Abstract: A vehicular interface system for providing application-based access to a plurality of vehicular subsystems is disclosed. The vehicular interface system includes a display for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI). A taskbar is displayed in a first portion of the GUI, the taskbar including a plurality of icons, each of icons representing a corresponding application. A plurality of windows is displayed in a second portion of the GUI. When determining that a user-selected icon is being dragged from an initial location on the taskbar, a semi-transparent overlay, corresponding to the application to be launched, is displayed on a window of the GUI as the selected icon is being dragged within the window. When determining that the selected icon is released within a selected window, the corresponding application is launched in the selected window. In general, the application provides control options or monitoring information relating to a subsystem of a vehicle.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for implementing a scalable hierarchical energy distribution grid utilizing homogeneous control logic are disclosed that provide distributed, autonomous control of a multitude of sites in an energy system using abstraction and aggregation techniques. A hierarchical energy distribution grid utilizing homogeneous control logic is provided that includes multiple control modules arranged in a hierarchy. Each control module can implement a same energy optimization scheme logic to directly control site energy resources and possibly energy resources of sites associated with control modules existing below it in the hierarchy. Each control module can act autonomously through use a similar set of input values to the common optimization scheme logic.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wiper system for a windshield of a vehicle includes a linear actuator, a wiper-arrangement, and control circuitry. The linear actuator includes at least one guide rail having permanent magnets and an electromagnetic moving block. The electromagnetic moving block includes at least one perforation that surrounds the at least one guide rail and at least one electromagnetic coil that surrounds the at least one perforation. The wiper-arrangement includes a wiper arm and a wiper blade, wherein at least the wiper arm is coupled to the electromagnetic moving block. The control circuitry controls a linear motion of the electromagnetic moving block along the at least one guide rail to steer the wiper arm that is coupled to the electromagnetic moving block back and forth across a length of the windshield to the windshield, wherein the electromagnetic moving block induces minimal friction during the linear motion.

Abstract: A system for detecting improper usage of a seatbelt of a vehicle includes a vehicle seat having a seat cushion and a seat back. A shoulder belt and a lap belt are intended to restrain an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. The system includes a sensor module associated with the shoulder belt and the lap belt. The sensor module generates signals indicative of at least one parameter associated with the vehicle seat, the shoulder belt, and the lap belt when the occupant is sitting on the vehicle seat. The system also includes a controller that receives the signals indicative of the at least one parameter associated with the seat back, the shoulder belt, and the lap belt. The controller analyzes the received one or more signals, and determines whether the seatbelt is being used improperly by the occupant, based on the analysis.

Abstract: A high-power Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) includes a housing having side walls, an upper opening, and a lower opening, a VRM circuit board oriented within the housing, a plane of the VRM circuit board oriented in parallel to at least one of the side walls of the housing, an upper Printed Circuit Board (PCB) coupled to the upper opening of the housing, a lower panel coupled to the lower opening of the housing, a coolant inlet port formed in the lower panel, and a coolant outlet port formed in the lower panel. The high power VRM may include a coolant inlet adapter coupled to the coolant inlet port and a coolant outlet adapter coupled to the coolant outlet port. The coolant inlet adapter and the coolant outlet adapter may provide support for the VRM.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes: a host; energy storage modules; a plurality of nodes, each implemented at a corresponding one of the energy storage modules and configured to monitor and control that energy storage module; a communications and data transmission medium forming a loop from a first portion of the host and sequentially through the nodes to a second portion of the host; and in each of the nodes, first and second devices configured to perform at least partially redundant communication and data transmission functions using the communications and data transmission medium.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a device for electrical stimulation of tissue consisting of an electrode and a magnet, which allows to reach deeper located regions without the need for invasive surgery. This helps to achieve therapeutically success in broader range of patients.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a first cable and a second cable that is arranged co-axial to the first cable. Proximal ends of the first and second cables are provided with a connector assembly. The connector assembly from each proximal end is adapted to connect with one another, or a pair of receptacle ports located within a PCB, the PCB being disposed alongside the co-axially arranged first and second cables.

