Abstract: A method for forming a textile strap and the resulting textile strap includes forming a textile matrix by stacking in alternating order at least one first material layer on at least one second material layer. The at least one first material layer is bonded to the at least one second material layer in a manner to fix the at least one first material layer to the at least one second material layer. A plurality of apertures are cut into the formed textile matrix. The apertures are cut in from an edge of the textile matrix inward such that the resulting textile matrix with defined apertures is predictably flexible in each of two directions. The the resulting textile matrix with defined apertures is sheathe in a formed knit outer layer configured to substantially enclose the resulting textile matrix with defined apertures. The knit outer layer is bonded to the textile matrix.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a movable roof, a sensor supported by the roof, and an actuator for selectively raising and lowering the roof.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system may comprise a restraint and an actuator shaft configured to rotate the restraint between a raised position and a stowed position. The restraint may include a head configured to rotate about an axis and a plunger configured to translate between an engaged state and a disengaged state. When the plunger is in the engaged state, the head is rotationally coupled to the actuator shaft. When the plunger is in the disengaged state, the head can rotate independently of the actuator shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a movable roof, a sensor supported by the roof, and an actuator for selectively raising and lowering the roof.

Abstract: Cargo racks configured to mount to a hitch of a vehicle and to support cargo. The cargo racks include a tongue, a mast, and a tilting mechanism. The tilting mechanism pivotally couples the mast and the tongue. The tilting mechanism includes a stationary plate, a tilt plate, a catch mechanism, a push plate, and an actuator. The stationary plate is coupled to the tongue. The tilt plate is coupled to the mast and pivotally coupled to the stationary plate. The catch mechanism is operable to selectively restrict the tilt plate pivoting relative to the stationary plate. The push plate is operable to move the catch between a restriction position restricting the tilt plate from pivoting relative to the stationary plate and a release position enabling the tilt plate to pivot relative to the stationary plate. The actuator is operable to selectively move the push plate relative to the tilt plate.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system includes a driving shaft, a first restraint, and a second restraint. The first restraint is operatively coupled to the driving shaft via a first indexing mechanism arrangement. The second restraint is operatively coupled to the driving shaft via a second indexing mechanism arrangement. The first and second indexing mechanism arrangements are arranged such that rotation of the driving shaft in a first rotational direction causes the first restraint to rotate between a lowered position and a raised position, and further rotation of the driving shaft in the same rotational direction causes the second restraint to rotate between the lowered position and the raised position. The first restraint may be axially offset from the second restraint to allow sequential loading and unloading of cargo.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system includes a restraint including a roller that is passively moveable with respect to the restraint between a protruding position for reducing release loads while the restraint is under side loads from a cargo pallet and a retracted position whereby at least a portion of the side loads bypass the roller and are reacted directly through the restraint body.

Abstract: Cargo racks configured to mount to a hitch of a vehicle and to support cargo. The cargo racks include a tongue, a mast, and a tilting mechanism. The tilting mechanism pivotally couples the mast and the tongue. The tilting mechanism includes a stationary plate, a tilt plate, a catch mechanism, a push plate, and an actuator. The stationary plate is coupled to the tongue. The tilt plate is coupled to the mast and pivotally coupled to the stationary plate. The catch mechanism is operable to selectively restrict the tilt plate pivoting relative to the stationary plate. The push plate is operable to move the catch between a restriction position restricting the tilt plate from pivoting relative to the stationary plate and a release position enabling the tilt plate to pivot relative to the stationary plate. The actuator is operable to selectively move the push plate relative to the tilt plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a remotely operable sanitation sprayer for quickly disinfecting large indoor spaces. The sanitation sprayer includes a body supported by drive wheels and one or more casters. The drive wheels are configured to rotate at different speeds to steer the sanitation sprayer. A boom comprising a generally elongate member is vertically coupled with the body. Nozzles disposed along the length of the boom are configured to disperse a disinfectant into the indoor space. The nozzles are of an electrostatic variety configured to electrostatically charge the disinfectant exiting the sanitation sprayer. The sanitation sprayer further includes electronic equipment for remotely operating the sanitation sprayer. A front of the sanitation sprayer may be equipped with one or more cameras and sensors that facilitate detecting nearby objects. The cameras and sensors may be configured provide a first-person view to a practitioner remotely operating the sanitation sprayer.

