Abstract: A system for augmenting wireless communication and satellite positioning for machines at a worksite includes one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) configured to be remotely operated above an area encompassing the worksite. Each of the UAV includes a real time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) onboard the UAV for determining the position of the UAV relative to a base station located at a known location, and a machine vision module for detecting an object on the ground at the worksite. The RTK GPS onboard each UAV determines the global coordinates of the detected object in 3D space using the position of the UAV.

Abstract: An interface includes a human machine interface (HMI) to provide a visualization of current and future states of a mission associated with one or more unmanned vehicles. A time specifier provides input to the HMI to specify a current time or a future time for the visualization of the current and future states of the mission. A prediction engine generates predictions of the current and future states of the mission for the visualization based on the current time or the future time specified by the time specifier.

Abstract: An inspection device comprising a body that is adapted to receive and retain an item of inspection equipment, one or more wheels that are rotatably mounted to the body, one or more power sources that are adapted to rotate the one or more wheels, and a controller that is adapted to control the movement of the inspection device. A method further comprising controlling the movement of the inspection device relative to the storage device.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a device of a motor vehicle includes a communication unit configured to shift the device of the motor vehicle from an idle mode to an active mode by sending a first wireless signal. The apparatus is configured to specify a frequency and/or a channel for transmitting and/or receiving the first wireless signal in the active mode and to control the device so that the device is only shifted from the idle mode to the active mode when the first wireless signal is received at the specified frequency and/or the specified channel.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with swarm management are described. One example system comprises a communication component configured to establish a communication link with at least one element, where the at least one element is part of a swarm. The example system also comprises a management component configured to manage performance of a task list by the swarm through the communication link.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for the establishment of a fleet of networked unmanned vehicles. The system provides at least one vehicle control device configured to interface with a third party unmanned vehicle and establish communications with other unmanned vehicles and with remote control stations. A plurality of vehicle control devices may be used with a plurality of remote control stations to establish a networked fleet of unmanned vehicles. Communication between the networked vehicles may include control information, sensor information, and mission information.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an orientation of a vehicle are provided. The system and method determine (with a sensor assembly disposed onboard a first vehicle) a direction in which a fluid flows within the first vehicle. The first vehicle is included in a vehicle consist with a second vehicle. The orientation of the first vehicle relative to the second vehicle is determined based at least in part on the direction in which the fluid flows within the first vehicle. The fluid may be air in an air brake pipe of the vehicle consist.

Abstract: In some embodiments, extemporaneous control of remote objects can be made more natural using the invention, enabling a participant to pivot, tip and aim a head-mounted display apparatus to control a remote-controlled toy or full-sized vehicle, for example, hands-free. If the vehicle is outfitted with a camera, then the participant may see the remote location from first-person proprioceptive perspective.

Abstract: A data processing device and an aerial vehicle are provided. The device comprises a sensor, a processor, and a clock converter. A data signal output pin of the sensor is connected with a data signal input pin of the processor. The sensor comprises at least two clock output pins, each of which is connected with one of two input pins of the clock convert. An output pin of the clock converter is connected with a clock input pin of the processor. The dock converter is configured to convert clock signals input from various input pins into a single-ended clock signal, and output the single-ended clock signal to the processor through the output pin.