Abstract: An annotation system provides various tools for facilitating training data annotation. The annotation tools include a bidirectional annotation model that generates annotations for an image sequence based on both forward information and backward information in an image sequence. The annotation system also facilitates annotation processes by automatically suggesting annotations to the human operator based on a set of annotation predictions and locations of interactions of the human operator on the image. This way, the annotation system provides an accelerated way to generate high-quality annotations that take into account input from a human operator by using the predictions as a guide when it appears that an estimated annotation is consistent with the judgement of the human operator. The annotation system also updates annotations for an overlapping set of objects based on input from human operators.

Abstract: Provided are methods of preparing 3-R-1,4,2-dioxazol-5-one compounds using convenient and efficient methods. Also provided are 3-R-1,4,2-dioxazol-5-one compounds produced using the methods described.

Abstract: A cable includes a plurality of differential conductors and a plurality of drain conductors. The differential conductors and the drain conductors are arranged in the form of groups such that each group comprises a pair of differential conductors and a pair of drain conductors and defines a communication pathway for communicating signals. The cable includes a body formed around the plurality of differential conductors and the plurality of drain conductors.

Abstract: A riser for a seat of a vehicle includes a first leg, a second leg, a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm. The first leg includes a first end and a second end. The second leg is substantially parallel to the first leg and has a first end and a second end. The third arm includes a first end and a second end, where the second end of the third arm extends from the first end of the second leg. The first arm extends from the first end of the first leg to the first end of the third arm. The second arm extends from the second end of the first leg to the first end of the third arm.

Abstract: Treatments are provided to strengthen adhesion of an optical filter layer in a photovoltaic (PV) module to an encapsulant layer, or generally, between inorganic materials and organic polymers. The embodiments disclosed herein can provide five or more times the adhesive forces of untreated encapsulant-filter interfaces. As a result, the system can enhance long-term reliability of PV modules by reducing interface surface charges and dangling bonds and reducing gaps and cracks, thereby preventing moisture, impurities, and particles from entering the interface. The treated optical filter layer can result in a surface modification. In some embodiments, treating the optical filter layer includes applying a chemical treatment such as an acid or alkaline wash, and/or ultrasonic cleaning.

Abstract: One embodiment described herein provides a photovoltaic roof module. The roof module can include at least a first photovoltaic roof tile, a second photovoltaic roof tile positioned adjacent to the first photovoltaic roof tile, and a spacer coupled to and positioned between the first and second photovoltaic roof tiles. The spacer is configured to facilitate a semi-rigid joint between the first and second photovoltaic roof tiles.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as multi-region roofing modules that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the module, in distinct tiles-sized regions. Such multi-region photovoltaic modules can replicate the look of individual roofing tiles or shingles. Further, multi-region photovoltaic modules can include hinged support structures along the upper edge of the modules, allowing for lifting of portions of an installed module, giving access to the underlying roof deck for more efficient installation, maintenance, or removal of roofing structures down-roof of the installed module.

Abstract: An electric vehicle drive unit includes an inverter, a gear box, an electric motor coupled to the inverter and to the gear box, a cooling jacket, and coupled to the gear box, a main coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and an external passive air bleed device. The cooling jacket has a cooling chamber and surrounds at least a portion of the electric motor. The main coolant inlet couples to the cooling jacket. The coolant outlet is located at a lower portion of the gear box. The external passive air bleed device runs between an upper portion of the cooling jacket and the coolant outlet. The inverter may couple to a first side of the gear box and the electric motor may couple to a second side of the gear box such that the inverter and the electric motor reside on opposite sides of the gear box.

Abstract: A vehicular autonomous driving system includes a time division multiplexed (TDM) bus, an autonomous driving (AD) controller coupled to the TDM bus, and a plurality of AD sensors coupled to the TDM bus. The AD sensors are configured to collect AD data and transmit collected AD data to the AD controller on the TDM bus in an assigned time slot at a first power level. A first AD sensor of the plurality of AD sensors is configured to, based upon collected AD data, detect an AD emergency event. In response to the detection, the first AD sensor is configured to transmit an AD emergency message on the TDM bus in a non-assigned time slot and at a second power level that exceeds the first power level. The AD sensor may transmit the AD emergency message in a particular sub-slot of the non-assigned time slot.

