Abstract: In an example embodiment, a first graphical layer having a plurality of edges is rendered in a graphical user interface, the first graphical layer including a first virtual button rendered at a default location and one or more pieces of information. Then a user input of selecting the first virtual button and moving the first virtual button to a new location other than the default location is detected. In response to the detecting, the new location is compared to each of the plurality of edges to determine a geometrically closest edge to the new location, and a second graphical layer is rendered on top of the first graphical layer, the second graphical layer abutting the geometrically closest edge to the new location.

Abstract: A laser light generator is configured to generate one or more wavelengths of continuous wave laser light. The laser light generator is configured to collectively and simultaneously transmit each of the wavelengths of continuous wave laser light through an optical output of the laser light generator as a laser light supply. An optical fiber is connected to receive the laser light supply from the optical output of the laser light generator. An optical distribution network has an optical input connected to receive the laser light supply from the optical fiber. The optical distribution network is configured to transmit the laser light supply to each of one or more optical transceivers and/or optical sensors. The laser light generator is physically separate from each of the one or more optical transceivers and/or optical sensors.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for cleaning a check valve of a pressurized pipe system. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a first check valve attached between pipes of a pressurized pipe system. The first check valve may include a housing, a disc attached to an interior cavity of the housing, a port formed in the housing, and a second check valve attached to the port. The disc may be configured to move between an open position to allow a first fluid to flow from a first pipe to a second pipe and a closed position to stop the first fluid from flowing from the second pipe to the first pipe. The second check valve may be configured to allow the second fluid to flow into the first check valve and stop the first fluid from flowing out of the second check valve.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms are provided for migrating data blocks around a cluster during node addition and node deletion. Migration requires no downtime, as a newly added node is immediately operational while the data blocks are being moved. Blockmap files and deduplication dictionaries need not be updated.

Abstract: A laser light generator is configured to generate one or more wavelengths of continuous wave laser light. The laser light generator is configured to collectively and simultaneously transmit each of the wavelengths of continuous wave laser light through an optical output of the laser light generator as a laser light supply. An optical fiber is connected to receive the laser light supply from the optical output of the laser light generator. An optical distribution network has an optical input connected to receive the laser light supply from the optical fiber. The optical distribution network is configured to transmit the laser light supply to each of one or more optical transceivers and/or optical sensors. The laser light generator is physically separate from each of the one or more optical transceivers and/or optical sensors.

Abstract: A machine including a first film dispenser which dispenses a first film, a second film dispenser which dispenses a second film, a first form system configured to form a first shape in the first film, a second form system configured to form a second shape in the second film, and a seal system configured to join the first film to the second film after the first shape is formed in the first film and the second shape is formed in the second film, wherein the first form system includes a bucket configured to hold a forming plate and a form head configured to form a cavity between the form head and the bucket that receives the first film.

Abstract: The tool re-positions a floor guide supporting a climbing screen. The climbing screen includes a mounting arm that extends along a longitudinal axis and is fixed to a floor of a construction. The tool includes a first member fixable to the floor of the construction at a first position along the axial length of the mounting arm, a second member fixable to the mounting arm at a second position spaced along the longitudinal axis of the mounting arm from the first member, and a driver linking the first and second members to one another and operable for varying the spacing between the first and second members along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An exemplary flow control assembly includes, among other things, shutters each having at least one aperture. The shutters are configured to move back and forth between a first position and a second position to influence a flow through the at least one aperture. A flow control method includes, among other things, moving a shutters back and forth between a first position and a second position. The first position permits more flow through at least one aperture within each of the shutters than the second position.

Abstract: A fixing device for a safety screen includes a bracket, a support member and a locking member. The support member includes a plurality of openings, and two of the openings include keyhole slots that are spaced from one another along the support member. Each of the keyhole slots include an enlarged portion and a slot. The bracket includes at least one engagement member that has a shank portion and a head. The head is receivable through the enlarged portion thereof. The shank portion is receivable by the slot of any of the keyhole slots, and the locking member is attached to the bracket. The bracket is engageable with the support member by inserting the head through the enlarged portion. The locking member is engageable with the support member following translational movement of the engagement member along the slot, the locking member thereby locking the engagement member against translational movement.

