Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus with an insert (4) configured to be inserted into a pipe to be handled (23). One or more clamping members (19) are moveably mounted relative to the insert. One or more actuators (17) are operable to urge the clamping members (19) towards the insert (4) thereby to grip the wall of the pipe to be handled (23). The insert (4) may be cylindrical. Multiple clamping members (19) may be spaced around the insert (4). The clamping members (19) may extend axially along the insert (4). The apparatus is suitable for handling flexible pipes (23) formed from multiple layers of helically wound metal strands.

Abstract: Techniques for purchase analytics are provided. Purchase data is received, where the purchase data indicates a first item. It is determined that the purchase data corresponds to a purchase made by a first individual, and that the first item is included in a predefined list of reactants. One or more social media platforms are analyzed to identify a plurality of other individuals that have a relationship with the first individual. It is determined that at least one of the plurality of other individual has purchased a second item that is included in the predefined list of reactants. Upon determining that the first item and the second item meet a predefined combination, a suspicion metric is assigned to the first individual. Finally, upon determining that the suspicion metric exceeds a predefined threshold, an alert is generated, wherein the alert includes an indication of the first individual and the at least one other individual.

Abstract: Provided is a photovoltaic power converter receiver, including a photovoltaic cell, a waveguide coupled to the photovoltaic cell, and an optical transmission device of which an end is coupled to the waveguide for transmitting an optical wave to the photovoltaic cell through the waveguide, wherein the end of the optical transmission device is offset from a longitudinal central axis of the waveguide by a distance Doffset.

Abstract: Methods and structures are provided for implementing embedded wire repair for printed circuit board (PCB) constructs. A repair wire layer is provided within the PCB stack with reference planes on opposite sides of the repair wire layer. When a repair connection is required, an appropriate plated through hole (PTH) is drilled to form the repair connection using the repair wire layer.

Abstract: A screen content management system and method for determining viewable screen content is provided. The method may include receiving a registration indication to register content as a private resource. The method may further include registering the content as the private resource. The method may also include assigning a unique identification code to the private resource. The method may additionally include receiving a viewing requirement for the private resource. The method may moreover include modifying a viewing definition for the private resource based on the viewing requirement. The method may further include receiving a request to display the private resource, the request being associated with user information. The method may also include determining whether the private resource is displayable based on the viewing definition of the private resource and the user information.

Abstract: Providing routing based on driver experience is provided. Aspects include receiving a destination from a user, calculating a plurality of routes from an origin to the destination, and comparing characteristics of each of the plurality of routes with previous driving experience information of the user. Aspects also include calculating an associated risk level for each of the plurality of routes based on the comparison and providing, to the user, a listing of the plurality of routes having the associated risk level indicated. Aspects further include receiving a selected route from the user and providing the selected route and the associated risk level to an insurance provider of the user.

Abstract: Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for comparing, recommending and migrating operations, systems and processes during a post-merger/acquisition integration (PMI). The method includes monitoring, using a processor, one or more operations, systems and/or processes related to at least two companies. The processor compares each of the operations, systems and/or processes to determine similarities and/or differences between the operations, systems and/or processes of the at least two companies. The processor further determines at least one superior operation, system and/or process in response to the comparison. The processor further provides a recommendation to transition to the at least one superior operation, system and/or process. The processor further migrates from at least one operation, system and/or process not recommended to the at least one superior operation, system and/or process.

Abstract: Methods and structures are provided for implementing embedded wire repair for printed circuit board (PCB) constructs. A repair wire layer is provided within the PCB stack with reference planes on opposite sides of the repair wire layer. When a repair connection is required, an appropriate plated through hole (PTH) is drilled to form the repair connection using the repair wire layer.

Abstract: A connector adapted for release under load from a complementary connector. The connector having a locking element for engagement with the complementary connector to lock the complementary connector to the connector; and a locking member moveable from a locked position to an unlocked position. The locking member operative to permit the/each locking element to lock the complementary connector to the connector when in the locked position and operative to allow the/each locking element to release the complementary connector when in the unlocked position. The locking member and locking element arranged such that when the connector is locked to the complementary connector and the locking member is in a partially unlocked position, a load applied to the/each locking element causes the/each locking element to urge the locking member towards its fully unlocked position, thereby unlocking the complementary connector from the connector.

Abstract: Methods of screening a compound for susceptibility to causing systemic or hepatic toxicity, using a hepatic cell system exposed to a range of concentrations of a bile acid in the absence or presence of a compound to determine a toxicity profile. In vitro systems for predicting in vivo hepatotoxic potential of a compound are also provided, and include in vitro cultured hepatic cell systems with a capacity for bile acid synthesis, bile acid transport and bile acid regulation.

