Abstract: Mechanisms for coating surfaces of materials, the resulting coated materials, and solutions for use in material-coating processes are described. Triblock molecule components may be selected for desired properties. When applied in solution to a material, the molecules self-assemble into similarly oriented micro- or nanostructures coating the surface of the material. Various molecule properties can be tailored to produce a range of desirable surface coating properties. The surface coating may optionally be self cleaning if selected to be appropriately hydrophobic, allowing water and particulates to roll off of the surface with minimal friction.

Abstract: Improvements to electrically powered watercraft including kayaks are disclosed. The watercraft comprises a hull defining a cavity and a battery powered retractable propulsion unit. The retractable propulsion unit can be retracted into the cavity with powered or unpowered means. Various retractable propulsion units are disclosed, including propulsion units that are steerable wherein the thrust can be selectively directed. Specific embodiments to improve the steerability of electrically powered watercraft are disclosed. Mechanisms for disengaging the steering controls from the retractable propulsion units are also disclosed. Locking mechanisms for locking the retractable propulsion unit in an extended or fully retracted position are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to cyclonic separation or filtering of nanoparticles suspended in a gas. A plume of liquid droplets may be generated using an ultrasound or other generator. The gas may be mixed with the plume of liquid droplets, which may have received an electrostatic charge prior to mixing, to promote preferential adhesion of the nanoparticles to the liquid droplets. The gas with suspended nanoparticles and suspended liquid particles may flow through a cyclonic separator that spins rapidly, causing the cleaned gas to flow out of the filter while the liquid with adhered nanoparticles may be discharged, collected, and/or re-used in the plume generator. By causing nanoparticles to adhere to larger liquid particles, the filter may allow the filtering and collection of much smaller particles than current systems may filter under atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A falling film plasma reactor (FFPR) provides a number of benefits for the treatment of process gases. The falling film plasma reactor uses high voltage alternating current or pulsed direct current which is applied to radially separated electrodes to thereby create a dielectric breakdown of the process gas that is flowing within the large radial gap between the two electrodes. Typical plasma reactors often utilize fixed dielectric construction which can result in potential failure of the device by arcing between the electrodes as portions of the dielectric fail. Such failures are prevented by using a dielectric liquid that constantly flows over the electrodes, or over a fixed dielectric barrier over the electrodes.

Abstract: An example Cognitive Radio (CR) described herein may include equalization and Automatic Modulation Classification (AMC). The equalization may employ digital filter techniques with an adjustable length or order. The output of the equalization may be provided to the AMC, where the AMC may be adapted to identify various characteristics about the RF environment and also to identify probabilities of classification associated with the performance of the AMC itself. The CR device may be configured to adjust the equalization using feedback from the AMC to enhance performance of each other.

Abstract: A weatherproof power inlet box and mating plug wherein the inlet box and mating plug are asymmetrical, positively latched and include more robust elements and a visual indicator of the status of the interconnect. Also included is a thermostat that trips to prevent overheating.

Abstract: Peer-to-peer approaches to servicing subscriptions to information feeds are generally disclosed. Network nodes may exchange information about information feeds that they can provide to other nodes, and other information about information feeds to which they may be interested in subscribing. Any of a variety of techniques may then be applied to allow the nodes to negotiate for feeds to which they may be interested in subscribing. For example, each node may apply algorithms that service feed subscriptions of other nodes on a prioritized basis, prioritized for example based on which other nodes service subscriptions in return.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling one or more product containers with a liquid comprising one or more medicines. The device comprises a housing at least provided in a position of use with an array of medicine containers, at least some of which are provided with concentrated liquid components of the one or more medicines. The housing is also provided with an automatic machine which is adapted to manipulate a syringe for measured take-up of liquid from a medicine container. The automatic machine is adapted to rotate the medicine container transversely of its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The article and corresponding method include a casting fixture for a part of a skin formulation applicator which is otherwise difficult to cast. The casting fixture includes a central cup section and two opposing tear-away sections. A rigid base portion of an applicator tip assembly is mounted into an upper rim of the cup section and liquid silicone material is poured into the volume defined in the cup section portion beneath the base portion. The silicone cures and bonds to extending elements from the base portion, providing a firm connection between the cast tip portion and the base portion. When the combined part is ready for use, the tear-away sections are removed by the user, which results in an easy ejection of the part, which can then be installed by the user in the formulation applicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve assembly (20) for use in an access port, in particular a medical access port. The valve assembly comprises a first sealing valve (1) and a second sealing valve (2). The second sealing valve (2) is provided with an annular base (21) and a central member (23) with a central bore (24). The central member (23) is at the outer circumference movably suspended to the annular base (21) by means of a flexible diaphragm (22), which diaphragm (22) is more flexible than the central member (23). The invention also relates to a medical access port provided with such a valve assembly.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for an adjustable display screen such as for a notebook computer or other portable device. In some examples, at least one display screen rail may be rotatably coupled to a back edge of a notebook computer base unit at a hinge rod. The display screen of the notebook computer may slide along and/or pivot on the at least one display screen rail in a direction to bring the display screen toward a user of the notebook computer while leaving room for the user to access a keyboard located on a top surface of the base unit. Mechanisms may be coupled to the notebook computer to transmit motion of the display screen along a first display screen rail to motion of the display screen along a second display screen rail, thereby mitigating binding of the display screen as it slides along the display screen rails.