Abstract: A drive unit is disclosed that includes case portions, a gasket interposed between the case portions, shafts, bearings having respective bearing races, and a bearing shim plate. One shaft includes an input oil tube which provides a fluid pathway between the bearing shim plate and a rotor of the drive unit. Interposed between bearings, and the bearing shim plate, are shims. An approach for sizing shims for use with a drive unit is also disclosed, the approach including determining the distance from a mating flange of a case portion, to different bearing races, selecting shims based on the determined distances, and attaching the bearing shim plate to the case portion with shims interposed therebetween.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic tiles. Each photovoltaic module may comprise a photovoltaic laminate, a support arm and a mounting bracket. When installed an assembly of the photovoltaic laminate and support arm are rotatably attached to the mounting bracket allowing access under the array of photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: A method is provided for interacting with audience members in an event, each of the potential attendees having available thereto a unique identifier. The method comprises creating, for an attendee, a unique ID (UID) on a mobile wireless device (MWD) by the steps of inputting to the MWD one of the unique identifiers, combining the obtained unique identifier with a UID time stamp at the time of creation of the UID; receiving with a server on a first wireless channel communications from the MWD; registering the UID at the physical location of the event; generating a visual query; displaying on the MWD response indicators; receiving at the server from the registered attendee a response, to the query over the first wireless channel; and storing in a database on the server the received response in association with the displayed query.

Abstract: An Internet of Things (IoT) platform is disclosed which includes: a network; a plurality of IoT servers coupled together and serviced by the network; a plurality of IoT managers coupled to each other and to the plurality of IoT servers; and a plurality of IoT devices electrically coupled to the plurality of IoT managers, wherein the IoT servers and the IoT managers of the present invention are operable to configure a plug-and-play and point to multipoint communication environment where the plurality of IoT devices, the plurality of IoT servers, and the plurality of IoT managers communicate with one another in a plug-and-play manner and in a point to multipoint manner regardless of their physical connections, industrial standards, and communication protocols.

Abstract: A parallel processing system includes at least three processors operating in parallel, state monitoring circuitry, and state reload circuitry. The state monitoring circuitry couples to the at least three parallel processors and is configured to monitor runtime states of the at least three parallel processors and identify a first processor of the at least three parallel processors having at least one runtime state error. The state reload circuitry couples to the at least three parallel processors and is configured to select a second processor of the at least three parallel processors for state reload, access a runtime state of the second processor, and load the runtime state of the second processor into the first processor. Monitoring and reload may be performed only on sub-systems of the at least three parallel processors. During reload, clocks and supply voltages of the processors may be altered. The state reload may relate to sub-systems.

Abstract: An electric drive unit and method of assembling the same is disclosed. The electric drive unit includes a rotor having a rotor shaft, and gear shaft, where the rotor shaft is inserted into the gear shaft. The gear shaft is supported by two bearings, while the rotor shaft supported directly at one end by a bearing and at the other by the gear shaft. A wave spring is also disclosed that provides an axial loading to the rotor shaft. Also disclosed is a balancing ring secured to an end of the rotor via a locknut. The balancing ring can be machined in order to balance the rotor. The rotor shaft can be connected to the gear shaft via a spline connection. The rotor shaft can bear against the gear shaft via a pilot journal and pilot bore defined on the rotor shaft and gear shaft respectively.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a concentration of a component of an electrolyte in a lithium-ion or for a lithium-ion cell is provided. The method includes providing, to a spectrometer, instructions to capture a spectrum of a sample solution of the electrolyte and generate a signal. The method includes analyzing the signal to determine one or more spectral features of the spectrum. The method includes preparing a database of spectra corresponding to solutions having predetermined concentrations of the component of the electrolyte wherein the database includes a plurality for spectral features for each solution. The method further includes determining a machine learning (ML) model using the database of spectra. The method includes determining the concentration of the component of the electrolyte in the sample solution using the machine learning model.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as roofing modules that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the module, in distinct tiles-sized areas. The use of modules that replicate the look of individual roofing tiles (or shingles) can lead to a more efficient installation process. Further, modules can include flexible joints between the distinct tiles-sized areas, across which solar cells within the module are electrically connected. The flexibility granted to the modules also makes installation easier, and further improves the fatigue and strain resistance of the overall solar array for its operational life.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant material is described including a substrate, a first material including less than about 90% of an amino group or epoxy group, between about 0.05% and about 50% siloxane, between about 5% and about 80% nanoparticles, microparticles, or macroparticles, and between about 0.1% and about 5% of a first functionalized graphitic material, a second material including less than about 90% of a silyl group, between about 0.05% and about 50% siloxane, between about 5% and about 80% nanoparticles, microparticles, or macroparticles, and between about 0.1% and about 5% of a second functionalized graphitic material, and a third material including less than about 90% of an amino group or epoxy group and a silyl group, between about 0.05% and about 50% siloxane, between about 5% and about 80% nanoparticles, microparticles, or macroparticles, and between about 0.1% and about 5% of a third functionalized graphitic material.