Abstract: An aspect includes a method of kinematic motion planning includes accessing a list of a plurality of nodes defining a plurality of potential kinematic path locations between a starting position and an ending position of a vehicle. A plurality of constraint sets is determined that apply one or more vehicle motion constraints based on a plurality of spatial regions defined between the starting position and the ending position. The constraint sets are applied in determining a plurality of connections between the nodes to form a kinematic motion path based on locations of the nodes relative to the spatial regions. The kinematic motion path is output to a dynamic path planner to complete creation of a motion path plan for the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for treating a floor surface is provided using a self-propelled and self-steering floor treating apparatus, wherein the treatment is based on a pattern along which the floor treating apparatus is moved, wherein the pattern has paths in side-by-side relationship to one another, and wherein when the floor treating apparatus travels a path, a respective treatment area is covered and treated. The pattern is adapted to at least one of the size and contour of the floor surface such that boundaries thereof opposite each other each have a path extending therealong with a treatment area adjacent to the boundary and intermediate paths are arranged such that full-coverage treatment of the floor surface is realized, wherein the relative position of at least two paths in side-by-side relationship is such that the treatment areas thereof at least partially overlap. A floor treatment apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A going back and charging system for a sweeping robot and a method for controlling the same are provided. The system includes: a charging station, configured to emit infrared signals to divide an area in front of the charging station into six different signal regions; six infrared receiving tubes; and a going back and charging control device, configured to control the six infrared receiving tubes to be turned on if the sweeping robot needs to be charged, to control the sweeping robot to walk toward the middle near field region if any one of the six infrared receiving tubes receives an infrared signal emitted from the charging station, and to control the sweeping robot to continue to walk until the sweeping robot docks with the charging station successfully if the fifth infrared receiving tube and the sixth infrared receiving tube receive an infrared signal of the middle near field region.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a smart cleaner, which includes: a remote controller provided with a camera, in which the camera is configured to photograph an image of a target area in a scene; and a body configured to scan the scene, to establish a map of the scene according to a predetermined reference substance, to identify a location of the image in the map after receiving the image sent by the remote controller, and to move to the target area according to the location of the image in the map for performing an operation.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for the automatic stopping of a vehicle in a target area. A method aspect of the disclosure comprises providing map data in which potential target areas for stopping of vehicles are defined by at least one attribute of map elements detecting an event that necessitates an automatic stopping of the vehicle determining a target area on the basis of the current position of the vehicle and the potential target areas defined in the map data, and triggering, on detection of the event, an automatic stopping process.

Abstract: A navigation system aids a driver of a collection vehicle in keeping pace and distance with a lead harvester while collecting grain. The navigation system can be used for any leader-follower vehicle drive formation. A navigation system steers the head vehicle based on a continuously known position and attitude. Navigation data for the lead vehicle is broadcast to a following collection vehicle. A navigation system in the following vehicle processes the lead vehicle navigation data to determine a relative position and attitude. The navigation system in the following vehicle generates steering and speed commands based on the relative position and attitude to automatically drive to a designated target position alongside the lead vehicle. In one example, an artificial oscillation is induced into the target position to more evenly distribute material in the following vehicle.

Abstract: A dual-redundancy flight control system, comprises a master control system and a secondary control system. The master control system comprises a master controller, and further comprises a first inertial measurement unit (IMU), a first magnetic compass unit, and a first satellite navigation unit, each of which being connected to the master controller respectively. The secondary control system comprises a secondary controller, and further comprises a second IMU, a second magnetic compass unit, and a second satellite navigation unit, each of which being connected to the secondary controller respectively. The secondary controller is connected to the master controller via a data bus, and the master controller is connected to an electronic speed regulator of an aircraft for controlling the flight actions of the aircraft.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle has a substrate. A tether sensor is mounted on the substrate. The tether sensor determines an orientation of the tether relative to the substrate. A micro controller, receiving the measured orientation from the tether sensor, determines an orientation of the tether relative to the substrate, and as a function of the orientation, determines a corrective value and outputs the corrective value to the unmanned aerial vehicle as at least one of a roll output and a pitch output control signal.

