Abstract: Various techniques are described for classifying synthetic data tasks and orchestrating a resource allocation between groups of eligible resources for processing the synthetic data tasks. Received synthetic data tasks can be classified by identifying a task category and a corresponding group of eligible resources (e.g., processors) for processing synthetic data tasks in the task category. For example, synthetic data tasks can include generation of source assets, ingestion of source assets, identification of variation parameters, variation of variation parameters, and creation of synthetic data. Certain categories of synthetic data tasks can be classified for processing with a particular group of eligible resources. For example, tasks to ingest synthetic data assets can be classified for processing on a CPU only, while a task to create synthetic data assets can be classified for processing on a GPU only. The synthetic data tasks can be queued and routed for processing by an eligible resource.

Abstract: Various techniques are described for classifying synthetic data tasks and orchestrating a resource allocation between groups of eligible resources for processing the synthetic data tasks. Received synthetic data tasks can be classified by identifying a task category and a corresponding group of eligible resources (e.g., processors) for processing synthetic data tasks in the task category. For example, synthetic data tasks can include generation of source assets, ingestion of source assets, identification of variation parameters, variation of variation parameters, and creation of synthetic data. Certain categories of synthetic data tasks can be classified for processing with a particular group of eligible resources. For example, tasks to ingest synthetic data assets can be classified for processing on a CPU only, while a task to create synthetic data assets can be classified for processing on a GPU only. The synthetic data tasks can be queued and routed for processing by an eligible resource.

Abstract: An improved pitcher for making an espresso comprises a metal body having a top rim opening through which to feed a liquid and a pour spout; a handle attachment area; and a plurality of heat resistant silicone pads for adhering to one or more sides of the metal body, said silicone pads displaying as a first color at or below a first temperature and as a second color, distinguishable from the first color, at or above the first temperature. A method for making espressos with that pitcher is also disclosed.

Abstract: A proof copy printing method implemented in a print shop. When a user desires to print a proof copy of a print job while reducing resource usage, the user activates a GUI screen, which allows the user to conveniently set multiple parameters that will achieve reduced resource usage. When printing the proof copy, the values set on the GUI screen are used to temporarily override the corresponding parameter values specified in the job ticket without modifying the job ticket itself. When the user desires to print the job normally, the user activates the GUI screen to cancel the proof mode. The system then prints the job using the job parameter values specified in the job ticket.

Abstract: There is provided a novel tracheostomy tube flange. The flange is made of a flexible material and has a large open area for viewing of the underlying skin. The flange has holes for suturing the flange to the skin and slots for attachment of a strap to surround the neck and keep the flange and tube in place. The flange may swivel on the tube to allow for greater flexibility in attaching it to the skin. A stoma pad may be used with the flange to help keep the skin under the flange healthy.

Abstract: There is provided a device for performing an initial piercing and dilating of a patient's trachea. The device has a needle within and extending beyond a sheath. After the needle is used to pierce the trachea, it may be removed and a guide wire (J-wire) inserted. A introducer dilator surrounds the sheath and is slidable over the sheath. The introducer dilator has a first position away from the distal end of the sheath and a second position in which the distal end of the sheath is substantially covered by the introducer dilator. The introducer dilator is then used to expand the initial piercing.

Abstract: A method used in a print shop for managing a print job submitted by a customer is described. The print shop includes a plurality of printers connected to a server and a client computer. The server generates a main job ticket based on the customer-submitted print job, and generates a plurality of sub-job tickets based on the main job ticket. The sub-jobs defined by the sub-job tickets collectively accomplish the print job submitted by the customer. The server maintains a database that stores the main job ticket and the sub-job tickets in association with the corresponding main job ticket. The server also monitors the status of the sub-jobs and updates the status of the main job ticket on a user interface of a client computer. When all the sub-jobs are complete, the main job ticket is displayed in the user interface as being complete.

Abstract: An illuminating jewelry piece utilizing a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and translucent stones to provide a bright, generally even patterned light display. Embodiments accomplish this by generally locating the light source (LEDs) equidistant from (between) the light reflecting structures (stones).

Abstract: Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards are shown and described, which include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material or light-emitting chemical cells and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the actuation portion of a keyswitch or the space in which the actuation portion slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches. The panels extend closely adjacent to the actuation portion or actuation path, or under the keyswitch, to be as far under the key cap as possible without extending into the keyswitch. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the housing plate over the light-radiant panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent.

Abstract: Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards are shown and described, which include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the stem of a keyswitch or the space in which the stem slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the electroluminescent panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches. The panels extend closely adjacent to the stem or stem path, or under the keyswitch, to be as far under the key cap as possible without extending into the stem or cap of the keyswitch. The EL panels are preferably powered by the computer keyboard port, via voltage inverters. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the base plate over the EL panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for stripping the coating of an optical fiber. A fixture having a fiber cleat may be used to secure an optical fiber to enable removal of the protective coating from the fiber along a precise length of the fiber. The length of protective coating removal may be controlled by a strip guide. A stop coupled to the apparatus also controls how much of the coating is removed.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary systems, methods, and apparatus for distinctly allocating liquids containing chemical compositions or compounds to known locations in an organized manner so that assays may be performed on the compositions, or so that the chemical compositions may be combined with other distinct chemical compositions or reagents prior to evaluation. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention includes a multiwell plate for handling articles such as resin beads suspended in a liquid. The plate comprises a plurality of wells. The wells in turn have a capillary hole that is adapted to (i) retain articles in the well, and (ii) retain liquid in the well while the liquid is not subjected to extrinsic forces, such as centrifugation or vacuum.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for processing a plurality of solid supports which preferably have chemical compounds synthesized thereon. According to one exemplary method, the solid supports (12) are held in a common storage location (10). At least some of the solid supports (24) are attracted from the storage location to selected areas within a defined receiving region (20) so that the solid supports which are attracted to the selected areas within the receiving region are separated and spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for dispensing liquids. According to one method, a plate is provided having a plurality of wells. At least one marker is also provided and is associated with at least some of the wells. The plate and marker are moved relative to a plurality of liquid dispensing elements, and the presence of the marker is sensed with a sensor that is disposed at a known location relative to the dispensing elements. The sensing of the marker indicates that at least some of the wells are aligned with the dispensing elements. As such, liquid is dispensed from the dispensing elements and into the aligned wells after sensing the presence of the marker.

Abstract: A mouthguard, serving to protect the teeth, temporomandibular joint, head and neck, is user formed of silicone material by placing uncured silicone material in a tray, impressing the upper teeth into the material, removing the tray before complete curing of the material, impressing the biting or occlusal surfaces of the lower teeth into the material, and permitting the material to cure. The tray is flexible and may comprise two or more separate or separable pieces to facilitate removal.