Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for integrated path planning and path tracking control of an autonomous vehicle. The method includes: obtaining five input control variables and eleven system state variables of an autonomous vehicle at current time; constructing a vehicle path planning-tracking integrated state model according to the obtained variables at the current time; enveloping external contours of two autonomous vehicles using elliptical envelope curves to determine elliptical vehicle envelope curves of the two autonomous vehicles, respectively; determining time to collision (TTC) between the vehicles according to elliptical vehicle envelope curves and vehicle driving states; establishing an objective function of a model prediction controller (MPC) according to the model; and solving the objective function based on the TTC, and determining input control variables to the MPC at the next time. Autonomous vehicle collision avoidance can be achieved according to the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for integrated path planning and path tracking control of an autonomous vehicle. The method includes: obtaining five input control variables and eleven system state variables of an autonomous vehicle at current time; constructing a vehicle path planning-tracking integrated state model according to the obtained variables at the current time; enveloping external contours of two autonomous vehicles using elliptical envelope curves to determine elliptical vehicle envelope curves of the two autonomous vehicles, respectively; determining time to collision (TTC) between the vehicles according to elliptical vehicle envelope curves and vehicle driving states; establishing an objective function of a model prediction controller (MPC) according to the model; and solving the objective function based on the TTC, and determining input control variables to the MPC at the next time. Autonomous vehicle collision avoidance can be achieved according to the present disclosure.

Abstract: A connector for being inserted into a first channel of a microfluidic device. The connector includes a first end and a second end, when seen in the direction of a longitudinal central axis of said connector, wherein the second end is arranged in a second end portion of the connector; an inner hollow space; a outer circumferential wall extending around said longitudinal central axis, such that said outer circumferential wall extends around said inner hollow space.

Abstract: An improved microfluidic system with an improved microfluidic valve module is disclosed. The microfluidic system includes a microfluidic chip and one or more valve modules. The microfluidic chip has microfluidic channels and one or more cavities formed in the chip, each of the one or more cavities designed to receive one of the one or more valve modules. Each of the one or more valve modules includes a first layer, a control layer and one or more second layers. The first layer includes a deformable material. The control layer has a microfluidic control chamber formed in a portion of it. The control layer is also located adjoining the first layer and the deformable material of the first layer forms a deformable surface of the control chamber. The one or more second layers include an input microfluidic channel and an output microfluidic channel.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a microfluidic device for altering a fluid flow may be provided. The microfluidic device may include a chamber having a first chamber portion with an inlet configured to receive a fluid flow into the chamber; a second chamber portion with an outlet configured to permit an altered fluid flow out of the chamber, the second chamber portion defining a smaller chamber cross section compared to the first chamber portion; and at least one support structure with at least one support surface defining a division between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion; and a diaphragm in the first chamber portion, the diaphragm displaceable between a position at the inlet and a position at the at least one support surface by the fluid flow. A microfluidic system including the microfluidic device may also be provided.

Abstract: A self-powered in-pipe fluid meter to be mounted inside of a pipe carrying a fluid therein. The fluid meter comprises at least one sensing unit capable of measuring one or more parameters of the fluid inside of the pipe; a telemetric data transmission unit capable of telemetrically transmitting data including a measured fluid parameter to a host terminal and/or another fluid meter; and at least one fluid-driven power source unit capable of generating power from the fluid flow within the pipe and supplying power to the sensing unit and/or the transmission unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid, the apparatus comprising a chamber for containing the liquid and a gas therein; an outlet in fluid connection with the chamber for releasing the liquid from the apparatus; a pressure-sensitive barrier in the fluid connection between the outlet and the chamber for preventing release of the liquid from the chamber and for allowing passage of the liquid therethrough only when there is at least a critical pressure difference between pressure of the gas in the chamber and atmospheric pressure; and a compressing element for compressing the gas to a raised pressure upon a one-time activation of the compressing element, wherein difference between the raised pressure and atmospheric pressure is at least the same as the critical pressure difference.

Abstract: A method of making a substrate includes providing an upper insulative layer and a lower insulative layer, wherein the upper insulative layer includes an inlet opening, the lower insulative layer includes a channel, and the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the channel, flowing a non-solidified material through the inlet opening into the channel, and then solidifying the non-solidified material by applying energy to the non-solidified material, thereby forming embedded metallization in the channel. The substrate can be a microfluidic device, an electrical interconnect or other electronic devices.

Abstract: A self-powered in-pipe fluid meter to be mounted inside of a pipe carrying a fluid therein. The fluid meter comprises at least one sensing unit capable of measuring one or more parameters of the fluid inside of the pipe; a telemetric data transmission unit capable of telemetrically transmitting data including a measured fluid parameter to a host terminal and/or another fluid meter; and at least one fluid-driven power source unit capable of generating power from the fluid flow within the pipe and supplying power to the sensing unit and/or the transmission unit.