Abstract: An electronic device includes an audio capture device operable to receive audio input, a fingerprint sensor operable to receive fingerprint data, and one or more processors, operable with the audio capture device and the fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor can authenticate a person as an authorized user of an electronic device while device commands are being received in the form of audio input to allow for secure voice interactions without requiring a trigger phrase. The fingerprint sensor can be used in combination with the receipt of voice input to perform two-factor authentication. The fingerprint sensor and audio capture device can be used in combination to enroll, or update enrollment, of a user interacting with a voice assistant as well.

Abstract: An electric driven hydraulic fracking system is disclosed. A pump configuration includes the single VFD, the single shaft electric motor, and the single hydraulic pump mounted on the single pump trailer. A controller associated with the single VFD and is mounted on the single pump trailer. The controller monitors operation parameters associated with an operation of the electric driven hydraulic fracking system as each component of the electric driven hydraulic fracking system operates to determine whether the operation parameters deviate beyond a corresponding operation parameter threshold. Each of the operation parameters provides an indicator as to an operation status of a corresponding component of the electric driven hydraulic fracking system. The controller initiates corrected actions when each operation parameter deviates beyond the corresponding operation threshold.

Abstract: A portable compression system for preventing deep vein thrombosis is provided. The portable compression system includes an inflatable apparatus comprising a monitor unit and at least one inflatable air cell. The portable compression system further includes an outer cuff comprising a pocket configured to receive the inflatable apparatus, the outer cuff configured to be wrapped around a portion of a patient's body where prevention of deep vein thrombosis is desired. The portable compression system further includes a disposable sleeve barrier configured to provide a physical barrier between the outer cuff and the portion of the patient's body.

Abstract: A portable drinking water filter system, such as a pitcher, having a sleeve and a floatable body including a filter opening configured to receive a water filter, the floatable body having a seal extending outward from an outer surface of the floatable body. The floatable body is disposed in a sleeve cavity such that a body seal engages the sidewall and restricts water from passing between the floatable body and the sidewall. The seal is configured to create friction with the sidewall, wherein the friction created when the floatable body rises in the sleeve is different than when the floatable body lowers in the sleeve. The friction created when the floatable body rises in the sleeve is greater than when the floatable body lowers in the sleeve, allowing the floatable body to auto-retract toward a cavity base without burping.

Abstract: Described herein are pipette driven well plates for nano-liter droplet storage and methods of using same. Embodiments may include an inlet, an outlet, a bypass channel, and a fluidic trap containing a valve covered by a removable covering, in which the fluid enters the fluidic trap when the removable covering is removed. The fluid enters either the fluidic trap or the bypass channel, depending on which of the fluidic trap or bypass channel has the lower hydrodynamic resistance. Embodiments may be used by closing the valve, introducing a first fluid to fill the fluidic trap and partially fill a bypass channel, opening the valve, removing the first fluid surrounding the valve, and introducing a second fluid into the fluidic trap, in which the introducing results in a mixture of the first and second fluids.

Abstract: Content of wireless equipment (WE) is managed over-the-air (OTA). Content is germane to feature(s) of the WE and is related to operation thereof. Management of the content is automatically implemented in response to attachment of the WE to a confined-coverage access point (AP). The WE and a network server enable, in part, such management. The confined-coverage AP enables exchange of signaling and data associated with management of the content amongst the WE and the network server. Content includes software (SW); management OTA of SW can include update of an in-use version of a SW application or related SW component(s). SW update signaling can comprise message(s) conveying a WE identifier and in-use version(s) of SW; request(s) for an update instruction; request(s) for at least one file associated with the SW; or message(s) indicative of availability of version(s) of SW newer than the in-use version(s).

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a driveline that includes one or more electric machine providing torque to one or more axles are described. In one example, a requested vehicle speed is adjusted responsive to at least one of vehicle yaw, vehicle roll, and vehicle pitch so that vehicle speed may be maintained at a requested value.

