Abstract: Methods and systems for producing radionuclides by neutron activation are disclosed. A system for radionuclide production can include a compact plasma-based fusion neutron source, for example, a Z-pinch-based neutron source, configured to generate a neutron flux, and a target holder configured to hold a target comprising neutron-activatable nuclides, for example, 98Mo, where the target holder is arranged with respect to the compact plasma-based fusion neutron source to expose the target to the neutron flux and produce radionuclides, for example, 99Mo, through neutron activation of the neutron-activatable nuclides. In some embodiments, the target holder is configured to move the target along a circulation path arranged with respect to the plasma-based fusion neutron source during exposure of the target to the neutron flux.

Abstract: Plasma processing systems and methods for fusion power applications are disclosed. The system can include a plasma confinement device including a reaction chamber; a plasma formation and injection device configured to form a source plasma outside the reaction chamber and inject the source plasma inside the reaction chamber; and a power supply configured to supply power to the plasma confinement device to apply a voltage across the reaction chamber to compress the source plasma into a Z-pinch plasma capable of sustaining fusion reactions. The plasma confinement device can include an inner electrode surrounded by an outer electrode to define therebetween an acceleration region of the reaction chamber. The outer electrode can extend beyond the inner electrode to define an assembly region of the reaction chamber. The source plasma can be injected in the acceleration region and flowed into the assembly region to be compressed into the Z-pinch plasma.

Abstract: Methods and systems described in this disclosure receive a call from a caller, generate a first session through a first channel associated with the caller when the call is received and then send a request for authentication credentials to a device associated with the caller. In some embodiments, sending the request for authentication credentials generates a second session through a second channel associated with the caller. The caller can be authenticated to the first session using communication received during the second session through the second channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems described in this disclosure receive a call from a device associated with a caller and request an indication of a context of the call. The system can send a request for authentication credentials in a push notification to the device. The push notification can be linked to an authentication tab or page in an application. After authentication of the caller, the system can direct the application to cause a tab or page associated with the subject matter of the call to be displayed on the qualified device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving user input indicating a first user selection of a first form of biometric authentication from a plurality of forms of biometric authentication, providing a first interface for display on a user device, the first interface corresponding to the first form, receiving first biometric data, the first biometric data being provided using the first interface, and selectively enabling communication between the user device and a back-end system based on the first biometric data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for multiple channel authentication are described. In one embodiment, a request for an interaction is initiated from within a mobile application. The request may include authentication information and contextual information relating to a current exchange between the mobile application and an organization. The user may be authenticated with the authentication information and the request may be routed to a representative based on the contextual information to continue the exchange.

Abstract: Image data is used to determine wind speed and wind direction during takeoff and landing by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The flight data, including image data, may be received using sensors onboard the UAV and/or the flight data may be received from other sources, such as nearby anemometer, cameras, other UAVs, other vehicles, and/or local weather stations. Machine learning models may train using the flight data gathered by the UAVs to determine the wind velocity based on image data. The UAV may adjust flight control settings to generate side forces to overcome the predicted wind velocity.

Abstract: Described is an imaging component for use by an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) for object detection. As described, the imaging component includes one or more cameras that are configured to obtain images of a scene using visible light that are converted into a depth map (e.g., stereo image) and one or more other cameras that are configured to form images, or thermograms, of the scene using infrared radiation (“IR”). The depth information and thermal information are combined to form a representation of the scene based on both depth and thermal information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflating an inflatable object, such as a floatation device. The inflation apparatus includes a component with a primary opening, the primary opening sized and shaped to accept air from an air source, such as a hair dryer. A secondary opening on an inflation adapter is sized and shaped to be in communication with a valve opening on the inflatable object.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a configuration of an aerial vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”), that includes a plurality of cameras that may be selectively combined to form a stereo pair for use in obtaining stereo images that provide depth information corresponding to objects represented in those images. Depending on the distance between an object and the aerial vehicle, different cameras may be selected for the stereo pair based on the baseline between those cameras and a distance between the object and the aerial vehicle. For example, cameras with a small baseline (close together) may be selected to generate stereo images and depth information for an object that is close to the aerial vehicle. In comparison, cameras with a large baseline may be selected to generate stereo images and depth information for an object that is farther away from the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A delivery robot may provide an approach notification to enable people to understand and interpret actions by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), such as an intention to land or deposit a package at a particular location. The delivery robot may include a display, lights, a speaker, and one or more sensors to enable the robot to provide information, barcodes, and text to the UAV and/or bystanders. The robot can provide final landing authority, and can “wave-off” the UAV, if an obstacle or person exists in the landing zone. The delivery robot can receive packages and (1) store them for retrieval (2) deliver them to the delivery location and/or (3) deliver them to an automated locker system. The delivery robot can temporarily close lanes or streets to enable a package to be delivered by UAV. The system may include a shelter to secure, maintain, and charge the delivery robot.

