Abstract: Apparatus, e.g., including a pump or rotary device, having a discharge casing and a discharge casing insert. The discharge casing may be configured with a discharge flow pathway for providing a flow of effluent being pumped and discharged, the discharge flow pathway having a discharge flow pathway wall, the discharge casing also configured with a discharge casing insert borehole that passes from an outer surface of the discharge casing through the discharge flow pathway wall. The discharge casing insert may include a discharge casing Venturi plug portion to be received in the discharge casing insert borehole and arranged in the discharge flow pathway, the discharge casing Venturi plug portion configured with a restricted discharge flow pathway for providing a partial obstruction in the discharge flow pathway and the flow of the effluent being pumped and discharged.

Abstract: Systems and methods of distributing replicas within a data center are disclosed. A replica distribution scheme for one or more shards is received. The replica distribution scheme indicates a number of replicas of the one or more shards to be distributed within a data center. The data center comprises a plurality of hosts divided into at least a first hierarchical level and a second hierarchical level. A usage score is calculated for a plurality of nodes in the first hierarchical level of the data center and the plurality of nodes is sorted in the first hierarchical level based on the calculated usage score. A set of replicas is distributed to one or more of the plurality of nodes within the first hierarchical level based on the sorting of the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system, method, and a computer program product for installing operating data on a device. For example, the method may include searching a plurality of channels to locate a message on an active channel for the device, the message being transmitted on each of the plurality of channels; in response to locating the message, analyzing the message to determine a second channel from among the plurality of channels for downloading the operating data for the device, the second channel being different than the first channel; in response to determining the second channel, tuning the device to the second channel; downloading, via the second channel, the operating data for the device; and installing the operating data on the device.

Abstract: Through the systems and methods described herein for provisioning a software automation and tracking performance of the software automation throughout its lifecycle. A realized benefit of deployment of the software automation can be determined and automatically reported according to a schedule. The reports may be provided to certain specified recipients such as project managers, executive officers, sales and/or vendor relations managers, and the like for analysis and processing by the various parties associated with the operation of the software automation. This all-in-one system provides a platform from which one or more software automation projects may be automatically managed through completion and deployment, improving efficiency of the project and management of all deployed software automations for a more cost-effective suite of such programs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a set of feature vectors can be derived from any biometric data, and then using a deep neural network (“DNN”) on those one-way homomorphic encryptions (i.e., each biometrics' feature vector) an authentication system can determine matches or execute searches on encrypted data. Each biometrics' feature vector can then be stored and/or used in conjunction with respective classifications, for use in subsequent comparisons without fear of compromising the original biometric data. In various embodiments, the original biometric data is discarded responsive to generating the encrypted values. In another embodiment, the homomorphic encryption enables computations and comparisons on cypher text without decryption of the encrypted feature vectors. Security of such privacy enable biometrics can be increased by implementing an assurance factor (e.g., liveness) to establish a submitted biometric has not been spoofed or faked.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting an outcome specific signal (OSS) in test subject images. The method includes detecting the OSS in image data from outcome and control subjects; extracting a volumetric space containing the detected OSS and dividing the extracted volumetric space into a first set of sub-regions; determining a set of image features for the first set of sub-regions; determining a global feature set (GFS) by averaging the set of image features; utilizing a machine learning algorithm to select a subset of discriminant GFS to determine a best signal model (BSM) that distinguishes the outcome and control subjects; extracting volumetric space containing the target anatomy in test subject images and dividing the extracted volumetric space into a second set of sub-regions; and determining the subset of discriminant GFS at each of the second set of sub-regions, and using them in the BSM to generate the predicted OSS.

Abstract: An audio system for a headset includes a plurality of speakers and an audio controller. The plurality of speakers may be in a dipole configuration that cancel sound leakage into a local area of the headset. The controller filters audio content presented by the plurality of speakers to further mitigate leakage of audio content into the local area. The audio determines sound filters based on environmental conditions, such as ambient noise levels, as well as based on the audio content being presented.

Abstract: Subwavelength conducting particles can be arranged on conducting surfaces to provide arbitrary thermal emissivity spectra. For example, a thermal emissivity spectrum can be tailored to suppress a thermal signature of an object without sacrificing radiative cooling efficiency.

Abstract: An optical system includes a splitting optic configured to receive a light beam from a light source and form a set of light bands radiating from the optical system at predetermined angles relative to illuminate a scene. The optical system further includes a lens configured to project a field of view of the scene into a two-dimensional format. The optical system further includes an optical sensor arranged offset from the central axis of the lens to capture a segment of the field of view projected by the lens.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a power production system that is adapted to achieve high efficiency power production with carbon capture when using a solid or liquid hydrocarbon or carbonaceous fuel. More particularly, the solid or liquid fuel first is partially oxidized in a partial oxidation reactor that is configured to provide an output stream that is enriched in methane content. The resulting partially oxidized stream can be cooled, filtered, additionally cooled, and then directed to a combustor of a power production system as the combustion fuel. The partially oxidized stream is combined with a compressed recycle CO2 stream and oxygen. The combustion stream is expanded across a turbine to produce power and passed through a recuperator heat exchanger. The recycle CO2 stream is compressed and passed through the recuperator heat exchanger and optionally the POX heat exchanger in a manner useful to provide increased efficiency to the combined systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems to determine a change in a location of a device relative to an initial location of the device are provided. The method includes periodically receiving a parameter of the device and determining the change in the location of the device relative to an initial location of the device based on a change in the parameter over a period of time. In an example, the method includes determining a first trend in the parameter over a first period of time, determining a second trend in the parameter over a second period of time, and determining a change in the location of the device from a first location to a second location by comparing the first trend to the second trend.

