Abstract: Methods for management of encoding complexity for image and video encoding, for example for algorithms belonging to the JPEG 2000 family of standards, where the encoding process targets a given compressed size (i.e. a total coded length) for the image or for each frame of a video sequence. A set of methods for complexity constrained encoding of HTJ2K code-streams, involving collection of local or global statistics for each sub-band (not for each code-block), generation of forecasts for the statistics of sub-band samples that have not yet been produced by spatial transformation and quantization processes, and the use of this information to generate a global quantization parameter, from which the coarsest bit-plane to generate in each code-block can be deduced. Coded length estimates can be generated in a manner that enables latency and memory to be separately optimized against encoded image quality, while maintaining low computational complexity.

Abstract: A water-soluble film, comprising a first water-soluble film, wherein the first water soluble film disintegrates in water within less than about 24 hours and dissolves in water within less than about 48 hours as measured by the MSTM-205 at 20° C. The disclosure provides a water-soluble film comprising a first water-soluble film that disintegrates in water within less than 24 hours and dissolves in water within less than 48 hours as measured by MSTM-205 at 20° C. The first water-soluble film optionally may be further characterized in that it does not disintegrate in water for at least about 1 hour and does not dissolve in water for at least about 1 hour as measured by MSTM-205 at 20° C. The disclosure further provides a water-soluble film comprising a first water-soluble film characterized in that the degradation and/or dissolution of the first water-soluble film is adapted to be activated by consumer handling.

Abstract: The present invention provides topical compositions comprising a combination of an N-acyl dipeptide derivative and glycolic acid. The compositions provide enhanced penetration of the N-acyl dipeptide derivative into the skin.

Abstract: A medical bed frame may include a base frame, a pair of side members selectively movable laterally towards or away from the base frame, a first and second drive assembly each comprising: a first and second pair of cams configured to move the pair of side members, and a central linkage for rotating the first and second pair of cams, a first actuator operatively connected to the central linkage of the first drive assembly and the base frame, and a second actuator operatively connected to the central linkage of the second drive assembly and the base frame, wherein the first and second actuator are configured to selectively move the central linkage in one of a first direction and a second direction, whereby selective movement of the first actuator and the second actuator results in lateral movement of the pair of side members towards or away from the base frame.

Abstract: A single space parking meter assembly for retrofitting onto an existing coin vault assembly includes a number of parking meter components enclosed within a protective outer covering that is rotatably or slidably engageable with the coin vault assembly when a bottom surface of the protective outer covering is positioned against or adjacent to an upper surface of the coin vault assembly. A locking mechanism secures the protective outer covering to the coin vault assembly when the protective outer covering is engaged with the coin vault assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure describes novel systems, methods, and compositions for the manipulation of nucleic acids in a targeted fashion. The disclosure describes non-naturally occurring, engineered CRISPR systems, components, and methods for targeted modification of nucleic acids. Each system includes one or more protein components and one or more nucleic acid components that together target nucleic acids.

Abstract: A lens is provided that has an improved optical configuration in order to provide enhanced off-axis optical performance by tending to reduce, eliminate, or minimize first order optical distortion. Embodiments may be used in non-corrective or corrective unitary or dual lens eyewear, for example in combination with a frame to support the lens in a path of a straight ahead line of sight forming a center axis of an eye of a typical wearer. The lens may comprise a lens body. The lens body may comprise a surface having a spheric, toric, cylindrical or freeform geometry and another surface having a freeform geometry. A lens thickness is defined between the surfaces. A prismatic power of the lens is improved, particularly for off-axis viewing angles.

Abstract: An example of a system for touchlessly dispensing ice into a receptacle includes a dispense chute configured to direct dispensed ice therethrough to a dispense area. A visual feedback device is configured to present a visual indication of an operational status of the system. A sensor is configured to produce a beam within the dispense area and to provide a signal indicative of a proximity of an object within the beam to the sensor. A controller is configured to receive the signal and to determine the proximity of the object to the sensor from the signal. The controller is configured to operate the system to initiate a dispense of ice through the dispense chute based upon the determined proximity of the object. The controller is configured to operate the visual feedback device to present a visual indication of the initiated ice dispense.

