Abstract: Purifying target biomolecules, such as nucleic acids or proteins, from a biological source is a time intensive process and is typically performed by a skilled technician or scientist owing to the highly technical nature of the work. Systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein enable the automated bioprocessing and purification of target biomolecules from a biological source. For example, an instrument and disposable cartridge are provided for automatedly isolating and purifying nucleic acids (such as plasmid DNA from a bacterial culture) or for isolating protein from any biological sample. Such an exemplary instrument and cartridge can work in concert to timely release, mix, and move the target biomolecule and various reagents and buffers through a target biomolecule purification process, resulting in a purified target biomolecule with less manual oversight than traditional approaches.

Abstract: A pancreatin preparation having reduced viral infectivity includes one or more pancreatin enzymes and peracetic acid (PAA). At least one pancreatin enzyme may be derived from an animal source such as a porcine pancreas gland. In a particular embodiment, the one or more pancreatin enzymes are selected from the group consisting of lipases, proteases, and amylases.

Abstract: A RLP system for a host vehicle includes a memory and levels. The memory stores a RLP algorithm, which is a multi-agent collaborative DQN with PER algorithm. A first level includes a data processing module that provides sensor data, object location data, and state information of the host vehicle and other vehicles. A second level includes a coordinate location module that, based on the sensor data, the object location data, the state information, and a refined policy provided by the third level, generates an updated policy and a set of future coordinate locations implemented via the first level. A third level includes evaluation and target neural networks and a processor that executes instructions of the RLP algorithm for collaborative action planning between the host and other vehicles based on outputs of the evaluation and target networks and to generate the refined policy based on reward values associated with events.

Abstract: A RLP system for a host vehicle includes a memory and levels. The memory stores a RLP algorithm, which is a multi-agent collaborative DQN with PER algorithm. A first level includes a data processing module that provides sensor data, object location data, and state information of the host vehicle and other vehicles. A second level includes a coordinate location module that, based on the sensor data, the object location data, the state information, and a refined policy provided by the third level, generates an updated policy and a set of future coordinate locations implemented via the first level. A third level includes evaluation and target neural networks and a processor that executes instructions of the RLP algorithm for collaborative action planning between the host and other vehicles based on outputs of the evaluation and target networks and to generate the refined policy based on reward values associated with events.

Abstract: A composite architectural frame section with subcomponents that meet functional, strength and thermal isolation requirements is assembled using knurling and crimping operations as joining procedures. When properly designed the knurling and subcomponent geometries with proper crimping operations result in an optimal shearing strength between critical subcomponents, thus maximizing the structural performance aspect of the frame section. Various embodiments of this design address requirements for subcomponent features such as: hammer and anvil tips, orientation of knurled and crimped surfaces, design of the knurling wheel components, and the introduction of alternate surface topographies to additional regions of these contacting frame subcomponents. These embodiments serve to maximize the portion of available interface contact surfaces and their friction that can bear shearing forces and, thus, add to the overall shear strength of the frame section.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser may include a substrate, a multi quantum well (MQW) active layer, and an electron stopper layer. The MQW active layer may include a quantum well that is tensile strained and a barrier that is compressively strained. The barrier may be formed from an aluminum gallium indium arsenide phosphide alloy having a first AlxGayIn(1-x-y)AszP(1-z) composition. The electron stopper layer may include an aluminum gallium indium arsenide phosphide alloy having a second AlxGayIn(1-x-y)AszP(1-z) composition.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser may include a substrate, an active region, and an electron stopper layer. The electron stopper layer may include an aluminum gallium indium arsenide phosphide alloy. The aluminum gallium indium arsenide phosphide alloy may have an AlxGayIn(1-x-y)AszP(1-z) composition.

Abstract: A height adjuster may be provided. The height adjuster may comprise a hydraulic lift cylinder and a ram configured to receive the hydraulic lift cylinder. The height adjuster may further comprise a wheel motor housing connected to a lower end of the ram. A lower end of the hydraulic lift cylinder may be connected to the wheel housing. In addition, the height adjuster may comprise a king-pin configured to receive the ram.

