Abstract: Lumber sorting systems and methods that use adaptive lumber management to tailor the distribution of lumber to improve the yield and aesthetic properties of a product are disclosed. An adaptive lumber management system in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise a lumber scanner configured to record one or more characteristics of each board and create a data file for each board comprising information regarding the characteristic of the board. A processor may be configured to determine a target tray for each board based on the data files. The processor may be further configured to generate at least one mapping. The system may further comprise a sorting mechanism configured to sort the plurality of boards into their respective target trays and at least one tipple configured to select each board or the plurality of boards from the plurality of trays according to the at least one mapping.

Abstract: A computer system receives a freight request from a shipper, where the freight request specifies a destination for a load of the shipper. The computer system implements a selection process to select a freight operator to haul a corresponding trailer of the trailer module from a location of the shipper to a destination. The trailer module may be monitored using information transmitted from the trailer, to determine when the trailer is picked up and/or delivered at the destination.

Abstract: A method for autonomously parking a vehicle-trailer system is provided. The method includes receiving sensor system data from a sensor system supported by the vehicle. The sensor system data includes images of surroundings along a driving path of the vehicle-trailer system. The method includes determining a local map based on the sensor system data. The local map includes surroundings along the driving path. The method includes receiving a user selection of an image location within the images. The image location representing a position in the local map associated with a selected location within the surroundings. The method includes determining a parking path from a current location of the vehicle-trailer system to the position based on the local map and instructing a drive system to execute an autonomous parking behavior causing the vehicle-trailer system to autonomously drive along the parking path and autonomously park in the selected location.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes vehicle sensors that detect driving conditions and a communication interface communicatively coupled with a driving condition database via a communication network. The driving condition database stores vehicle sensor information indicative of first driving conditions and mobile device sensor information indicative of second driving conditions. Additionally, in response to a connection rating determination logic determining that a connection rating between the communication interface and the communication network below a threshold, a controller of the autonomous vehicle gathers, processes, and stores the vehicle sensor information and the mobile device sensor information for subsequent communication to the driving condition database and operates the autonomous vehicle based on the vehicle sensor information and the mobile device sensor information.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a detector configured to output a signal associated with one or more interactions with subatomic particles. The detector comprises a sensor comprising a first diode comprising first semiconductor material abutting a first metal and forming a first junction, wherein the sensor is configured to be exposed to subatomic particles and a voltage reference member configured to generate a reference measurement. The sensor and the voltage reference member form a bandgap reference circuit. The present disclosure also provides methods for detecting subatomic particles from a solid-state detector comprising a first Schottky diode in electrical communication with a reference voltage member comprising a parallel circuit of two or more second Schottky diodes, wherein the first Schottky diode is configured to be exposed to subatomic particles and the second Schottky diodes of the reference voltage member are configured to generate a reference measurement.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing compostable, biodegradable drink straws from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) material are disclosed herein. Such apparatus may include a hopper that contains raw PHA material, an extruder that receives the raw PHA material from the hopper and produces extruded PHA material, one or more waters baths that cool the extruded PHA material, a puller that pulls a tubular stream of PHA material through the system, and a cutter that is configured to cut the stream of PHA material into finished straws. The finished straws may be soil- and marine-biodegradable, as well as home- and industrial-compostable.

Abstract: In one illustrative configuration, an air quality monitoring system may enable wide-scale deployment of multiple air quality monitors with high-confidence and actionable data is provided. Further, the air quality monitoring system may enable identifying a target emission from a plurality of potential sources at a site based on simulating plume models. The simulation of plume models may take into consideration various simulation parameters including wind speed and direction. Further, methods of determining a plume flux of a plume of emissions at a site, and methods of transmitting data from an air quality monitor are disclosed.

Abstract: A probe for measuring a cathodic protection condition of a buried steel structure includes: a body; a reference electrode accommodated in an interior of the body; and a volume of backfill accommodated in the interior of the body and at least partially surrounding the reference electrode. The backfill includes at least one of: zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and lithium acetate.

Abstract: Implementations are disclosed to automatically evaluate, detect, or predict an event, and provide customized virtual assistance to a user based on the event. The implementations include a system capable of pulling data from a client device, detecting an event based on the pulled data, and pushing customized digital resources to the client device based on the detected event.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to processing and executing digital asset transfers between two users. An example method includes receiving a data object defining a digital asset transfer, and the data object may be a query from the first user to initiate an outbound transfer to a second user or an approval of a request for digital asset units from the second user. The method further includes retrieving account balance data objects associated with the digital asset accounts for the first and second users. The method further includes, responsive to determining that the digital asset transfer satisfies one or more transfer conditions, executing the digital asset transfer by executing a closed-loop debit from the first user and executing a closed-loop credit to the second user. The method further includes updating the account balance data object to reflect the resulting balances of each digital asset account.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure improve the functionality of electronic messaging systems by enabling users in an electronic chat conversation to run applications together. In some embodiments, when one user in a chat launches an application, an icon or other visual representation of the application appears in a portion of the chat window (e.g., in a “chat dock”) for other users in the chat to access.

