Abstract: At least a computer-implemented method and an apparatus for processing an image are described. In examples, numeric values for at least one property of the image are determined. These values are then converted into at least one corresponding text character, said conversion being independent of any text content within the image. This enables a text representation of the image to be generated that contains said plurality of text characters. This text representation may be used to index and search for the image.

Abstract: Techniques for occluding augmented reality objects are described in various implementations. In one example implementation, a method may include receiving an image captured by an image capture device and identifying a foreground object depicted in the image. The foreground object may be free of fiducial markers and may be positioned between the image capture device and a background depicted in the image. The method may also include generating an augmented reality image depicting an augmented reality object at least partially occluded by the foreground object such that, when the augmented reality image is displayed, the augmented reality object appears to be positioned behind the foreground object.

Abstract: A cattle curtain utilizing a wicking action to displace concentrated insecticide to be wiped on animals as they pass through an animal pathway. The cattle curtain includes a reservoir body for holding the concentrated insecticide. A series of ropes is secured within the reservoir body, and the series of ropes is secured through fittings, whereby a metal pin is inserted through each rope. A valve disposed on top of the reservoir body to control flow of the concentrated insecticide into the series of ropes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toilet that includes a liquid level sensor on the surface of a flush jet fill tube. The liquid level sensor is a noncontact electrical impedance sensor that is an electrical capacitor. The capacitor may be used alone or with other volume sensors to detect volume of materials added to a toilet bowl. Some embodiments include a processor which records data and provides reports that may be clinically useful to assess the user's health status. The temporal nature of the liquid level sensor measurements is particularly useful because urination or defecation may be measured over time. Not only are total volumes detected but rates at which waste is deposited into the toilet during the entire excretion event are detected. These measurements are particularly useful in assessing certain health conditions.

Abstract: Electromechanical polymer (EMP) actuators are used to create haptic effects on a user interface deface, such as a keyboard. The keys of the keyboard may be embossed in a top layer to provide better key definition and to house the EMP actuator. Specifically, an EMP actuator is housed inside an embossed graphic layer that covers a key of the keyboard. Such a keyboard has a significant user interface value. For example, the embossed key provides the tactile effect of the presence of a key with edges, while allowing for the localized control of haptic vibrations. For such applications, an EMP transducer provides high strains, vibrations or both under control of an electric field. Furthermore, the EMP transducer can generate strong vibrations. When the frequency of the vibrations falls within the acoustic range, the EMP transducer can generate audible sound, thereby functioning as an audio speaker.

Abstract: Provided are certain derivatives of amphotericin B (AmB) characterized by reduced toxicity and retained anti-fungal activity. Certain of the derivatives are C16 urea derivatives and C16 carbamate derivatives of AmB. Also provided are methods of making the AmB derivatives.

Abstract: A rail worker protection system having a first device configured to generate and send an identification code, a second device configured to transmit a request to the first device and to transmit a signal to one or more remote devices, and the remote device able to issue alarms to rail workers upon reception of the signal from the second device.

Abstract: Improved podcasts and techniques that facilitate their use are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to creating, publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts. According to one aspect, a client application can subscribe to podcasts and then automatically monitor the podcasts for updates to be downloaded. In the event that user interest in a podcast becomes inadequate, downloading of further updates can be restricted. According to another aspect, a podcast can be subscribed to through use of a portable subscription file. According to still another aspect, podcast feeds can be enhanced to include segment elements and other metadata.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to work block encroachment warning systems for providing protection for rail workers working in a mobile or fixed work block. For example, a vehicle (V)-aware unit installed on a moving rail vehicle and a work block limit encroachment unit mounted on a railroad may wirelessly communicate with each other to determine a distance between them. When a vehicle is moving toward an occupied work block, the distance may be used to identify potential hazards.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to work block encroachment warning systems for providing protection for rail workers working in a mobile or fixed work block. For example, a vehicle (V)-aware unit installed on a moving rail vehicle and a work block limit encroachment unit mounted on a railroad may wirelessly communicate with each other to determine a distance between them. When a vehicle is moving toward an occupied work block, the distance may be used to identify potential hazards.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to shunt devices for providing multi-fold protection for track workers. For example, a failsafe shunt device may have a pair of end components magnetically couple to two running rails and a central unit connected to the pair of end components via electrical wires. The failsafe shunt device may communicate with an operations control center (OCC) to indicate a presence of the shunt device. Related methods of using disclosed shunt devices and associated systems are also described.