Abstract: A flight management system architecture with separate core and supplementary modules. In the core module, generic functionalties relative to the flight management of the aircraft are implemented. In the supplementary module, supplementary functions are implemented. The supplementary functionalities include functionalties specific to an entity to which the aircraft belongs such as the specific aircraft model, a family of airdraft, a company, an alliance, and so on. The flight management system also includes a message exchange interface in which enables the core and supplementary modules to exchanges messages with each other. The core and supplementary modules includes corresponding core module and supplementary module interfacing functionaltities that respectively interface with generic ans specific man-machine interfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a gas supply system, a gas panel monitoring system and to a gas distribution platform controlled via a high availability computing cluster. In one case, a gas supply system is provided which includes a gas panel defining an enclosure that includes a gas dispensing manifold. Gas flow through the gas dispensing manifold is regulated using solenoids. The gas supply system also includes a redundant control system that is electrically connected to the solenoids. The redundant control system is configured to send actuation signals to the solenoids to allow or prevent gas from flowing through the gas dispensing manifold. The gas supply system further includes a communications module that allows the redundant control system to monitor multiple gas panels. The monitoring includes receiving feedback from gas cabinet components regarding component operational status, and also transmitting actuation signals from the redundant control system to the gas panel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of demand management for fluid networks. The method includes the steps of providing a computer controlled fluid network for delivery of fluid to at least one customer (14), maintaining a real time database (16) within the computer controlled fluid network of predetermined parameters, requesting a flow rate and time of delivery of said fluid from the fluid network through a user interface (22) to a customer (20), determining, using predetermined parameters from the real time database (16), the availability (24) of providing delivery of fluid from the fluid network to the customer (14) based on hydraulic capacity of the fluid network, and, if the hydraulic capacity is available, calculating parameters (38) using the real time database (16) to deliver fluid to the customer (14) through the computer controlled fluid network.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments can provide a system and method for controlling irrigation schedules for a sprinkler system including automatically updating irrigation schedules based on qualitative and quantitative feedback and meteorological data as well as matching optimal or near-optimal irrigation schedules to other sprinkler zones based on characteristics of the landscape and sprinkler system as well as other characteristics.

Abstract: A safety valve control system may include a remotely operable control assembly, a first transducer, a valve assembly, and a compressor assembly in communication with the control assembly. The control assembly is operable to actuate the pump and valve assemblies to supply fluid to actuate the safety valve into open and closed positions, in response to one or more signals received from the first transducer. A method of operation may include maintaining the safety valve in an open or closed position while sensing a physical property with the control system; communicating a signal corresponding to the sensed physical property to the control system; and automatically closing or opening the safety valve in response to a comparison of the sensed physical property to a pre-set condition.

Abstract: A water level detection system in a pool, spa, fountain or water feature, the water level detection system being provided with a tap line coupled to a plumbing line on a suction or supply side of a filtration system and admitting water from the pool, spa, fountain or water feature such that the change in level of the water in the tap line corresponds to a change in level of the water in the pool, spa, fountain or water feature. A sensing module has at least one sensor for detecting the height of a column of water or the pressure of a column of air in the water tap line. A controller is coupled to the sensing module and adapted to collect the data from the sensors that detect changes in the level of the water level of the pool, spa, fountain or water feature, communicate the detection of such a change, and report such a change to initiate addition or removal of water from the pool, spa, fountain or water feature body of water to adjust the water level in the body of water to a set point.

Abstract: There is provided a pressure reducing valve in which phenomena of vibration occurring with respect to a pressure reducing member and/or a pressure receiving piston are reliably dampened. When a pressure receiving piston (19) is advanced rightward to increase the volume of a fluid chamber (28) defined by the pressure receiving piston (19) and a piston hole (18), the pressure in the fluid chamber (28) drops to close a check valve (34), and the pressurized fluid in an outlet chamber (10) flows into the fluid chamber (28) through a throttle portion (31). When the pressure receiving piston (19) is retracted leftward to reduce the volume of the fluid chamber (28), the pressure in the fluid chamber (28) rises to open the check valve (34), and the pressurized fluid in the fluid chamber (28) flows out to the outlet chamber (10).

Abstract: This disclosure describes a natural gas collection system utilizing a single compressor to manage collection of natural gas from both high-pressure and low-pressure sources. The operation of the single compressor is controlled by a PLC configured to receive pressure data from sensors and to direct compressor speed in order to maintain natural gas pressure at the user defined targets.