Abstract: An image block is coded using entropy-inspired directional filtering. During encoding, intensity differences are determined for at least some pixels of an image block based on neighboring pixels of respective ones of the at least some pixels. Angles are estimated for each of those pixels based on the intensity differences. A main filtering direction of the image block is then determined based on the estimated angles. The image block is filtered according to the main filtering direction to remove artifacts along oblique edges associated with the image block. The filtered image block is then encoded to an encoded image. During decoding, an angular map indicating angles estimated for pixels of an encoded image block is received and used to determine the main filtering direction of the image block. The image block can then be filtered according to the main filtering direction and then output for display or storage.

Abstract: The VEHICLE WITH TRAVELING WAVE THRUST MODULE APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include force or forces applied to an arc-like flexible sheet-like material to create a deformed crenated strip fin with strained-deformations. The strained-deformations take on a sinusoid-like form that express the internal energy state of the flexible sheet-like material after it has been configured into a crenated strip fin. After being incorporated into a mechanism with couplings that prevent the crenated strip fin from returning to its un-strained state, the strained-deformations persist. Actuators may be used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to the fins causing the travel of sinusoid-like deformations along the fins. The fin, fin actuator or actuators, power source and central controller may be incorporated into a thrust module. Two thrust modules couple to each other via roll actuators and flexible coupling members may form a vehicle with exceptional maneuverability.

Abstract: A pipe coil skid includes a plurality of beams affixably connected together to form a rectangular shaped base and a platform disposed within the base. The platform has a concave upward shape on its upward facing side when the skid sits on a horizontal surface, such that a coil of pipe positioned upon the platform contacts the platform within the base. The pipe coil skid also includes a first side rail coupled to at least one of the plurality of beams. The first side rail is configured to block movement of the coil of pipe beyond a boundary of the rectangular shaped base.

Abstract: A collet to feed and fasten cylindrical rivets includes an inlet unit that accepts and supports the rivet, a first feeding unit connected from the inlet unit and configured to feed the rivet, a second feeding unit connected to the first feeding unit opposite to the inlet unit and configured to feed the rivet, and an outlet unit that is connected to the second feeding unit opposite to the first feeding unit and supports the rivet that is fed to it. The inlet unit and the first feeding unit have at least two first slots at opposite angles, the second feeding unit and the outlet unit have more of second slots than the first slots, and when the rivet enters the first feeding unit, the second slots are closed by the opening of the first slots.

Abstract: A method includes placing an optical substrate onto a vacuum mold having a bent contact surface characterized by a surface roughness. The method further includes bending, by an applied bending force, the optical substrate and the protective sheet to cause the protective sheet to come into contact with the bent contact surface of the vacuum mold, generating a vacuum-induced holding force to hold the protective sheet against the bent contact surface of the vacuum mold. After a holding time period, the vacuum-induced holding force is released. During molding, a protective sheet provides a buffer layer between the bent contact surface of the vacuum mold and an optical surface of the optical substrate thereby mitigating against transfer of the surface roughness of the bent contact surface onto the optical surface.

Abstract: A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. An embodiment delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, thereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. An embodiment can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.

Abstract: An elongated lighting module having an asymmetric illumination source formed from at least two rows of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that extend along the long axis of the module and are independently controllable. The illumination source is rectangular and oriented so that the rows of LEDs extend along the long axis of the module. The module has couplings at each end that allow additional modules to be interconnected to each other and to a central mount, thereby avoiding the need for a support pole having cross-arms. The lighting modules are powered via a wiring harness that extends down a support pole to a power converter stack having LED drivers to control the modules.

Abstract: Presented are electronic power module assemblies with direct-cooling heat pipe systems, methods for making/using such power module assemblies, and vehicles equipped with such power module assemblies. A power module assembly includes an outer housing with an internal coolant chamber that circulates therethrough a coolant fluid. A sidewall of the module's housing defines therethrough multiple coolant windows that fluidly connect to the coolant chamber. A power semiconductor switching device is mounted to the module housing, fluidly sealed to a first coolant window with the power device's inboard surface exposed to the coolant fluid. The power device is operable to modify electric current transmitted between a power source and an electrical load. A heat pipe with an outer casing has a first casing segment thereof mounted to an outboard surface of the power device, and a second casing segment fluidly sealed to a second coolant window and exposed to the coolant fluid.