Abstract: A face shield manufacturing method includes, among other things, positioning a bumper layer between a headband layer and a shield layer. The method further includes securing the bumper layer, the shield layer, and headband layer to provide a multilayered structure, and cutting a face shield assembly from the multilayered structure. A face shield assembly includes, among other things, a bumper configured to be placed against a front of a head of a user, a shield secured to the bumper, a headband configured to be placed against a rear of the head of the user, and fasteners. Each of the fasteners binds an end portion of the headband to at least the bumper. The headband is folded over each fastener when the bumper is placed against the front of the head of the user and the headband is placed against a back of the head of the user.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses directed at localized haptic feedback in electronic devices using pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) and piezoelectric haptic actuators. In aspects, an electronic device includes a housing having a frame defining a slot. An actuator is adhered to the frame at the bottom of the slot by the PSA. When a force is applied to an exterior surface of the actuator (“button press”), the PSA compresses and an extending member attached to the actuator, opposite the exterior surface, slidably moves within an aperture in the frame at the bottom of the slot. The extending member engages a sensor module (e.g., piezoelectric sensor) and the electronic device registers a button press. The sensor module then applies haptic feedback to the extending member and through the actuator to the exterior surface. When the force is removed from the actuator's exterior surface, the PSA expands to an approximate original thickness.

Abstract: A method of generating power using a Thorium-containing molten salt fuel is disclosed. One example includes the steps of providing a vessel containing a molten salt fuel, generating a proton beam externally to the vessel, where the externally generated proton beam is of an energy level sufficient to interact with material within a fuel rod in the vessel to produce (p, n) reactions resulting in the generation of neutrons at a first energy level. Neutrons generated within the vessel through the (p, n) reactions are utilized to produce a fission reaction which increases the heat content of the molten salt within the vessel. In the example, a heat exchanger is used to extract heat from the molten salt within the vessel and power is generated from the extracted heat.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for predicting yield behaviors of objects (vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.) at a location. An autonomous vehicle located at a first road segment connecting to an intersection having a stop sign can detect a first vehicle approaching the intersection from a second road segment connecting to the intersection. Using a model indicating an average yield location and yield time where both are specific to the second road segment connecting to the intersection, the autonomous vehicle can predict that the first vehicle will yield at the average yield location that is specific to the second road segment.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to detecting text in images. In some embodiments, a system for detecting text in images comprises a database configured to store images and a control circuit configured to retrieve an image, generate, based on the image, a collection of augmented images, detect characters in each of the augmented images, generate bounding boxes for the characters in each of augmented images, recognize the characters in each of the augmented images, select, based on the recognition of the characters in each of the augmented images, candidate characters, wherein the candidate characters are selected based on consistency of the recognition of the characters in each of the augmented images, detect, for the image, a color associated with the characters, and store, in the database, the image, the candidate characters, and the color associated with the characters.

Abstract: A dynamic, reconfigurable, and modular cleaning device utilizes software, sensors, and modular components to provide a one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning conveyor belts. The cleaning device secures to a body or frame associated with a conveyor belt, in which an associated cleaning head cleans the conveyor belt's surface. The cleaning head has an arm that extends from its body and inserts into a corresponding opening on a connecting frame associated with the cleaning device. The cleaning head is then secured in place via a cylindrical pin that extends through aligned holes on the arm and the connecting plate. Insertion of the pin connects the components together, and removal of the pin enables a user to disconnect the cleaning head and swap a new one in its place, such as to provide a different cleaning action.

Abstract: In combination with a knee brace, the variable radius spring assembly of the present invention provides a full range knee orthotic with support to the leg muscles without compromising the range of motion and the patient's normal walk/gate. The assembly comprises upper and lower hinge pieces attached to upper and lower sections of the brace, a spring bracket, and an elongated spring element that extends downward from the upper hinge piece past a catch on the lower hinge piece. Two such assemblies are attached to a knee brace, one on the inner side and one on the outer side. As the lower leg, and the lower hinge piece, move rearward, the catch forces the spring element rearward and slides downward along the spring element. Consequently, the spring element has a non-linear response requiring approximately the same about of force to deflect the spring element throughout its range of rearward travel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for detecting and mitigating risk generated when a customer's log-in credentials are compromised. A significant majority of stolen credentials and customer's personally identifiable information data eventually make their way to the dark web. By dynamically monitoring the dark web and combining the analysis with related information about the user and their credentials on the deep web and the surface web, through a machine learning model, a service provider pre-emptively or otherwise can act to mitigate the risk arising from such compromise of said customer log-in credentials.

