Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for obstacle avoidance. In some embodiments, a robotically controlled vehicle capable of operating in one or more modes may be provided. Examples of such modes include teleoperation, waypoint navigation, follow, and manual mode. The vehicle may include an obstacle detection and avoidance system capable of being implemented with one or more of the vehicle modes. A control system may be provided to operate and control the vehicle in the one or more modes. The control system may include a robotic control unit and a vehicle control unit.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle and systems having an interface for payloads that allows integration of various payloads with relative ease. There is a vehicle control system for controlling an autonomous vehicle, receiving data, and transmitting a control signal on at least one network. A payload is adapted to detachably connect to the autonomous vehicle, the payload comprising a network interface configured to receive the control signal from the vehicle control system over the at least one network. The vehicle control system may encapsulate payload data and transmit the payload data over the at least one network, including Ethernet or CAN networks. The payload may be a laser scanner, a radio, a chemical detection system, or a Global Positioning System unit. In certain embodiments, the payload is a camera mast unit, where the camera communicates with the autonomous vehicle control system to detect and avoid obstacles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for switching between autonomous and manual operation of a vehicle are described. In one embodiment, there is a mechanical control system that receives manual inputs from a mechanical operation member to operate the vehicle in manual mode. There is further an actuator that receives autonomous control signals generated by a controller. When the actuator is engaged, it operates the vehicle in an autonomous mode, and when disengaged, it operates the vehicle in manual mode. In another embodiment, there is an E-Stop system to disengage systems that cause the vehicle to move, such as the engine, while still leaving power in the systems that do not cause the vehicle to move. There is a method for autonomous mode starting of a vehicle, comprising receiving a signal indicating autonomous mode, determining that a parking brake lever is set and the brakes are engaged, disengaging the brakes while maintaining the lever in the set position, and engaging in autonomous mode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for determining internal engine characteristics using acoustic-vibration data. Exemplary such data are passive acoustic pyrometer data. Acoustic-vibrational frequencies emanating from a running engine are detected and compared to frequencies having known relationships to particular operating characteristics of the engine. In an example, the dominant frequency or other prominent frequency emanating from an internal-combustion chamber of a turbine engine is detected and used to determine the fuel-to-air ratio in the chamber. The determined data are used for performing adjustments or optimizations of engine performance, such as adjusting the fuel-to-air ratio as required or desired. In a similar manner, operating characteristics of other engines or engine-like environments, including furnaces and boilers, can be determined.

Abstract: An architecture for integrating data between a plurality of software applications in a factory environment comprises a factory system and a domain application. The factory system comprises a domain object superclass and at least two first-level subclasses of the domain object superclass. An instantiation of one of the first-level subclasses corresponds to a domain object, which represents an item in a factory. The factory system also includes a service, which provides an operation related to the domain object. The service comprises at least one component, where each component is operable to perform the operation related to the domain object. The architecture also includes a domain application, which implements a component of the service of the factory system to perform the operation related to the domain object. The architecture can optionally include a system manager for managing hardware and software in the factory.

Abstract: An improved storage unit of the type having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a floor, a pair of side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a roof. The roof is translucent, attaches without any puncturing thereto, and has overhanging eaves and bows with centers that are bowed thereat. A ventilation system allows the storage unit to benefit from storing in a climate controlled warehouse and provides airflow when the storage unit is stored outside. The rear wall has a roll-up door. The pair of side walls, the front wall, and the rear wall are attached from the exterior surface and the interior surface is smooth and non-abrasive. The floor is plastic undercoated plywood. Towing brackets front and rear provide a safe, strong, and secure method to attach a winch system of a transport system for maneuvering the storage unit on and off the transport system and to maneuver the storage unit with forklifts or pallet jacks in a yard or warehouse.

Abstract: An improved storage unit of the type having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a floor, a pair of side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a roof. The roof is translucent, attaches without any puncturing thereto, and has overhanging eaves and bows with centers that are bowed thereat. A ventilation system allows the storage unit to benefit from storing in a climate controlled warehouse and provides airflow when the storage unit is stored outside. The rear wall has a roll-up door. The pair of side walls, the front wall, and the rear wall are attached from the exterior surface and the interior surface is smooth and non-abrasive. The floor is plastic undercoated plywood. Towing brackets front and rear provide a safe, strong, and secure method to attach a winch system of a transport system for maneuvering the storage unit on and off the transport system and to maneuver the storage unit with forklifts or pallet jacks in a yard or warehouse.

Abstract: An electric cable termination gland has a continuity member formed by a metal sleeve which is located within the gland and has a middle region of reduced strength formed by a series of discrete bridge portions with a partially folded crease creating a central zone about which the bridge portions can fold inwardly when axial pressure is applied to the continuity member to cause the bridge portions to contact an exposed metal sheath of a cable extending through the gland.

Abstract: Neutralized surface of a polymer of perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene sulphonyl fluoride for attachment and growth of animal cells in vivo or in vitro, the comonomer preferably being tetrfluorethylene.