Abstract: The hoisting apparatus includes a climbing rail, which is adapted to be suspended on and translated vertically along a construction at a distance from the ground. There is an enclosure supported by the climbing rail. There is also a lifting platform that is housed within the enclosure and is vertically movable relative to the enclosure.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms are provided for migrating data blocks around a cluster during node addition and node deletion. Migration requires no downtime, as a newly added node is immediately operational while the data blocks are being moved. Blockmap files and deduplication dictionaries need not be updated.

Abstract: Pick hole guards are provided for use in guarding pick holes on manhole covers. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pick hole guards can have a base, biasing member, and guard member. The biasing member can be attached to the base and guard member, and can bias the guard member toward a pick hole on the manhole cover to guard the pick hole. In other embodiments, the pick hole guards do not have movable guard members, but instead have retaining surfaces to serve as a receptacle for catching waste disposed through a pick hole.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a first graphical layer having a plurality of edges is rendered in a graphical user interface, the first graphical layer including a first virtual button rendered at a default location and one or more pieces of information. Then a user input of selecting the first virtual button and moving the first virtual button to a new location other than the default location is detected. In response to the detecting, the new location is compared to each of the plurality of edges to determine a geometrically closest edge to the new location, and a second graphical layer is rendered on top of the first graphical layer, the second graphical layer abutting the geometrically closest edge to the new location.

Abstract: In a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the system comprises a first device, a second device, a communications link, and a memory. The memory stores instructions that when executed by the system perform a method of communications link training. This method comprises requesting a speed change to a second speed for the first device communicating with the second device at a first speed via the communications link. A saved set of parameters are accessed for at least one of the first device and the second device. A first training cycle is performed for the first device and the second device at the second speed using the saved set of parameters for the at least one of the first device and second device. The reuse of parameters from a previous successful equalization training cycle reduces the time required to perform equalization training.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring a characteristic of an environment of an electronic device. The electronic device may include a printed circuit board and a component. A sensor is placed on the printed circuit board, and may be between the component and the board, and connects to a monitor, or detector. An end user device may be used to store, assess, display and understand the data received from the sensor through the monitor.

Abstract: A piano training device is described herein. The piano training device comprising a plurality of keys which may be illuminated by a light source associated with each key. The light source associated with each key is oriented such that the light source transmits light toward the front surface of the key. The key is further manufactured so that the light transmitted toward the front surface of the key is redirected to the top surface of the key.

Abstract: A platform system includes a support structure of variable length; a platform mountable on the support structure; and a plurality of platform supports for supporting the platform. At least one of the platform supports is slideably mounted on the support structure such that it is slideable with respect to the support structure. At least one of the platform supports includes a spacing element, which extends between that platform support and an adjacent one of the platform supports and engages the adjacent platform support, such that the maximum spacing between those platform supports is limited by the spacing element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated beach umbrella and table system that includes a support post, wherein an umbrella support frame couples to the support post and is expandable and collapsible about the support post, and an umbrella canopy couples to the umbrella support frame. The system further includes a table surface support frame assembled from a plurality of armature elements that couple to an anchor hub and a central hub, wherein at least one of the anchor hub and the central hub slidably engages to the support post. The anchor hub and the central hub slide to produce a first expanded position and a second collapsed position of a table surface coupled to the table surface support frame.

Abstract: A filter element is disclosed. The filter element may include filter media extending circumferentially around and longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the filter element. The filter element may also include pilot structure attached to the filter media and configured to locate the filter element. The pilot structure may include an axial cross-section that includes at least one of a noncircular feature or an asymmetrical feature relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated beach umbrella and table system that includes a support post, wherein an umbrella support frame couples to the support post and is expandable and collapsible about the support post, and an umbrella canopy couples to the umbrella support frame. The system further includes a table surface support frame assembled from a plurality of armature elements that couple to an anchor hub and a central hub, wherein at least one of the anchor hub and the central hub slidably engages to the support post. The anchor hub and the central hub slide to produce a first expanded position and a second collapsed position of a table surface coupled to the table surface support frame.