Abstract: Improved battery systems have been developed for lithium-ion based batteries. The improved systems include a nonaqueous electrolyte including one or more lithium salts, one or more nonaqueous solvents, and an additive or additive mixture comprising one or more operative additives selected from a group of disclosed compounds, including 3-aryl substituted 1,4,2-dioxazol-5-ones and 3-phenyl-1,3,2,4-dioxathiazole 2-oxide.

Abstract: A gear box and method of providing oil through the same is provided. The gear box includes a windage tray that includes a tray having a bleed hole therein, and another tray having another second bleed hole therein. Oil is provided through the bleed holes to respective gears situated in the trays. The windage tray may also include a magnet positioned within a magnet slot of the windage tray, for removing debris from the oil. A tube may also be attached to the windage tray, which tube can include a bleed hole therein, for spraying the oil out of the tube and towards a differential, for example. The windage tray and tube can be made from molded plastic, and can be made using the same mold. The gear box housing may further define a drain in an inner side wall to provide oil to a differential bearing, for example.

Abstract: An interactive user interface for a steering wheel is provided. A user interface is provided on one or more portions of the steering wheel. The user interface recognizes gesture movements made by a user thereon. The user interface allows navigation of a set of controls associated with a menu provided through the user interface based on the recognized gesture movements.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and distributing side impact system for a vehicle includes first and second side sills, each of the first and second sills comprising multiple longitudinal channels, at least an upper longitudinal channel positioned above a vehicle floor panel and at least a lower longitudinal channel positioned below the vehicle floor panel, a battery enclosure mounted between front and rear suspensions of the vehicle, the battery enclosure having a first side member attached to the first side sill, and a second side member attached to the second side sill; cross-members integrated into the battery enclosure; and at least one mechanical connection securing the cross-members to the vehicle floor panel.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays with improved aesthetics and efficiency that can replace a conventional roof surface structure. These BIPV systems can utilize photovoltaic PV roof tiles defined as glass tiles having photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the roof tile. Such PV roof tiles can include one or more lapping features for interfacing with adjacent tiles and features for electrically connecting multiples tiles within a course to an external power optimizer. Such PV roof tiles can utilize stamped glass that is stamped to define these features within an integrated glass tile and can further include texture, striations on the glass tile and/or color matched back layers or various other components to obscure visibility of any embedded solar cells and provide a more pleasing appearance.

Abstract: An effective neuromodulation electrode assembly configured to provide a precise neuromodulation of a desired nerves whilst forming an efficient electro conductive interface between a patient skin and the neuromodulation electrode. The neuromodulation electrode comprising an enclosure having on one side a protrusion extending up to an end having an opening, an electrical interface, an electro conductive electrode piece coupled to the electrical interface on one end and having the opposite end configured to interact with a patient skin, The electrode piece further comprising, an electrically conductive solid element coupled on one side to the electrical interface and an electrically conductive soft deformable element that projects outwards through the opening and which adapted to form an interface between the solid element and the patient skin.

Abstract: A solar tile and method for manufacturing solar tiles as a roofing surface with improved aesthetics that reduce the visual differences between solar and non-solar portions of tile. Roof tiles include an active area of thin-film photovoltaic material and an inactive area of thin-film photovoltaic material.