Abstract: A method and structures are provided for implementing a current indicator for electrical connectors, such as power plug connectors. A ferrofluid is embedded into a power plug connector. The ferrofluid is influenced by a magnetic field created by flowing current to expose a current indicator.

Abstract: A lifting assembly (10) having a structure (11) with three or more receptacles and a two or more connectors (1). The structure comprises one or more receptacles (12). Each receptacle comprises one or more circumferential grooves (17) in its inside surface. The connector comprises a male element (4) for insertion into a receptacle, an attachment point (2), and one or more locking elements (6) provided on the outside surface of the male element for engaging with the or each groove in the inside surface of the or each receptacle so as to rotatably mount the attachment point relative to the structure. The connectors may be rotationally positioned within the receptacles to permit different lifting configurations to be used.

Abstract: Systems and methods to distribute power to individual power outlets are disclosed. A particular apparatus includes a memory having program code and a processor configured to access the memory and execute the program code to determine whether to allow power to be supplied to an individual power outlet. In one implementation, the determination is based on a current draw and a resistance reading associated with the power outlet.

Abstract: A male connector (3) to be inserted into a female connector (5). The male connector defines a conduit and comprises a locking means (39) operable to engage the female connector to thereby lock the male connector relative to the female connector. The male connector also comprises a release means (17) for unlocking the male connector to permit the male connector to be separated from the female connector. The release means is accessible from within the conduit. There may be a release tool (50) operable to disengage the male connector from the female connector and retain the male connector after the male connector has been disengaged from the female connector.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus with an insert (4) configured to be inserted into a pipe to be handled (23). One or more clamping members (19) are moveably mounted relative to the insert. One or more actuators (17) are operable to urge the clamping members (19) towards the insert (4) thereby to grip the wall of the pipe to be handled (23). The insert (4) may be cylindrical. Multiple clamping members (19) may be spaced around the insert (4). The clamping members (19) may extend axially along the insert (4). The apparatus is suitable for handling flexible pipes (23) formed from multiple layers of helically wound metal strands.

Abstract: A field image is formed using a tristimulus color model and used to detect target plants or entities on a field. Through the use of a luminance parameter floor, hue and saturation selection steps, feature recognition, a sizing floor and an aspect ratio ceiling, a very fast way is devised to recognize a target plant without need for consulting plant attribute databases, or to analyze spectral or other specialized data for comparison with known attributes. This allows a low calculational processing load and use of simple hardware such as a single board computer to handle machine vision in real time. Treatment steps can include a spray event, a light treatment, and a thermal/mechanical trauma.

Abstract: A field image is formed using a tristimulus color model and used to detect target plants or entities on a field. Through the use of a luminance parameter floor, hue and saturation selection steps, feature recognition, a sizing floor and an aspect ratio ceiling, a very fast way is devised to recognize a target plant without need for consulting plant attribute databases, or to analyze spectral or other specialized data for comparison with known attributes. This allows a low calculational processing load and use of simple hardware such as a single board computer to handle machine vision in real time. Treatment steps can include a spray event, a light treatment, and a thermal/mechanical trauma.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for EMC shielding applications comprises a first component comprising an electrically conductive first surface, and a gasket member comprising an electrically conductive exterior surface. The exterior surface is configured to couple with an electrically conductive second surface of a second component. The apparatus further comprises an adhesive layer disposed between the first component and the gasket member. The adhesive layer comprises an arrangement of conductive fibers, the conductive fibers extending along respective long axes between the first surface and the exterior surface.

Abstract: Extremely fast dynamic control is allowed for hybrid PV/T (photovoltaic/thermal) distributed power production using concentrated solar power by manipulating the transmissive or reflective state of a capture element or mirror or lens that can pass highly concentrated solar light from one energy conversion device to another, such as a thermal collector and a photovoltaic receiver, such as a vertical multijunction cell array. This allows superior quality electrical backfeed into an electric utility, enhanced plant electrical production revenue, and responsiveness to a multitude of conditions to meet new stringent engineering requirements for distributed power plants. The mirror or lens can be physically articulated using fast changing of a spatial variable, or can be a fixed smart material that changes state. A mechanical jitter or variable state jitter can be applied to the capture element, including at utility electric grid line frequency.

Abstract: A brake includes a brake shoe moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position and defining an axis of rotation of an associated brake drum. The brake includes an actuation shaft rotatable about a shaft axis and an actuation device for transferring rotational movement of the actuation shaft into movement of the brake shoe from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The axis of rotation is non-parallel to the shaft axis.