Abstract: A height adjuster may be provided. The height adjuster may comprise a hydraulic lift cylinder and a ram configured to receive the hydraulic lift cylinder. The height adjuster may further comprise a wheel motor housing connected to a lower end of the ram. A lower end of the hydraulic lift cylinder may be connected to the wheel housing. In addition, the height adjuster may comprise a king-pin configured to receive the ram.

Abstract: A method for producing an aluminum foam product wherein reactive gas producing particles are introduced into an aluminum alloy melt under controlled conditions and subjected to agitation to induce the production of foam-stabilizing by-products, and, under certain conditions, the production of gases used to produce the molten metal foam itself. Foam products produced through this method have intrinsically formed metal oxides and other solid particles dispersed therein and are devoid of the large extrinsically added stabilizing ceramic additions traditionally used in the production of aluminum foams. The invention claims a rapid, single step method for producing an inoculated, foamable melt using low cost precursor materials.

Abstract: A method for producing an aluminum foam product wherein reactive gas producing particles are introduced into an aluminum alloy melt under controlled conditions and subjected to agitation to induce the production of foam-stabilizing by-products, and, under certain conditions, the production of gases used to produce the molten metal foam itself. Foam products produced through this method have intrinsically formed metal oxides and other solid particles dispersed therein and are devoid of the large extrinsically added stabilizing ceramic additions traditionally used in the production of aluminum foams. The invention claims a rapid, single step method for producing an inoculated, foamable melt using low cost precursor materials.

Abstract: A thermal control system for a liquid crystal cell is presented that may utilize a time division scheme to multiplex temperature sensing and heating functions across active thermal elements such that the cell may generally be kept at a constant temperature. A calibration process characterizes the profile of the cell and generates a polynomial regression formula that provides the voltage drive output for a temperature and cell state input. The control system stores the state of the liquid crystal cell, the regression formula, and reads the temperature of the liquid crystal cell to compute end assert the temperature compensated voltage drive.

Abstract: A thermal control system for a liquid crystal cell is presented that may utilize a time division scheme to multiplex temperature sensing and heating functions across active thermal elements such that the cell may generally be kept at a constant temperature. A calibration process characterizes the profile of the cell and generates a polynomial regression formula that provides the voltage drive output for a temperature and cell state input. The control system stores the state of the liquid crystal cell, the regression formula, and reads the temperature of the liquid crystal cell to compute end assert the temperature compensated voltage drive.

Abstract: A tool which is adapted to removably engage a rolled semi-rigid, plastic label, retaining the label in an open orientation to facilitate placement of the label on a pipe. In the preferred embodiment, the tool includes an elongated handle connected to and extending outwardly from the bottom side of a base plate. A plurality of support posts attach to and extend outwardly from the top side of the base plate, and support a pair of label racks proximate the free ends of the support posts. Each of the label racks has at least one label engaging flange disposed on one side thereof. The label racks are disposed apart from one another on the support posts in an opposed, inwardly facing manner. The label engaging flanges are thus disposed in an opposed, inwardly facing surface to releasably engage opposite edges of a rolled plastic label and releaseably retain the rolled plastic label in an opened configuration for placement on the pipe.

Abstract: There is disclosed a paper feeder apparatus attached to a printer or other device. The paper feeder apparatus employs two trays each of which are capable of accommodating papers of different sizes and an envelope tray for accommodating envelopes. The feeder is controlled by a host computer of the type capable of generating feeder and printer control commands. These commands are transmitted to control logic associated with the paper feeder which control logic is under control of a microprocessor. The microprocessor assumes complete control of the entire paper feed mechanism and communication to the printer. Thus, the microprocessor operates two motors associated with the paper feed path. A first motor is operated so that a sheet of paper can be withdrawn from either of the two trays and then transported along a paper path.