Abstract: In various aspects of the invention, the following are provided: a process of creating a geothermal well in high-temperature, impermeable rock is provided; a geothermal well in high-temperature, impermeable rock; a process of operating a geothermal well; a packer; and a process for creating a seal in an annulus between a cylinder and a borehole located in a target zone in high-temperature, impermeable rock.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for sensing the status and configuration of various accessibility devices in a vehicle, monitoring and reporting the status and configuration of those accessibility devices, guiding a vehicle operator or attendant through the proper use of those accessibility devices, and identifying and reporting abnormal conditions based on feedback from those devices are provided herein. These systems provide enhanced securement confirmation for a vehicle operator and promote a safer riding experience for a mobility passenger.

Abstract: Systems for securing wheelchairs in a wheelchair-accessible van or similar personal or commercial vehicle. The wheelchair securement system may be integrated into a constructed vehicle or a new floor frame for a converted wheelchair-accessible vehicle prior to the frame being secured to the vehicle body. The wheelchair securement system may be integrated in a way that does not obstruct the wheelchair from maneuvering into the vehicle via the vehicle ramp and within the vehicle as it is positioned into one or more wheelchair securement areas.

Abstract: A method for increasing the securement of a wheeled mobility device in a securement system is disclosed. The method may include a programed monitoring system that may determine the nature of the wheeled mobility device being secured. Based on the monitoring, the system may execute logic to further apply securement force the wheeled mobility device if necessary, or may send a signal to deploy one or more retractable pins to engage in cavities of the wheeled mobility device.

Abstract: A point of delivery retail kiosk system for vending products includes a plurality of lockers, at least one kiosk, and a controller. Each of the plurality of lockers containing a product therein. The at least one kiosk includes a user interface and a scanner configured to scan at least one code. The controller is in communication with each of the plurality of lockers and the at least one kiosk.

Abstract: Systems for securing wheelchairs in a wheelchair-accessible van or similar personal or commercial vehicle. The wheelchair securement system may be integrated into a constructed vehicle or a new floor frame for a converted wheelchair-accessible vehicle prior to the frame being secured to the vehicle body. The wheelchair securement system may be integrated in a way that does not obstruct the wheelchair from maneuvering into the vehicle via the vehicle ramp and within the vehicle as it is positioned into one or more wheelchair securement areas.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein include an automated securement system that lock a wheeled mobility device into a designated station aboard an autonomous public transit vehicle, thus preventing unintended movement that is discomforting and potentially dangerous for both the WMD user and other passengers. The automated securement system includes features that integrate with typical autonomous public transit vehicles to minimize obstruction during stowage while maximizing effectiveness during deployment.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein include an automated securement system that lock a wheeled mobility device into a designated station aboard an autonomous public transit vehicle, thus preventing unintended movement that is discomforting and potentially dangerous for both the WMD user and other passengers. The automated securement system includes features that integrate with typical autonomous public transit vehicles to minimize obstruction during stowage while maximizing effectiveness during deployment.

Abstract: A wheelchair accessible autonomous vehicle with improved interoperability between the ingress/egress doors, wheelchair access device, non-ingress/egress doors, and wheelchair securement system. Safety interlocks for those components may be automatically engaged and disengaged by vehicle computing systems during ingress and egress of a wheelchair based on input from one or more perception sensors associated with the vehicle, the ingress/egress doors, the non-ingress/egress doors, the wheelchair access device, the wheelchair securement system, and the wheelchair.

Abstract: In various aspects of the invention, the following are provided: a process of creating a geothermal well in high-temperature, impermeable rock is provided; a geothermal well in high-temperature, impermeable rock; a process of operating a geothermal well; a packer; and a process for creating a seal in an annulus between a cylinder and a borehole located in a target zone in high-temperature, impermeable rock.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein include an automated securement system that lock a wheeled mobility device into a designated station aboard an autonomous public transit vehicle, thus preventing unintended movement that is discomforting and potentially dangerous for both the WMD user and other passengers. The automated securement system includes features that integrate with typical autonomous public transit vehicles to minimize obstruction during stowage while maximizing effectiveness during deployment.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein include an automated securement system that lock a wheeled mobility device into a designated station aboard an autonomous public transit vehicle, thus preventing unintended movement that is discomforting and potentially dangerous for both the WMD user and other passengers. The automated securement system includes features that integrate with typical autonomous public transit vehicles to minimize obstruction during stowage while maximizing effectiveness during deployment.