Abstract: Systems and methods of servicing engines including a method of servicing an engine, the method including navigating at least a portion of a robotic assembly to a location associated with the engine; applying, from the robotic assembly, a medium to one or more adjustable components of the engine while the engine is at an elevated temperature; waiting a duration of time; and with the robotic assembly, operating on the one or more adjustable components.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to methods, apparatuses, and systems for operating logistic robotic systems. In various embodiments, an end effector configured to selectively engage an object may comprise a frame assembly; and a gripping mechanism configured to grasp the object using one or more grasping element, the one or more grasping element being configurable between an open configuration and an activated configuration; wherein the gripping mechanism is independently moveable relative to the frame assembly in one or more directions; and wherein the end effector is configured to engage the object such that the frame assembly contacts a first portion of the object, and the gripping mechanism contacts a second portion of the object. Further, various embodiments are directed to a system for handling an object within a handling environment comprising an end effector configured to selectively engage the object and a controller communicatively connected with the end effector.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing remote device (e.g., thermostat, lighting, appliance, etc.) control and/or energy monitoring. A system monitors sensor data captured by one or more sensors that sense attributes relevant to user presence at one or more monitored properties and status of one or more energy consuming devices associated with the one or more monitored properties. The system analyzes the monitored sensor data and the monitored device status with respect to a set of one or more rules and performs an operation related to controlling the one or more energy consuming devices based on the analysis of the monitored sensor data and the monitored device status with respect to the set of one or more rules.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a system for sanitising a fluid pathway in a drinking water dispensing assembly, the system including: a supply of water to be delivered under pressure through the fluid pathway; and a sanitising solution to be dispensed into the fluid pathway via a flow restrictor, wherein the flow restrictor is configured to regulate the flow rate of the solution delivered to the fluid pathway to facilitate mixing between the water and the solution to an effective sanitising concentration within the fluid pathway.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and non-transitory media for providing point-of-sale functionality are discussed herein. Some embodiments may include a system including a merchant device and a consumer facing device. The merchant device may include a merchant display device configured to present interactive displays of a merchant facing interface configured to be used by merchants. The consumer facing device may be configured to present interactive displays of a consumer facing interface configured to be used by consumers. The point-of-sale system may be configured to facilitate financial transactions and other forms of consumer service. For example, merchant inputs provided via the merchant facing interface (e.g., entered menu items) may be shown on the consumer facing interface. In another example, consumer inputs provided via the consumer facing interface be sent to the merchant device and/or otherwise used by the merchant device to facilitate a financial transaction, among other things.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (R)-4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]pyrrol-2-yl]-N-[2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl]benzamide (+)-L-tartrate salt, methods for its preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing it and its use in treating diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: A parking meter may have a housing that is formed at least significantly of an impact resistant material. In particular, the impact resistant material may comprise one of a polycarbonate copolymer or polycarbonate blended resin, a nylon-based copolymer, or a nylon-based polymer that includes long glass fiber or Kevlar fiber. The housing encloses the parking meter components to provide protection for the parking meter components against an external environment and vandalism attacks.

Abstract: Provided are methods of attaching a mannose-binding C-type lectin receptor targeting moiety to a polymeric carbohydrate backbone using an amide linkage. The amide linkage may be found between a leash, such as an amine terminated leash, and the mannose-binding C-type lectin receptor targeting moieties. The compounds and compositions disclosed utilizing the amide linkage provide for highly stable compounds with a significant reduction in loss of mannose-binding C-type lectin receptor targeting moieties from the polymeric carbohydrate backbone.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator comprising a motor, communication circuitry configured to receive a control signal and communicate with a door lock associated with a passageway door, and a controller. The controller is configured to authenticate the control signal, wherein authenticating the control signal includes associating the signal with a first level of access or a second level of access. The controller is further configured to communicate with the door lock via the communication circuitry to permit opening of the passageway door in response to associating the control signal with the first level of access and inhibit opening of the passageway door in response to associating the control signal with the second level of access. The controller is configured to cause the motor to open the movable barrier regardless of association of the control signal with the first level of access or the second level of access.

Abstract: In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle assembly, including: a roof including a recess; a rail, wherein the rail is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position, wherein the rail is at least partially within a recess of the roof in the retracted position, wherein the rail is able to connect to an accessory arranged above the roof in the deployed position; and a joint assembly, wherein the joint assembly is configured to guide movement of the rail between the retracted position and the deployed position, wherein the joint assembly includes a first foot, a second foot, and a slotted track, and wherein the first foot and the second foot are arranged at least partially within the slotted track.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for depositing an ashable hard mask (AHM) on a substrate include pulsing a low frequency radio frequency component at a high power. Pulsing low frequency power may be used to increase the selectivity or reduce the stress of an AHM. The AHM may then be used to etch features into underlying layers of the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides antibodies to V-domain Ig-containing Suppressor of T cell Activation (VISTA) and compositions comprising such antibodies. Also provided are methods of using antibodies that specifically binds to VISTA to treat diseases, e.g., to treat cancer.