Abstract: A system and method for mitigating the effects of a thermal event within a non-metal-air battery pack is provided in which the hot gas and material generated during the event is directed into the metal-air cells of a metal-air battery pack. The metal-air cells provide a large thermal mass for absorbing at least a portion of the thermal energy generated during the event before it is released to the ambient environment. As a result, the risks to vehicle passengers, bystanders, first responders and property are limited.

Abstract: An air vent assembly includes a cover member having an inlet for allowing a flow of air to enter the cover member. The cover member also has a vent extending from the inlet for allowing a flow of air to exit the cover member. The vent includes a first vent portion, and a second vent portion located adjacent to the first vent portion. The first vent portion has a first set of flow guiding vanes disposed therein. The second vent portion has a second set of flow guiding vanes disposed therein. Each of the vanes is spaced apart from one another and pivotally coupled to a pair of opposing walls of the cover member. The first and second sets of flow guiding vanes are independently moveable with respect to each other using an actuating mechanism for providing a variety of flow-guiding positions one of which includes a split flow-guiding position.

Abstract: Presented are systems and methods that accelerate the convolution of an image and similar arithmetic operations by utilizing hardware-specific circuitry that enables a large number of operations to be performed in parallel across a large set of data. In various embodiments, arithmetic operations are further enhanced by reusing data and eliminating redundant steps of storing and fetching intermediate results from registers and memory when performing arithmetic operations.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to detect and/or classify a vehicle occupant, such as a passenger seated within the cockpit of a vehicle. An occupant classification system includes an occupant weight sensor, an occupant presence sensor, and a logic device configured to communicate with the occupant weight sensor and the occupant presence sensor. The logic device is configured to receive occupant weight sensor signals from the occupant weight sensor and occupant presence sensor signals from the occupant presence sensor, determine an estimated occupant weight and an occupant presence response based, at least in part, on the occupant weight sensor signals and the occupant presence sensor signals, and determine an occupant classification status corresponding to the passenger seat based, at least in part, on the estimated occupant weight and/or the occupant presence response.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a battery management system that provide a plurality of channels that allow communication between host and clients. This communication may operate in bi-directional modes such that commands from the host and responses from the clients are transmitted clockwise or counter-clockwise around a daisy-chain loop. This architecture provides both a high level of redundancy across multiple channels as well as transmission directions around the loop. The use of multiple channels provides a separation in signal paths akin to the provision of completely separate physical wires, preventing malfunction of spurious operation of devices using one channel from interfering with the normal operation of devices using the other channel. In addition, the signaling architecture allows a host to dynamically transmit commands and receive responses between specific client(s) and host or broadcast communication across all clients.

Abstract: A system for thermally servicing a solvent-refining column includes: a first solvent-refining column, a closed-loop water-steam system; a first heat-exchanger thermally coupling the closed-loop water-steam system to the top of the first solvent-refining column, a second heat-exchanger thermally coupling the closed-loop water-steam system to a bottom of the first solvent-refining column, and a compressor positioned between the first heat-exchanger and the second heat-exchanger. The first heat-exchanger boils pressurized water to steam by transferring first heat from the top of the first solvent-refining column to the closed-loop water- steam system. The compressor compresses the steam in the closed-loop water-steam system to a higher temperature. The second heat-exchanger provides second heat to the first solvent-refining column by condensing the steam at the bottom of the first solvent-refining column after compression by the compressor.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a solar roof tile module. The module includes a plurality of solar roof tiles positioned side by side and one or more tile spacers. The tiles are electrically and mechanically coupled to each other. A tile spacer is positioned between two adjacent solar roof tiles, thereby preventing water leakage. A solar roof tile can include a front cover, a back cover, and a plurality of photovoltaic strips positioned between the front and back covers. Each photovoltaic strip includes a first edge busbar located on an edge of a first surface and a second edge busbar located on an opposite edge of a second surface, and the photovoltaic strips are arranged in such a way that the first edge busbar of a photovoltaic strip overlaps with a second edge busbar of an adjacent photovoltaic strip, thereby forming a serial connection among the photovoltaic strips.