Abstract: Presented are protective covers for weldable fasteners, methods for making/using such cover-protected weldable fasteners, and motor vehicles with such covered fasteners welded to load-bearing structural members. A weldable fastener assembly includes a fastener, such as a weld-on nut or clip retainer, that is fabricated with a shank and a flange. One end of the shank has a fastener hole that receives therethrough a mating fastener, such as a bolt, screw, stud, or clip. The flange is formed, in whole or in part, from a weldable material for welding to a load-bearing panel or other structural support member. The flange may be integrally formed with and project radially outward from the shank. A protective cover is attached to the flange and covers the fastener hole. The protective cover is frangible and formed, in whole or in part, from a material designed to withstand the temperature at which the weldable material melts.

Abstract: This application is directed to changing a TV operating mode based on a potential relationship among viewers of a connected TV. In some implementations, a method includes: determining viewer identities and identifying the potential relationship among the viewers or a subset of the viewers; in accordance with a determination that the potential relationship allows the viewers to share private information, placing or maintaining the connected TV in or into a first operating mode that is unrelated to media content being displayed and allows personal information to be displayed on the connected TV; and in accordance with a determination that the potential relationship does not allow the viewers to share private information, placing or maintaining the connected TV in or into a second operating mode that is unrelated to the media content and does not allow personal information to be displayed on the connected TV.

Abstract: A video server is configured to provide streaming video to players of computer games over a computing network. The video server can provided video of different games to different players simultaneously. This is accomplished by rendering several video streams in parallel using a single GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The output of the GPU is provided to graphics processing pipelines that are each associated with a specific client/player and are dynamically allocated as needed. A client qualifier may be used to assure that only clients capable of presenting the streaming video to a player at a minimum level of quality receive the video stream. Video frames provided by the video server optionally include overlays added to the output of the GPU. These overlays can include voice data received from another game player.

Abstract: An apparatus for analysis of a sample of a material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a holder configured to accept the sample. The holder includes a sample plate having a first surface configured to contact the accepted sample and a sample lens array that comprises a plurality of focusing elements.

Abstract: A control device configured for use in a load control system to control an external electrical load may provide simple feedback regarding the operation of the control device. For example, the control device may comprise a base portion configured to be mounted to an electrical wallbox or over a mechanical switch, and a control unit connected to the base portion. The control unit may comprise a rotation portion rotatable with respect to the base portion, an actuation portion, and a light source. The control unit may be configured to control the light source to illuminate at least an illuminated portion of the actuation portion in response to actuations of the rotation portion and the actuation portion. In addition, the control unit may provide a limit indication on the illuminated portion by blinking the illuminated portion when the electrical load has reached a limit.

Abstract: A training device may include an outer layer; a first end and a second end located at opposing ends of the training device; an adjustable handle including a first piece, a second piece, and a fastener loop; and a contents disposed within a void defined by the outer layer and first and second ends. Each end may include a cuff. The fastener loop may be configured to accept the first piece and the second piece.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic imaging device, comprising: an imaging assembly, the imaging assembly comprising an ultrasonic transducer for imaging tissue to be imaged; an adjustable arm, wherein one end of the adjustable arm is connected to the imaging assembly; a counterweight, the counterweight being connected to the other end of the adjustable arm through a cable; a frame, the frame being capable of guiding movement when the counterweight and/or adjustable arm moves; and a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly comprising a driving device and a transmission belt, wherein the driving device is connected to the transmission belt, and the transmission belt is connected to the counterweight; the driving device is capable of acting on the counterweight through the transmission belt, so as to adjust pressure applied by the imaging assembly onto the tissue to be imaged. The present invention further provides some imaging methods using the ultrasonic imaging device.

Abstract: In some implementations, a fiber optic combiner may comprise an enclosing tube having a geometric shape and multiple optical fibers bundled within the enclosing tube. In some implementations, the multiple fibers comprise at least one optical fiber having a core and a non-circular cladding surrounding the core. The non-circular cladding may cause the multiple optical fibers to have a larger tube fill factor and a lower expected beam parameter product increase factor relative to the multiple optical fibers all having circular claddings.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a hood at a front end, a frunk under the hood, and a cabin. The vehicle includes a cross-beam positioned between the frunk and the cabin, and configured to inhibit protrusion of the frunk into the cabin in a frontal impact. The vehicle also includes a frame and the cross-beam is coupled to the frame. The cross-beam is a unitary member that is coupled to the frame or the cross-beam includes two members separated by a gap and each member is coupled to the frame. The frame includes shock towers for coupling the cross-beam to the frame. The frame can also include a bracket for coupling the cross beam to the frame.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to simultaneously displaying proxy windows for application windows and/or tabs included in such application windows via a graphical user interface of an operating system. For instance, an application programming interface (API) associated with an application that supports a tabbed document interface (TDI) provides information associated with each tab opened within an application window associated with the application. An API of the operating system receives and utilizes such information to generate and display a proxy window for each tab. The proxy windows for the tabs may be displayed alongside proxy windows of application windows for other applications. The proxy windows may be generated and displayed in response to user invocation of various features of the operating system graphical user interface, including, but not limited to, a task switcher feature, a taskbar feature, or a window snap feature.