Abstract: An example battery swap system may include a battery transport. The battery transport may include a support frame, a connector coupled to the support frame and configured to connect to a powered vehicle for moving the battery transport, and a battery carriage movably coupled to the support frame and configured to horizontally carry a battery from a transport supported position to a tractor received position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a kernel-level grain monitoring system include a grain camera positioned to capture bulk grain sample images of a currently-harvested grain taken into and processed by a combine harvester, a moisture sensor, and a display device. A controller architecture is coupled to the grain camera, to the moisture sensor, and to the display device. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) analyze the bulk grain sample images, as received from the grain camera, to determine an average per kernel (APK) volume representing an estimated volume of a single average kernel of the currently-harvested grain; (ii) repeatedly calculate one or more topline harvesting parameters based, at least in part, on the determined APK volume and the moisture sensor data; and (iii) selectively present the topline harvesting parameters on the display device for viewing by an operator of the combine harvester.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a housing, at least one battery cell, and a handle assembly. The battery cell is disposed within the housing. The handle assembly is coupled to the housing. The handle assembly includes a first handle catch, an elongate flexible member, a second handle catch, and a grip layer. The elongate flexible member has a first end and a second end. The elongate flexible member is coupled to the first handle catch. The first handle catch is disposed nearer to the first end than to the second end. The second handle catch is coupled to the elongate flexible member nearer to the second end than to the first end. The grip layer is disposed on at least a portion of each of the first handle catch, the elongate flexible member, and the second handle catch.

Abstract: Connections between nodes and tubes are provided. An apparatus can include additively manufactured first and second nodes, a tube, and an interconnect connecting the tube to the first and second nodes. An apparatus can include a node having an end portion with inner and outer concentric portions forming an annular gap therebetween, and a tube having an end portion extending into the gap.

Abstract: A socket for engaging a residual limb includes a plurality of hard counters, each configured to engage the residual limb at defined “go points”. The go points can bear pressure without discomfort or impeding range of motion. The counters are further configured to avoid contact with identified “no go” points where excess tissue may inhibit motion or experience irritation upon movement and which include one or more contoured pads to more effectively engage the bony prominences of the limb without inhibiting motion. A chassis from which each of the counters may flexibly depend connects the residual limb mechanically to a limb extension. A lacing system alternately intersects the counters and terminates in a tensioning reel. Rotation of the tensioning reel in a first direction will draw the laces over each of the counters such that the tensioned laces will draw counters together to engage the residual limb.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis is provided. The vehicle chassis may comprise one or more vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures that are formed from a plurality of customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes. The customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes may be formed of one or more metal and/or non-metal materials. The customized chassis nodes may be formed with connecting features to which additional vehicle panels or structures may be permanently or removeably attached. The vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures may be interchangeably and removeably connected to provide a vehicle chassis having a set of predetermined chassis safety or performance characteristics.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a movable roof, a sensor supported by the roof, and an actuator for selectively raising and lowering the roof.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis is provided. The vehicle chassis may comprise one or more vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures that are formed from a plurality of customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes. The customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes may be formed of one or more metal and/or non-metal materials. The customized chassis nodes may be formed with connecting features to which additional vehicle panels or structures may be permanently or removeably attached. The vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures may be interchangeably and removeably connected to provide a vehicle chassis having a set of predetermined chassis safety or performance characteristics.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a joint designed to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The method may generate joints with variable geometry and fine features which may reduce production costs, reduce production time, and generate joints configured for highly specific applications. The joint may include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.

Abstract: A joint design to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The joint may connect carbon fiber tubes and may be designed with different shapes and configurations. The joint may include acceptor ports that may mate with a tube and simultaneously contact an inner surface and outer surface of the tube for a strong connection. The joint may also include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.

Abstract: Connections between nodes and tubes are provided. An apparatus can include additively manufactured first and second nodes, a tube, and an interconnect connecting the tube to the first and second nodes. An apparatus can include a node having an end portion with inner and outer concentric portions forming an annular gap therebetween, and a tube having an end portion extending into the gap.