Abstract: The present application includes a system and method of sharing and initiating an individual's preferences via one or more electronic control units, namely at least an identification unit, a control unit, and a system provider. The system includes network devices which allow individual preferences to be transferred to the control units automatically regardless of the control unit manufacture. Once an individual is identified through the identification unit, the control unit obtains user preferences from the system provider and implements one or more preferences. Licensing and fees are set by the system provider.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing; a substrate disposed on the inner side of the housing; a plurality of temperature sensors disposed on the substrate; and a processor. The processor performs a procedure including calculating heat source temperatures of a plurality of heat sources disposed on the substrate from temperatures measured by the temperature sensors by using a first heat transfer model not including a first parameter representing a transient response of heat transfer from the heat sources to the temperature sensors; and calculating a surface temperature of a surface of the housing from the heat source temperatures by using a second heat transfer model including the first parameter and a second parameter representing a transient response of heat transfer from the heat sources to the surface.

Abstract: An automatic master slave system and approach for coordinated control of a parameter, for example, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning condition, in an area of multiple spaces controlled by room controllers. Changing a layout of a zone/area in a building such as moving, adding or removing a door, increasing or splitting size of a room through movable walls, or by permanently removing partitions, changing offices to a conference room or vice versa, may occur. A size of a room may be altered within minutes, according to customer demand. For instance, rooms may be converted into a single room by removing partitions. The controllers that were controlling temperatures of the rooms independently earlier, may convert automatically into a master-slave configuration and now work together to control a larger room. If the large room is split into multiple rooms, the controllers may automatically revert to their previous configuration.

Abstract: An integrated circuit may include a reference voltage generating circuit for generating a reference voltage. The reference voltage generating circuit may include a digital operation circuit and a digital-to-analog converter. The digital operation circuit is configured to adjust a reference voltage to temperature code relationship using a coefficient that adjusts a relative relationship between the reference voltage and the temperature code, and separate code that adjusts an absolute relationship between the reference voltage and the temperature code, wherein the temperature code reflects a temperature at the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A power control integrated circuit (IC) chip can include a direct current (DC)-DC converter that outputs a switching voltage in response to a switching output enable signal. The power control IC chip can also include an inductor detect circuit that detects whether an inductor is conductively coupled to the DC-DC converter and a powered circuit component in response to an inductor detect signal. The power control IC chip can further include control logic that (i) controls the inductor detect signal based on an enable DC-DC signal and (ii) controls the switching output enable signal provided to the DC-DC converter and a linear output disable signal provided to a linear regulator based on a signal from the inductor detect circuit indicating whether the inductor is conductively coupled to the DC-DC converter and the powered circuit component.

Abstract: An Internet-of-Things (IoT) system includes energy harvesting devices, IoT devices, and a monitoring device. The energy harvesting devices harvest the same or different types of ambient energy to provide a single-mode or multi-mode energy harvesting function, respectively. Each IoT device coupled to at least one energy harvesting device includes a control module, a wireless network module, and an energy storage module. The control module determines, according to energy supplied by the at least one energy harvesting device, whether to control the at least one energy harvesting device to supply energy to the IoT device and charge the energy storage module, or whether to control the energy storage module to supply energy to the IoT device. The wireless network modules of the IoT devices are coupled together to form a wireless ad hoc network (WANET). The monitoring device monitors operating conditions of the IoT devices through the WANET.

