to receive a portion of a bucket of a wheeled-machine therein. The removable scraper device further includes an aperture defined by the attachment element and a bolt sized to be received within the aperture. In some embodiments of the removable scraper device, the bolt and aperture are configured to selectively press the attachment element against the bucket to removably secure the removable scraper device thereto.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to using a UAV for assisting drivers of large wheeled vehicles when backing up in reverse and for conducting pre-trip inspections of the wheeled vehicle prior to driving. The UAV can be a multirotor copter using simultaneous localization and mapping technology to maneuver autonomously. Alternatively, the driver of the wheeled vehicle may use remote control to maneuver the UAV.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to using a UAV for assisting drivers of large wheeled vehicles when backing up in reverse and for conducting pre-trip inspections of the wheeled vehicle prior to driving. The UAV can be a multirotor copter using simultaneous localization and mapping technology to maneuver autonomously. Alternatively, the driver of the wheeled vehicle may use remote control to maneuver the UAV.

Abstract: Operational efficiency and/or control systems and methods for vehicles are provided in order to improve fuel efficiency when traveling in a fuel powered vehicle from point A to point B. The systems and methods can determine the “best” or most efficient route to take based on one or more priorities, make driving recommendations to the operator, and/or automatically control one or more systems (e.g., engine, brakes, transmission, etc.) of the vehicle. The systems and methods can calculate the “best” route based on predefined trip requirements, including cost, schedule, route preferences, and/or risk of potential delays, etc.

Abstract: Operational efficiency and/or control systems and methods for vehicles are provided in order to improve fuel efficiency when traveling in a fuel powered vehicle from point A to point B. The systems and methods can determine the “best” or most efficient route to take based on one or more priorities, make driving recommendations to the operator, and/or automatically control one or more systems (e.g., engine, brakes, transmission, etc.) of the vehicle. The systems and methods can calculate the “best” route based on predefined trip requirements, including cost, schedule, route preferences, and/or risk of potential delays, etc.

Abstract: A barrier operator system, such as a garage door operator system, includes one or more remote control units, such as an inside remote control unit, an external wall mounted remote control unit and portable vehicle disposed remote control units which include speech recognition modules for recognizing spoken command signals to open or close a garage door or energize or de-energize lighting associated with the garage. The speech recognition modules are operably connected to interface or microcontroller circuits for operating a radio frequency transmitter for sending signals to operate lighting, and/or the barrier operator to move a barrier between open and closed positions, and possibly perform other functions.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: An auxiliary isometric computer pointing device for attachment to a P/S-2 mouse port connector along the right-hand side of the IBM ThinkPad laptop computer includes a TrackPoint IV pointing assembly, a mating electrical connector, a manually operated momentary switch, all enclosed in a compact, self-aligning enclosure. When provided with a suitable mouse driver, the laptop computer equipped with the auxiliary pointing device permits 3-D manipulation and alternative scrolling operations, independent of normal cursor positioning. The auxiliary pointing device derives operating power via the P/S-2 connector and provides a standard mouse output signal.

Abstract: A writing pad for use with a computer includes a number of sheets each having a flexure sensor affixed thereto. Circuitry connected to the sensors determines whether the sheets are lifted and removed from the pad, whereby the particular sheet currently in use may be identified. The flexure sensor system can be used in various configurations such as: a one or multiple-part checkbook systems with recognition of check writing environment, as a children's book to add sound to identified pages, as an answer sheet for testing or voting, in a clipboard configuration or to assist a speaker during a slide-show presentation. The flexure sensors include resistive structures such as carbon based goo, transducers, conductive inks, strain gauges, patterned dissolved graphite, embossed sensors or other pressure/flexure sensors or equivalents thereof.

Abstract: An integrated manual control input device is provided for use in a computer system having a graphical user interface. The device comprises a pointing actuator mounted to a computer keyboard between preselected ones of the keys for engagement by a user's index finger. The pointing actuator includes a coil in the form of a cylinder that, when carrying a current, produces a magnetic field to drive a ferromagnetic slug to provide tactile feedback to a user of the control input device.

Abstract: A computer pointing device on a single, small printed wiring board includes all electronics necessary for providing a standard mouse-type output signal. The pointing device uses a balanced bridge strain gauge isometric sensor having a manipulation lever for user input. The computer pointing device includes a receiving space for accepting one of a large-size strain gauge sensor and a small-size strain gauge sensor, depending upon the specific application. The computer pointing device includes internal power regulation and has input for up to two momentary switches and two of the pointing devices can be daisy chained with a single, composite output signal. The small-size strain gauge sensor permits use of the pointing device in ultra thin keyboard applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding keyboard of at least two sections, each having an opening therein which is open on the facing ends thereof, and a multilayer sheet for making the electrical connections upon actuation of the keys, the multilayer sheet having substantial stiffness in the flat, planar direction and limited flexibility perpendicular to the planar direction which allows bending about a curvature, the multilayer sheet being fixed in only one of the sections, whereby when the sections are in the open, unfolded position, the multilayer sheet is straightened into a flat, planar shape and registered with the keys of the other sections, and when in the closed, folded position is curved in the perpendicular, cylindrical direction between the sections and slid from the registered position in the other section towards the open facing end thereof. Additionally, the multilayer sheet is cut along any keys which protrude beyond the folding axis so as to allow the cylindrical curving thereof.