Abstract: Methods and systems described in this disclosure receive a call from a caller, generate a first session through a first channel associated with the caller when the call is received and then send a request for authentication credentials to a device associated with the caller. In some embodiments, sending the request for authentication credentials generates a second session through a second channel associated with the caller. The caller can be authenticated to the first session using communication received during the second session through the second channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems described in this disclosure receive a call from a device associated with a caller and request an indication of a context of the call. The system can send a request for authentication credentials in a push notification to the device. The push notification can be linked to an authentication tab or page in an application. After authentication of the caller, the system can direct the application to cause a tab or page associated with the subject matter of the call to be displayed on the qualified device.

Abstract: A system for controlling water distribution from a water distribution vehicle includes spray heads for spraying water from the vehicle and an actuator system for turning the spray heads on and off. A computer processor is programmed to control the actuator system in response to a sensor input. The system can include means for measuring the ground speed of the vehicle, such as a GPS, and the sensor input signal can be associated with the ground speed of the vehicle. Using a pulse width modulated signal, the processor can adjust water flow from the spray heads based on the vehicle ground speed. The processor also can be programmed to prevent water flow from one or more spray heads when the vehicle speed is below a minimum speed or as the vehicle speed is reduced.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a configuration of a multirotor aircraft that will facilitate enhanced yaw control. The multirotor aircraft includes one or more adjustable members that will twist the frame of the multirotor aircraft, thereby adjusting the orientation of the motors and propellers and enhance the yaw control of the multirotor aircraft. In some implementations, the adjustable member(s) are passive and twist in response to differential thrusts generated by the propellers. In other implementations, the adjustable members are active and twist in response to a yaw command from the multirotor aircraft control system.

Abstract: An electronic marker may provide an approach notification to enable people to understand and interpret actions by a UAV, such as an intention to land or deposit a package at a particular location. The marker may communicate a specific intention of the UAV and/or communicate a request to a person. The marker may monitor the person or data signals for a response from the person, such as movement of the person that indicates a response. The marker may be equipped with hardware and/or software configured to provide notifications and/or exchange information with a person or the UAV at or near a destination. The marker may include a display, lights, a speaker, and one or more sensors to enable the UAV to provide information, barcodes, and text. The marker can provide final landing authority and can “wave-off” the UAV if an obstacle or person exists in the landing zone.

Abstract: Methods and systems for multiple channel authentication are described. In one embodiment, a request for an interaction is initiated from within a mobile application. The request may include authentication information and contextual information relating to a current exchange between the mobile application and an organization. The user may be authenticated with the authentication information and the request may be routed to a representative based on the contextual information to continue the exchange.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a configuration of an aerial vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”), that includes a plurality of cameras that may be selectively combined to form a stereo pair for use in obtaining stereo images that provide depth information corresponding to objects represented in those images. Depending on the distance between an object and the aerial vehicle, different cameras may be selected for the stereo pair based on the baseline between those cameras and a distance between the object and the aerial vehicle. For example, cameras with a small baseline (close together) may be selected to generate stereo images and depth information for an object that is close to the aerial vehicle. In comparison, cameras with a large baseline may be selected to generate stereo images and depth information for an object that is farther away from the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure describes deflecting moisture out of the field of view of an imaging device during operation of an aerial vehicle, such as a UAV. The imaging device and/or a deflector positioned in the field of view of the imaging device is positioned within a path of a propulsion motor air disturbance. The deflector protects the lens from environmental conditions, such as moisture and rain and is positioned such that the force of the propulsion motor air disturbance moves any moisture, rain, or other debris contacting the surface of the deflector across the deflector surface and out of the field of view of the imaging device. As a result, distortion of image data generated by the imaging device as a result of water or moisture on the lens or in the field of view of the lens of the imaging device is reduced, if not eliminated.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for surveying a destination as an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) descends toward the destination. To confirm that the destination is clear of objects and includes a safe landing or delivery location, such as a substantially planar surface, the UAV may capture and process images at different altitudes during the descent. Feature points of a first image captured at a first altitude may be paired with feature points of a second image captured at a second, different altitude. A homography may be computed to confirm that the paired feature points lie in the same plane and then the two images may be registered based on the paired feature points. The registered images may then be processed to determine depth information and determine if descent of the UAV is to continue or be aborted.