Abstract: A thin profile retractor allows for a wheelchair securement system to be installed in-floor without the need for large holes to be cut into the OEM vehicle flooring. A plurality of thin profile retractors may be combined in a single housing to define a drop-in, in-floor system. The thickness of the in-floor system is approximately equal to or slightly thicker than the thickness of the type of aftermarket flooring that is typically placed on top of the OEM flooring or vehicle frame—for example, plywood. In that regard, a large hole corresponding to the outline of the in-floor system need only be cut in the aftermarket flooring, and only small holes need to be drilled to secure the in-floor system to the vehicle frame. The thin profile retractor includes specialized components and component configurations that permit the thin profile and/or allow the retractor to perform better during accident scenarios.

Abstract: Systems for securing wheelchairs in a wheelchair-accessible van or similar personal or commercial vehicle. The wheelchair securement system may be integrated into a constructed vehicle or a new floor frame for a converted wheelchair-accessible vehicle prior to the frame being secured to the vehicle body. The wheelchair securement system may be integrated in a way that does not obstruct the wheelchair from maneuvering into the vehicle via the vehicle ramp and within the vehicle as it is positioned into one or more wheelchair securement areas.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein include an automated securement system that lock a wheeled mobility device into a designated station aboard an autonomous public transit vehicle, thus preventing unintended movement that is discomforting and potentially dangerous for both the WMD user and other passengers. The automated securement system includes features that integrate with typical autonomous public transit vehicles to minimize obstruction during stowage while maximizing effectiveness during deployment.

Abstract: A modular locker system can include a locker base, a locker tower, and a modular locker. The modular locker system allows different sized modular lockers to be interchanged to achieve a number of modular locker configurations. The contents of the modular lockers can be accessed by inputting a code to unlock a door included in the modular locker.

Abstract: A modular locker system can include a locker base, a locker tower, and a modular locker. The modular locker system allows different sized modular lockers to be interchanged to achieve a number of modular locker configurations. The contents of the modular lockers can be accessed by inputting a code to unlock a door included in the modular locker.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser (20) comprises a housing (22) for defining a fluid chamber (24). The housing (22) has an orifice (26) through which fluid is discharged. A piston (28) is positioned in the housing (22) for linear motion in the chamber for expelling fluid from the chamber and through the orifice (26). A piezoelectric actuator assembly (30) is positioned in the housing for imparting the linear motion to the piston. In one example implementation, the fluid dispenser housing takes the form of a syringe. In the syringe implementation, a syringe housing defines an essentially cylindrical fluid chamber. In an example embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator assembly (30(4)) comprises a first piezoelectric actuator (501); a second piezoelectric actuator (502); and, a circuit (34(4)) for actuating the first piezoelectric actuator (501) and the second piezoelectric actuator (502).

Abstract: A pump comprises a body for at least partially defining a pumping chamber (28); a pump member which undergoes displacement when acting upon a fluid in the pumping chamber; and a piezoelectric element which responds to the displacement of the pump member to generate an electric current. The electric current generated by the piezoelectric element is preferably applied to a charge storage device which is coupled to the piezoelectric element. The storage device can take various forms, including but not limited to a battery (50, 150, 250), a capacitor (52, 152, 252), and a power supply for the pump (54). In one example embodiment, the pump member is a diaphragm (26) which undergoes the displacement when acting upon a fluid in the pumping chamber. In this example embodiment, the piezoelectric element responds to the displacement of the diaphragm to generate the electric current.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power generator (20, 120) comprises plural piezoelectric devices (22, 122); an actuator (24) positioned to impart an excitation to the plural piezoelectric devices (22, 122) in a predefined sequence; and, an electrical conduction system (30) connected to the plural piezoelectric devices for conducting an electrical charge created by the excitation. Preferably the plural piezoelectric devices (22, 122) are arranged in a predetermined relationship relative to the actuator (24) whereby only one of the plural piezoelectric devices (22, 122) is actuated at a time. For example, the plural piezoelectric devices (22, 122) can be arranged in an angular pattern (such as a circular pattern) relative to the actuator (24). Preferably, a rotational speed of the actuator (24) permits an excitation response for a given plural piezoelectric device (22, 122) to essentially fully decay before the given plural piezoelectric device (22, 122) is again excited.