Abstract: Systems and methods described herein utilize a distributed server network to allow for the real-time distribution of copies of a data stream uploaded from a computing device. The uploaded data stream corresponds to an environment surrounding a user (exam taker) of the computing device during execution of a testing routine for an examination. Providing copies of the data stream in real-time allows proctors as well as other test assessment authorities to ‘peek in’on the exam taker's environment during the exam. As a result, the environment surrounding the exam taker can be monitored in real-time to determine whether any visual or audio activity in the environment constitutes activity not in accordance with the exam protocol. Following an affirmative determination that the exam taker violated an exam taking protocol, a proctor or other test assessment authority can then make a final or early decision regarding disciplinary action.

Abstract: High power fiber lasers include large or very large mode area active fibers. Mode preserving pump combiners are situated to counter-pump the active fiber using one or more pump sources. The mode preserving pump combiners preserve single mode propagation in a signal fiber, and such combiners can be identified based on optical spectra, beam quality, or temporal response. Active fibers can also be included in a pump combiner so that the active fiber is splice free from an input end that receives a seed pulse to an output end. Peak powers of over 100 kW can be obtained.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilize a distributed server network to allow for the optimization of the upload of a data stream from a computing device. Performance metrics are estimated for different network paths from the computing device to a variety of entry servers in the distributed server network. Based on the estimated performance metrics, one or more entry servers are then selected to receive the data stream from the computing device. As a result, the systems and methods described herein allow for high quality upload performance which addresses the first mile vulnerability issues of the data stream. The distributed server network can then transmit copies of the data stream in real-time to other computing devices.

Abstract: The present invention features assays for co-culturing primary cells while maintaining key biological activities specific to the primary cells. The invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that compositions and methods for primary cells in a high-throughput co-culture platform, image analysis for distinguishing cells in co-cultures and assays that are suitable for screening of agents in epithelial cells, such as hepatocytes.

Abstract: A modular crossing assembly structure in an overhead contact system. The modular crossing assembly structure includes a plurality of rail underrunning contact segments and a body to which the plurality of these rail segments are attached, where the plurality of rail segments are connectable to an overhead conductor rail and/or overhead contact system. The plurality rail segments are securely affixed to the body by one or more connectors.

Abstract: A dead-end termination clamp including a cast body, a clamping end, and a connection end. The dead-end clamp may be scaled to support various size wires or cables. The dead-end clamp may be able to provide a support strength less than, equal to, or exceeding the breaking strength of a supported cable. A collet with a length, two ends, a central cavity and at least one helical slot running along the length of the collet. The at least one helical slot may have a varying width or pitch along the length. The at least one helical slot may terminate before reaching one or both ends. The collet may have one helical slots which runs the entire length of the collet. The collet may be substantially cylindrical or another shape. The center cavity may be substantially cylindrical or another shape.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing strain insulators are disclosed. The methods may include swaging and/or crimping, by a die-set, a sleeve of an end fitting on a portion of a core strength rod, the portion being disposed inside the sleeve of the end fitting. The swaging may be performed by an upper block and a lower block of the die-set. At least one of the upper and lower blocks may be movable such as to allow for compressing the sleeve of the end fitting on the rod disposed between the blocks. The upper block may include a plurality of protrusions extending lengthwise on the upper block and the lower block may include a plurality of protrusions extended lengthwise on the lower block.

Abstract: An improved loudspeaker system includes an asymmetrical array of dissimilar drivers, namely a first driver and a second complementary driver configured in an array and driven in parallel so that the measured on-axis frequency response and the output power (SPL) is improved as compared to a symmetrical array (with similar or matched midrange or mid-bass drivers), while retaining a flat tonal balance. This speaker system and method for voicing was discovered to provide lower distortion, improved frequency response and greater clarity as compared to the prior art or traditional (e.g., MTM) loudspeaker configurations.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein utilize a distributed server network to allow for the real-time distribution of copies of a data stream uploaded from a computing device. The uploaded data stream corresponds to an environment surrounding a user (exam taker) of the computing device during execution of a testing routine for an examination. Providing copies of the data stream in real-time allows proctors as well as other test assessment authorities to ‘peek in on the exam taker's environment during the exam. As a result, the environment surrounding the exam taker can be monitored in real-time to determine whether any visual or audio activity in the environment constitutes activity not in accordance with the exam protocol. Following an affirmative determination that the exam taker violated an exam taking protocol, a proctor or other test assessment authority can then make a final or early decision regarding disciplinary action.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilize a distributed server network to allow for the optimization of the upload of a data stream from a computing device. Performance metrics are estimated for different network paths from the computing device to a variety of entry servers in the distributed server network. Based on the estimated performance metrics, one or more entry servers are then selected to receive the data stream from the computing device. As a result, the systems and methods described herein allow for high quality upload performance which addresses the first mile vulnerability issues of the data stream. The distributed server network can then transmit copies of the data stream in real-time to other computing devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein utilize a distributed server network to allow for the real-time distribution of copies of a data stream uploaded from a computing device. The uploaded data stream corresponds to an environment surrounding a user (exam taker) of the computing device during execution of a testing routine for an examination. Providing copies of the data stream in real-time allows proctors as well as other test assessment authorities to ‘peek in’ on the exam taker's environment during the exam. As a result, the environment surrounding the exam taker can be monitored in real-time to determine whether any visual or audio activity in the environment constitutes activity not in accordance with the exam protocol. Following an affirmative determination that the exam taker violated an exam taking protocol, a proctor or other test assessment authority can then make a final or early decision regarding disciplinary action.