Abstract: In the context of medical recovery from injury and/or surgery to a lower extremity, a device may be used to provide elevation and support for a patient's foot, including ankle and heal, along with restraint against rotation of the lower leg of a patient. This can protect the knee from injury. The device may include a generally flat main body, two spaced-apart lateral ridges extending along or near lateral edges of the generally flat main body, and a medial depression between the lateral ridges that provides a support surface on which the ankle may be positioned.

Abstract: A formula and process for producing a yogurt-like experience in a non-dairy alternative foodstuff. The non-dairy yogurt alternative provides significant servings of fruits and vegetables in a format that is free from nuts or soy. The formula and process of the present disclosure yield a shelf-stable, freeze-thaw stable, ready to eat non-dairy yogurt alternative foodstuff.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a battery thermal management system includes at least one battery, at least one thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the at least one battery, and a conduit comprising an inlet configured to allow a working fluid to enter and flow into the conduit and into thermal communication with the at least one thermoelectric device. The conduit further comprises an outlet configured to allow the working fluid to exit and flow from the conduit and away from being in thermal communication with the at least one thermoelectric device. The battery thermal management system can further include a first flow control device which directs the working fluid through the inlet of the conduit and a second flow control device which directs the working fluid through the outlet of the conduit. The first flow control device and the second flow control device are each separately operable from one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toilet that includes a liquid level sensor on the surface of a flush jet fill tube. The liquid level sensor is a noncontact electrical impedance sensor that is an electrical capacitor. The capacitor may be used alone or with other volume sensors to detect volume of materials added to a toilet bowl. Some embodiments include a processor which records data and provides reports that may be clinically useful to assess the user's health status. The temporal nature of the liquid level sensor measurements is particularly useful because urination or defecation may be measured over time. Not only are total volumes detected but rates at which waste is deposited into the toilet during the entire excretion event are detected. These measurements are particularly useful in assessing certain health conditions.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a battery thermal management system includes at least one battery, at least one thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the at least one battery, and a conduit comprising an inlet configured to allow a working fluid to enter and flow into the conduit and into thermal communication with the at least one thermoelectric device. The conduit further comprises an outlet configured to allow the working fluid to exit and flow from the conduit and away from being in thermal communication with the at least one thermoelectric device. The battery thermal management system can further include a first flow control device which directs the working fluid through the inlet of the conduit and a second flow control device which directs the working fluid through the outlet of the conduit. The first flow control device and the second flow control device are each separately operable from one another.

Abstract: A phototherapy or BRT process and apparatus is provided, which, using a pre-recorded bioresonance frequency or compilation of frequencies, causes an EMR emitter to emit within a biological window of a target organism to positively or negatively affect the organism. The EMR may be generated in one or more LEDs by a device connected to a controller of the EMR emitter which device provides the pre-recorded bioresonance frequency or compilation of frequencies to control the LEDs' emitted light in terms of its intensity and/or a frequency or flicker-rate.

Abstract: Improved podcasts and techniques that facilitate their use are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to creating, publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts. According to one aspect, a client application can subscribe to podcasts and then automatically monitor the podcasts for updates to be downloaded. In the event that user interest in a podcast becomes inadequate, downloading of further updates can be restricted. According to another aspect, a podcast can be subscribed to through use of a portable subscription file. According to still another aspect, podcast feeds can be enhanced to include segment elements and other metadata.

Abstract: In the context of medical recovery from injury and/or surgery to a lower extremity, a device may be used to provide elevation and support for an ankle along with restraint against knee rotation of a patient. The device may include a generally flat main body, two spaced-apart lateral ridges extending along or near lateral edges of the generally flat main body, and a medial depression between the lateral ridges that provides a support surface on which the ankle may be positioned.

Abstract: Techniques for occluding augmented reality objects are described in various implementations. In one example implementation, a method may include receiving an image captured by an image capture device and identifying a foreground object depicted in the image. The foreground object may be free of fiducial markers and may be positioned between the image capture device and a background depicted in the image. The method may also include generating an augmented reality image depicting an augmented reality object at least partially occluded by the foreground object such that, when the augmented reality image is displayed, the augmented reality object appears to be positioned behind the foreground object.