Abstract: For energy operations across domains, a method generates a native node and a foreign node. The method further generates protocol reference data that identifies protocol specific relationships between the native node and the foreign node under an address space. In addition, the method links the native node and the foreign node in a native namespace and a foreign namespace by a translation function that automatically converts information between the foreign data structure and the proxy data structure using protocol specific structure converting functions. The method maps a native method calling of the native node to a foreign method calling of the foreign node using a protocol specific method mapping function.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a time-skew correction unit and a method thereof. The time-skew correction unit classifies the electric grid into plurality of regions with one or more generators in said plurality of regions and obtains response time of one or more generators corresponding to each of the plurality of regions from a simulator. The time-skew correction unit further monitors the plurality of regions in real-time for predefined value of change of load data from one or more loads in the electric grid and determines time-skew offset for each of the plurality of regions based on the response time of the one or more generator and corresponding real-time data from the plurality of regions. Further, time-stamp of the real-time data from each of the plurality of regions is adjusted based on the time skew offset of corresponding plurality of regions for time-skew correction in the electric grid.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system and computer program is provided for controlling an electric power system, including implementation of a voltage control and conservation (VCC) system used to optimally control the independent voltage and capacitor banks using a linear optimization methodology to minimize the losses in the EEDCS and the EUS. An energy validation process system (EVP) is provided which is used to document the savings of the VCC and an EPP is used to optimize improvements to the EEDCS for continuously improving the energy losses in the EEDS. The EVP system measures the improvement in the EEDS a result of operating the VCC system in the “ON” state determining the level of energy conservation achieved by the VCC system. In addition the VCC system monitors pattern recognition events and compares them to the report-by-exception data to detect HVL events.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating selective activation of at least one power storage device over a predetermined geographic area to supply a microgrid of electrical power, and automatic, selective disconnect any of the at least one power storage device from providing power supply to a microgrid or a wider area grid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing power supplied over an electric power grid by an electric utility and/or other market participants to multiplicity of grid elements and devices for supply and/or load curtailment as supply, each of which having a Power Supply Value (PSV) associated with its energy consumption and/or reduction in consumption and/or supply, and wherein messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements and devices, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is provided with a bandgap voltage reference circuit having a bandgap reference voltage output. A bandgap failure detection circuit is coupled to the bandgap reference voltage output. The bandgap failure detection forms a model value of the reference voltage from a first time, compares a present value of the reference voltage at a second time to the model value; and asserts a bandgap fail signal to indicate when the present value is less than the model value by a threshold value. The integrated circuit is reset by the bandgap fail signal. The detection circuit may be operated from a failsafe voltage domain that also allows a critical circuit to complete a pending operation during a reset.

Abstract: A proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) generator, for example, generates a PTAT current (IPTAT) and a VBE (voltage base-to-emitter) in a first regulation loop. A voltage-to-current converter is operable to generate a complementary to absolute temperature current (ICTAT). The IPTAT and ICTAT are summed to obtain a zero temperature coefficient current (IZTC). One ICTAT and one resistor are used to generate the IZTC signal.

Abstract: The vandal proof knob is designed to protect self-serve car wash station control boxes from costly damage from acts of vandalism or robbery by using a single piece construction of a knob with an elongated shaft that mates with the adjustment shaft of a standard rotary switch. The elongated shaft combined with a separate durable metal bracket mounted inside the control box allows for the rotary switch to be recessed approximately three inches inside the control box offering additional protection against vandalism. The bracket is secured to the control box using at least two fasteners and the rotary switch is also attached to the distal end of the bracket using at least two fasteners. Finally the front face of the knob has position indicating markings made as part of the single piece construction which also provides additional protection against vandalism.

Abstract: A method for performing signal control of an electronic device and an associated apparatus are provided, where the method includes the steps of: when it is detected that a phase difference between a data signal and a clock signal reaches a predetermined value, controlling the clock signal to switch from a first frequency to a second frequency, wherein both of the clock signal and the data signal are signals of the electronic device (e.g. signals of a memory interface circuit of the electronic device); applying at least one phase shift to the data signal until a condition is satisfied; and controlling the clock signal to switch from the second frequency to the first frequency; wherein the data signal is calibrated with respect to the clock signal with aid of the at least one phase shift.

Abstract: A display device of the present invention includes a body stand unit; a display displaying unit; and an arm unit, arranged upright from the body stand unit, for supporting the display displaying unit; where the arm unit is arranged on either left or right end side from a center in a horizontal direction of the display displaying unit, and supports the display displaying unit in a cantilever state.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic apparatus, including a first housing, a second housing which has a display section and a support member supporting the display section, and a housing connection section which rotatably connects the second housing with respect to the first housing. The support member includes a first support section connected to the housing connection section, a second support section which fixedly supports the display section, and a support connection section, positioned between the first support section and the second support section, which has a flexibility to rotatably connect the second support section with respect to the first support section.