Abstract: An adjustable head angle bicycle assembly includes a steerer tube; a head tube that includes a first annular surface protruding radially inward from an inner wall at the upper end, and a second annular surface protruding radially inward from the inner wall at the lower end; an upper cup that includes a third annular surface engaged with the first annular surface of the head tube; and a lower cup that includes a fourth annular surface engaged with the second annular surface of the head tube.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to processing conversions of digital assets to fiat currency. An example method includes obtaining a conversion rate for a digital asset via an API, providing the conversion rate via a client device, receiving a digital asset conversion request and executing a digital asset conversion within a configurable time period. Executing the digital asset conversion includes causing digital asset units to be debited from the digital asset user account and causing fiat currency units to be credited to a fiat currency user account. The method further includes dynamically providing a notification of execution of the digital asset conversion via the client device, updating account balance data objects associated with the digital asset user account and the fiat currency user account, and subsequent to executing the digital asset conversion, executing a fiat currency transaction (e.g., a settlement) with a digital asset exchange system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system. The system includes a substrate and a fluid capture material formed on one or more surfaces of the substrate. The fluid capture material includes a sorbent material that binds one or more fluids, the one or more fluids comprising water, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, or a combination thereof. The fluid capture material also includes one or more binder materials, wherein the binder material is at least partially cross-linked.

Abstract: A tool interchange for a submersible remote operated vehicle (ROV) arm includes a first interchange body that affixes to an ROV arm. A second interchange body is carried by the first interchange body to rotate on a rotation axis. The second interchange body includes a tool mount actuable between gripping an ROV tool to the second interchange body and releasing the ROV tool from the second interchange body. An inductive power coupling part is provided in the tool mount. The inductive power coupling part is presented outwardly in the tool mount opposite the first interchange body, resides on the rotation axis and is fixed with respect to the first interchange body while the second interchange body rotates. The inductive power coupling part is adapted to inductively communicate power with a corresponding inductor power coupling part of the ROV tool when the ROV tool is docked in the tool mount.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with a tumor derived from a small cell lung cancer (SCLC) having a high tumor mutational burden (TMB) status comprising administering to the subject a monotherapy comprising an anti-PD-1 antibody or a combination therapy comprising an anti-PD-1 antibody and an anti-CTLA-4 antibody. The present disclosure also provides a method for identifying a subject suitable for treatment with an anti-PD-1 antibody or a combination therapy comprising an anti-PD-1 antibody and an anti-CTLA-4 antibody comprising measuring a TMB status of a biological sample of the subject. A high TMB status identifies the patient as suitable for treatment with an anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof. The TMB status can be determined by sequencing nucleic acids in the tumor and identifying a genomic alteration, e.g., a somatic nonsynonymous mutation, in the sequenced nucleic acids.

Abstract: Current foot-launched 2-stroke commercial PPG offerings can meet the specified threshold (and in some cases, objective) requirements for flight ceiling, payload capacity and range with little to no modification. We will discuss those in the next section. The APES system enhances the effectiveness and lethality of the PPG-equipped unit by reducing weight of the PPG, increasing reliability and redundancy, reducing pilot workload, and seamlessly integrating with UAV's and UGV's. System improvements in the following areas is assessed: Series hybrid-electric powertrain, Coaxial propellers. Localization, autopilot, and formations, Auto landing and other advanced features, Integration with unmanned systems, and Launch Considerations.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a tree feeding system for use with tree handling equipment, the tree feeding system including: a housing having a frame and at least one arm; a plurality of tree feeding wheels arranged with at least one wheel on the frame and at least one wheel on the at least one arm; and a hydraulic circuit for driving the tree feeding wheels, wherein the hydraulic circuit is configured such that wheels on the frame are driven in series and wheels on the arm are driven in series. In another embodiment, the hydraulic circuit is configured such that wheels on one side (e.g. left hand side) of the housing are driven in series and wheels on an opposite side (e.g. right hand side) of the housing are driven in series but wheels on the frame are mechanically connected by a universal joint.

Abstract: A system may include sensors that may acquire health data related to an individual. The system may also include a processor that may receive trip data associated with a current location of the individual and a destination location for the individual, traffic condition data associated with routes between the current location and the destination location, and weather related data associated with the routes. The processor may also receive the health data from the sensors and determine whether the individual is associated with a driver assessment score above a threshold based on the trip data, the traffic condition data, the weather data, the health data, or any combination thereof. The processor may then send an activation signal to a vehicle control system in response to the driver assessment score being above the threshold, such that the activation signal may enable the vehicle control system to control operations of a vehicle.

Abstract: An automated transaction machine includes a plurality of cassettes of at least two different configurations. A first cassette may include multiple cavities with an internal transport, while a second cassette includes a single cavity. A first cassette may include lid access from both a top and bottom, while a second cassette only includes lid access from a top.