Abstract: A tool includes a mandrel and at least one gate. The mandrel includes a bore, and the mandrel is able to connect in-line with at least one sand control device of a bottom hole assembly such that the mandrel is coaxial with the at least one sand control device. The mandrel also includes a flow path configuration, such as, at least one flow path connecting the at least one sand control device to the bore, at least one flow path connecting the bore to at least two sand control devices, and at least one flow path connecting the bore to the at least one sand control device and to another device of the bottom hole assembly. The at least one gate has an initial position, and the at least one gate is configured to move from the initial position into a different position to control fluid flow.

Abstract: Photovoltaics and an MPPT DC/DC converter powers a DC bus of a controller. It uses an electric heat pump to heat a mass like water, and also has a resistive heating element to heat the mass. A microcontroller controls a variable frequency (VFD) motor drive to power the electric heat pump when sufficient solar power is available to run the heat pump and uses the resistive element to heat the thermal mass when insufficient solar power exists for the heat pump or when excess solar power is available. A controller has an MPPT input for solar power and a VFD to provide power through an output to a heat pump-based water heater and an output to power a resistive water heating element. A microcontroller determines solar power available and runs the heat pump when possible and the resistive element when insufficient power is available or when excess power is available.

Abstract: Inflation devices and methods used to inflate a balloon of a balloon catheter are disclosed. The inflation devices include a pressure member to contain a fluid to be pressurized. The pressure member includes a load transfer orifice configured to receive a load transfer member of a threaded insert. The load transfer member can transfer an axial load applied to the threaded insert during pressurization of the fluid to the pressure member. A plunger including a thread rail is slidingly disposed within the pressure member. The thread rail is engaged with the threaded insert when the fluid is pressurized. An actuator disengages the thread rail from the threaded insert to depressurize the fluid.

Abstract: Insecticidal compositions have at least one active agent and at least one insecticide. The active agent can include perilla oil, a component found in perilla oil, or a perillaldehyde or carvone analog. The insecticide can include a pyrethrum, pyrethrin, pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, chlofenapyr, ethiprole, sulfoxoflor, carbamate, organophosphate, or organochlorine. Methods for controlling insects include contacting an insect with an effective amount of a composition described in this specification. Modified plants that produce an active agent can be contacted with an insecticide.

Abstract: System and methods are disclosed herein for creating interaction path records using time thresholds between interaction paths. The system retrieves the time threshold and a plurality of user interaction records that each include a timestamp. The system sorts the plurality of user interaction records based on the timestamp. The system then identifies the path-start record as being separated from a prior interaction by an amount of time that exceeds the time threshold. The system identifies the path-end record as being separated from a subsequent interaction by an amount of time that exceeds the time threshold. The system creates an interaction path record, stores that records, and generates a summary with information about the path.

Abstract: Systems and methods to rotate security assets used to for secure communications are disclosed. The system includes initiating a communication session between two servers. Additionally, a server provides a first version of a first certificate to another server. The first version of the first certificate has identifying information including a first public key. The server receives a second certificate. The server determines that the second certificate is trusted by determining that the second certificate has identifying information matching the identifying information of the first version of the first certificate. In response to determining that the second certificate is trusted, the server encrypts the first public key. The server provides the encrypted first public key to the other server. The server then receives a verification of decryption of the encrypted first public key.

Abstract: A device, and related systems and methods, for inserting a marker into a patient's body. The device may comprise a retention mechanism to hold the device in a first, undeployed, state. The device may be inserted into a patient's body in the first state, transitioned by the user into a second state wherein the retention mechanism is overcome, and then transition the device into a third state to deliver a marker to a precise location. The device may then be removed from the patient's body.

Abstract: Techniques are described for correlating entity identification information with refuse containers being serviced by a refuse collection vehicle (RCV). Location data can be collected by location sensor(s) on the RCV at a time when a triggering condition is present, such as a time when a lift arm is operating to empty a refuse container into the hopper of the RCV. The location data can be provided as input to an algorithm that estimates a container location through a vector offset to account for the distance and direction of the RCV lift arm relative to the location sensor in the RCV. The container location can be correlated with parcel data to determine the parcel that the container was on or near to when it was serviced, and the customer or other entity associated with the parcel can be correlated to the particular container based on the analysis.

Abstract: A blank for fabricating a wear member for a ground-engaging tool includes a one-piece block having a boss channel and a lock bore each formed therein. The one-piece block includes a peripheral edge that projects upon lateral sides and a front end of the one-piece block, the peripheral edge originating and terminating at a back end of the block, to form a continuous welding interface that is partially perimetric of the one-piece block, for welding to a body of a wear member. The blank can be used to fabricate a variety of different wear members including shrouds, tooth tips, edge protectors, or others.

Abstract: Devices used to drain fluid are disclosed. The devices may be configured to drain fluid from a body cavity using a vacuum pressure. The devices include a reservoir and a vacuum generating member configured to expand the reservoir and generate a vacuum pressure within the reservoir. The devices can be configured to be shipped in a collapsed state.