Abstract: Systems and methods for opportunistic radio frequency communications are provided which include the use of multiple antennas. Signal data from the antennas can be used to determine directions of incoming signals. Signal power in the direction of strongest signals can then be reduced by adjusting relative gains and phases of received signals. Reducing signal power of strong signals reduces the dynamic range of received signals and facilitates discovery of unused communication frequencies. Any unused frequencies can then be used or allocated as desired.

Abstract: Techniques described herein generally relate to real time inference based systems. Example embodiments may set forth devices, methods, and computer programs related to search engine inference based virtual assistance. One example method may include a computing device adapted to receive text as input and a computer processor arranged to determine at least one inference regarding subject matter of the text based on one or more web searches of one or more terms within the text. The inference(s) may then be automatically displayed upon the inference(s) being determined. The text may be automatically received as input from a voice-to-text converter as voice-to-text conversion producing the text is occurring.

Abstract: The pillow includes a pillow tick which includes first and second substantially identical fabric members. A chamber extends along the length of the pillow at one longitudinal edge thereof. An air bladder member with crushable foam or polyester pellets is positioned within the chamber. A valve extends from the air bladder member to provide adjustable neck support. Pressure is exerted on the foam with the valve open. When the desired firmness is achieved, the valve is closed. Two baffle members are positioned in the tick volume between the other longitudinal edge of the tick and the chamber. The tick volume contains natural or synthetic fill. The baffles angle toward each other to provide good support and comfort and to reduce movement of the fill.

Abstract: A method for filling a container (16) with a preparation consisting of a number of components, stored in a number of sub containers (1, 23), placed inside a housing (29). A robot, accommodated inside the housing (29), composes the preparation based upon a supplied prescription and places the sub containers (1,23) containing the components mentioned in the prescription one by one above the container (16) and makes flow out an amount of the respective component as specified by the prescription.

Abstract: The boat hull has an exterior lower surface with at least one step surface therein. A channel extends from the step surface to the bow of the boat, with an opening at the bow, permitting air to flow along the channel. A movable member is positionable within the channel, wherein the movable member and can be positioned at selected locations therealong, defining an adjustable additional step for the hull.

Abstract: A directional conductivity nanocomposite material, apparatuses and processes for making such material are generally described. A directional conductivity nanocomposite material may comprise a supporting material such as ceramic or polymer, with directionally conductive nanorod structures running through the supporting material. The material may be made by orienting nanorods in an electrophoretic gel using an electrical or magnetic field to align the nanorods, removing the gel, reinforcing the nanorods, and flowing in supporting material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating mold spores, pathogens and odor from material like equine bedding. The apparatus includes two or more pairs of augers including blades to control the size of the material and to move it in a zigzag fashion through heat.

Abstract: A multicoil NMR data acquisition apparatus and processing method for performing three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging in a static magnetic field without the application of controlled static magnetic field gradients. A preferred application relates specifically to the detection and localization of groundwater using the Earth's magnetic field. Multicoil arrays are used in both transmit and receive modes. and coherent data processing algorithms applied to the data to generate three-dimensional NMR spin density estimates. Disclosed are methods for acquiring NMR data using an array of at least two transmit and receive coils, and for processing such multicoil data to estimate the three-dimensional NMR spin density distributions.