Abstract: A wearable ring control device is an apparatus to control the functionality of wirelessly connective devices. The wearable ring control device includes an annular housing, a wireless transceiver, an annular dial at least one ergonomic button, and a central processing unit (CPU). The annular housing fits over a finger of the user. The dial is engaged with the adjacent fingers, and the movement data activates and executes commands to relay to another device, wirelessly. The at least one ergonomic button and the annular dial are externally integrated within the annular housing. The user interfaces with the annular dial with adjacent fingers, and the at least one ergonomic button which when actuated communicate a signal through the CPU and subsequently through the wireless transceiver in order to be received and translated by a wireless communication device to control a functionality of the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A method for displaying a near-eye light field display (NELD) image is disclosed. The method comprises determining a pre-filtered image to be displayed, wherein the pre-filtered image corresponds to a target image. It further comprises displaying the pre-filtered image on a display. Subsequently, it comprises producing a near-eye light field after the pre-filtered image travels through a microlens array adjacent to the display, wherein the near-eye light field is operable to simulate a light field corresponding to the target image. Finally, it comprises altering the near-eye light field using at least one converging lens, wherein the altering allows a user to focus on the target image at an increased depth of field at an increased distance from an eye of the user and wherein the altering increases spatial resolution of said target image.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an electronic device, including: a first body; a second body; a first connector configured to couple to the first body of the electronic device; a second connector configured to couple to the second body of the electronic device; and a linkage assembly coupled to the first and second connectors, wherein the linkage assembly comprises a plurality of first linkages configured to couple with respective ones of the first and second connectors, and an intermediate linkage configured to couple to the first linkages, such that a rotation of the first connector along a direction causes a motion of the intermediate linkage which correspondingly rotates the second connector along an opposite direction. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An electronic device display may have a color filter layer and a thin film transistor layer. A layer of liquid crystal material may be interposed between the color filter layer and the thin film transistor layer. A layer of polarizer may be laminated onto the surface of the color filter layer. Laser trimming may ensure that the edges of the polarizer are even with the edges of the color filter layer. The thin film transistor layer may have an array of thin film transistors that control pixels of the liquid crystal material in the display. Driver circuitry may be used to control the array. The driver circuitry may be encapsulated in a planarized encapsulant on the thin film transistor layer or may be mounted to the underside of the color filter layer. Conductive structures may connect driver circuitry on the color filter layer to the thin film transistor layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a commodity sales data processing apparatus includes a portable data processing terminal with a first connector and a touch panel. A docking station has a second connector which connects to the first connector and performs transmission and/or reception of information between the data processing terminal and the docking station, when the data processing terminal is connected to the docking station. A connection mechanism connects the data processing terminal and the docking station in a separable state. A lock mechanism locks connection by the connection mechanism, so as to make the connection by the connection mechanism from in the separable state to in an inseparable state, and releases locking of the connection by the connection mechanism when a specific key operation is performed.

Abstract: A dual screen laptop assembly that includes: a laptop computer, where the laptop computer includes a primary screen and keyboard, where the primary screen is hinged one side of a base and lifts to an upright position during use thereof; a second screen, wherein the second screen attaches to the primary screen; a first set of vertical tracking on a rear surface of the primary screen; a second set of vertical tracking on a rear surface of the secondary screen, where the first set of vertical tracking and second set of vertical tracking enable positioning of the second screen on a first side or a second side of the primary screen; and a set of horizontal tracking on the rear surface of the primary screen, where the set of horizontal tracking enables placement of the second screen above the primary screen. The first side may be a left side of the primary screen and the second side may be a right side of the primary screen.

Abstract: An information handling system opening, such as at a cable port, selectively closes and opens through inflation and deflation of a seal, such as an expanding balloon structure interfaced with a microfluidic reservoir. The seal fills the opening to block contaminants from entering the information handling system and deflates to provide room for cables to pass when desired. Automated sealing of a port is provided in response to detection of contaminants, such as liquids or dust.