Abstract: A steel making assembly comprising a metal, refractory lined vessel having a side wall with a taphole therein and a metal plug placed within the taphole. The metal plug comprises a frustoconical body having a side conical wall, a closed small end and an open large end thereof defining an essentially empty interior space. The side conical wall of the frustoconical body of the plug includes at least one diagonal compression slit. The at least one diagonal compression slit extends from the open large end of the frustoconical body and extends toward the closed small end of the frustoconical body. The conical wall has a center axis, with the at least one diagonal compression slit being non-parallel to the center axis.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for pool-based identity authentication for service access without use of stored credentials is disclosed. The method in an example embodiment includes providing provisioning information for storage in a provisioning repository; receiving a service request from a service consumer, the service request including requestor identifying information; generating an authentication request to send to an authentication authority, the authentication request including requestor identifying information; receiving validation of an authenticated service request from the authentication authority; and providing the requested service to the service consumer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for curating content that follows a narrative structure. A narrative structure comprises narrative portions that have a defined order. Signature analysis of known content that follows the narrative structure is used to train machine learning models for the narrative structure and the narrative portions that make up the narrative structure. Signature analysis of candidate content segments, along with machine learning models for the narrative portions, are used to identify candidate content segments that match the respective narrative portions. A candidate playlist is generated of the identified candidate content segments in the defined order. In one embodiment, the machine learning model for the narrative structure is used to validate the generated playlist.

Abstract: A method for inspecting and repairing a surface of a component of a gas turbine engine, the method including: inserting an inspection and repair tool into an interior of the gas turbine engine; inspecting the surface of the component with the inspection and repair tool; performing a repair of the surface of the component with the inspection and repair tool from within the interior of the gas turbine engine, the inspection and repair tool remaining within the interior of the gas turbine engine between inspecting the component and performing the repair of the surface of the component.

Abstract: A continuous flow process and system for depolymerizing plastic. A heterogeneous mixture of solid plastic particles, a solvent, and a catalyst are pumped continuously through a heating zone at a flow rate resulting in a particle speed sufficient to keep the plastic particles in suspension. The heterogeneous mixture is heated in the heating zone and maintained in a hold zone to complete depolymerization of the mixture into a homogeneous solution containing a liquefied reaction product. The homogeneous solution is cooled to solidify and precipitate a solid reaction product. The solid reaction product is separated from the solvent to be recycled. Contaminants are removed from the solvent, and the solvent is recirculated for use as a constituent of the heterogeneous mixture.

Abstract: Techniques are described for correlating entity identification information with refuse containers being serviced by a refuse collection vehicle (RCV). Location data can be collected by location sensor(s) on the RCV at a time when a triggering condition is present, such as a time when a lift arm is operating to empty a refuse container into the hopper of the RCV. The location data can be provided as input to an algorithm that estimates a container location through a vector offset to account for the distance and direction of the RCV lift arm relative to the location sensor in the RCV. The container location can be correlated with parcel data to determine the parcel that the container was on or near to when it was serviced, and the customer or other entity associated with the parcel can be correlated to the particular container based on the analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for automated laser ablation includes an end effector for performing laser ablation at a location with restricted access. The systems and methods of the present disclosure specifically provide for a miniature laser end effector which may be inserted through a port or bore in order to ablate the surface of an internal component of a complex assembly. In several embodiments of the present subject matter, the end effector is mounted on a machine and coupled to a laser system.

Abstract: A method for inspecting and repairing a surface of a component of a gas turbine engine, the method including: inserting an inspection and repair tool into an interior of the gas turbine engine; inspecting the surface of the component with the inspection and repair tool; performing a repair of the surface of the component with the inspection and repair tool from within the interior of the gas turbine engine, the inspection and repair tool remaining within the interior of the gas turbine engine between inspecting the component and performing the repair of the surface of the component.

Abstract: A locating fixture that includes a base, an adjustable locating member, a plurality of indicia, a restraining member and a lower substructure. The base includes a raised platform having a mounting aperture. The adjustable locating member is disposed within the mounting aperture and includes a part locating feature and a position indicator fixedly attached to the adjustable locating member. The plurality of indicia is located on the raised platform adjacent to the adjustable locating member. The position indicator cooperates with the plurality of indicia to determine a vertical position of the adjustable locating member. The restraining member is cooperatively engaged with the adjustable locating member. The lower substructure is configured to allow for longitudinal and lateral translation of the base. The base is translatably mounted to the lower substructure.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for pool-based identity authentication for service access without use of stored credentials is disclosed. The method in an example embodiment includes providing provisioning information for storage in a provisioning repository; receiving a service request from a service consumer, the service request including requestor identifying information; generating an authentication request to send to an authentication authority, the authentication request including requestor identifying information; receiving validation of an authenticated service request from the authentication authority; and providing the requested service to the service consumer.