Abstract: High power fiber lasers include large or very large mode area active fibers. Mode preserving pump combiners are situated to counter-pump the active fiber using one or more pump sources. The mode preserving pump combiners preserve single mode propagation in a signal fiber, and such combiners can be identified based on optical spectra, beam quality, or temporal response. Active fibers can also be included in a pump combiner so that the active fiber is splice free from an input end that receives a seed pulse to an output end. Peak powers of over 100 kW can be obtained.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein utilize a distributed server network to allow for the real-time distribution of copies of a data stream uploaded from a computing device. The uploaded data stream corresponds to an environment surrounding a user (exam taker) of the computing device during execution of a testing routine for an examination. Providing copies of the data stream in real-time allows proctors as well as other test assessment authorities to ‘peek in’ on the exam taker's environment during the exam. As a result, the environment surrounding the exam taker can be monitored in real-time to determine whether any visual or audio activity in the environment constitutes activity not in accordance with the exam protocol. Following an affirmative determination that the exam taker violated an exam taking protocol, a proctor or other test assessment authority can then make a final or early decision regarding disciplinary action.

Abstract: This improved apparatus for planting grain crops provides improved emergence, particularly under heavy soil conditions, promotes more vigorous growth, reduces tillering and improves the yield in wheat and barley crops. The improved apparatus receives seed at a more-or-less uniform rate, captures the flow of seed until a multiplicity of seed generally in the range of 20 to 30 seeds is gathered, then releases seed in concentrated groups spaced apart from one another and with blank or non-seeded portions therebetween into a furrow prepared by an angled disk.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein utilize a distributed server network to allow for the real-time distribution of copies of a data stream uploaded from a computing device. The uploaded data stream corresponds to an environment surrounding a user (exam taker) of the computing device during execution of a testing routine for an examination. Providing copies of the data stream in real-time allows proctors as well as other test assessment authorities to ‘peek in’ on the exam taker's environment during the exam. As a result, the environment surrounding the exam taker can be monitored in real-time to determine whether any visual or audio activity in the environment constitutes activity not in accordance with the exam protocol. Following an affirmative determination that the exam taker violated an exam taking protocol, a proctor or other test assessment authority can then make a final or early decision regarding disciplinary action.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for dispensing ophthalmic lens packages. A plurality of ophthalmic lens packages are loaded into the apparatus and the apparatus determines an identity of each ophthalmic lens package. A housing stores the ophthalmic lens packages and records a location and identity of each of the lens packages and dispenses a particular ophthalmic lens package.

Abstract: An automatic switch control includes a wheel member having a cam member with a ramp surface. A first plunger mechanism has a first spring member that is operable to urge a first cam follower into sliding engagement with the ramp surface. A second plunger mechanism has a second spring member that is operable to urge a second cam follower into sliding engagement with the ramp surface. The second plunger mechanism is disposed on an opposite side of the toggle from the first plunger mechanism when the automatic switch control is installed over the switch. An electric motor is operable to rotate the cam member to position the first plunger mechanism in a retracted condition and to position the second plunger mechanism in an extended condition that is operable to move the toggle to the on position.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilize a distributed server network to allow for the optimization of the upload of a data stream from a computing device. Performance metrics are estimated for different network paths from the computing device to a variety of entry servers in the distributed server network. Based on the estimated performance metrics, one or more entry servers are then selected to receive the data stream from the computing device. As a result, the systems and methods described herein allow for high quality upload performance which addresses the first mile vulnerability issues of the data stream. The distributed server network can then transmit copies of the data stream in real-time to other computing devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein utilize a distributed server network to allow for the real-time distribution of copies of a data stream uploaded from a computing device. The uploaded data stream corresponds to an environment surrounding a user (exam taker) of the computing device during execution of a testing routine for an examination. Providing copies of the data stream in real-time allows proctors as well as other test assessment authorities to ‘peek in’ on the exam taker's environment during the exam. As a result, the environment surrounding the exam taker can be monitored in real-time to determine whether any visual or audio activity in the environment constitutes activity not in accordance with the exam protocol. Following an affirmative determination that the exam taker violated an exam taking protocol, a proctor or other test assessment authority can then make a final or early decision regarding disciplinary action.

Abstract: This improved apparatus for planting grain crops provides improved emergence, particularly under heavy soil conditions, promotes more vigorous growth, reduces tillering and improves the yield in wheat and barley crops. The improved apparatus receives seed at a more-or-less uniform rate, captures the flow of seed until a multiplicity of seed generally in the range of 20 to 30 seeds is gathered, then releases said seed in concentrated groups spaced apart from one another and with blank or non-seeded portions therebetween into a furrow prepared by means of an angled disk.