Abstract: Operation of a vehicle that includes an autonomous operating system including an on-board map database includes operating in a travel lane employing a lane keeping control system and an adaptive cruise control system and monitoring a plurality of lane reference markers. Periodically, parameters are determined, including a first lateral offset for the vehicle based upon a forward-monitoring sensor and one of the lane reference markers, and a second lateral offset for the vehicle based upon a GPS sensor and the map database. A difference and an associated variance are determined, and an error in the map database is determined when the variance is greater than a threshold variance. The vehicle operator is alerted to actively control the vehicle based upon the detected error in the map database.

Abstract: A method and a wash, clean, dry and protect system are provided for easy handling, for washing, cleansing, drying and/or protecting a body part, and for the delivery of water and/or a cleansing solution to a surface area of a human subject. The built-in cleanser assembly is incorporated onto a wash and clean bidet seat system for washing, cleansing, drying and protecting private body parts of the person.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a high-capacity, sparkless, mobile, double-insulated wood pellet burner unit. The wood pellet burner unit is safely operated on a wood floor or deck. The wood pellet burner unit produces a large radiant flame that enhances the surrounding area, free from dangerous sparks and smoke. The ash and coals from the fire are enclosed within a double-insulated housing. A wind break radiant heat reflector protects the flame from being distorted, enhances the flame so that it remains in a substantially upright column, and reflects some of the heat outwardly toward the users. Casters disposed on the bottom of the wood pellet burner permit easy and convenient movement of the unit. The wood pellet burner unit disclosed herein produces a larger and fuller flame than a pure gas fire pit based on a balanced multi-directional flow of heated combustion air flow through the unit.

Abstract: Aspects described herein may relate to methods, systems, and apparatuses that partitions searchable content and distributes the segments across a plurality of processing nodes, which in turn further sub-partitions the partitions for processing by local search actor in order to increase the speed with which a search request from a user is processed. Processing nodes available to receive partitioned searchable content are registered with an external storage device. The external storage device also maintains a global results collector that compiles results from the partitions of searchable content. Respective local collector actors receive compiled results from local search actors for a processing node and the compiled results are sent to the global results collector for compiling for the plurality of processing nodes. Results of the user search request are then provided to the user.

Abstract: A powder material for an additive manufacturing process and a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional article via an additive manufacturing process. The powder material comprises an iron-based alloy including alloying elements of carbon (C) and copper (Cu). The iron-based alloy may be formulated to achieve a precipitation strengthened microstructure comprising a lath martensite matrix phase and a Cu precipitate phase. The iron-based alloy may have a Cu weight fraction and a nickel (Ni) weight fraction, and the Ni weight fraction may be less than the Cu weight fraction of the iron-based alloy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of salvaging an elongated oil well tubular that extends downwardly from an oil well platform as well as a saw apparatus of improved configuration. The method includes supporting the tubular in a generally upright or vertical position. A cutting apparatus is placed next to the tubular. The cutting apparatus includes a frame that supports a lifting device and a rotary cutter. The lifting device moves the rotary cutter from a first position to a second position that is higher than the first position. The second position is closer to the tubular than the first position. The rotary cutter can travel in an arcuate path when moving from the first position to the second position. The cutter moves along a selected path to cut the tubular. After cutting, the cut section is removed and the tubular then elevated so that an additional cut can be made. This procedure is repeated multiple times until the tubular has been salvaged, cut into many smaller pieces or sections.

Abstract: A bungee loop retention assembly includes a housing, bungee channels, and a hold. The housing includes a first end and a second end. The bungee channels are disposed in the housing and extend from the first end to the second end. The hold is positioned at least partially in the housing and includes an external portion and retainers configured to interfere with a portion of a bungee retained in the bungee channel. The external portion has a central section between sleeves that define openings sized to surround portions of the bungee. The hold translates from a first position in which the retainers squeeze the bungee against a channel surface to a second position in which the retainers are separated from the bungee. In the first position, the bungee is bound to the openings and to the housing such that an intra-mechanism force pulls the hold against the housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for improving audio for hearing impaired content consumers. An example method may comprise determining a content asset. Closed caption data associated with the content asset may be determined. At least a portion of the closed caption data may be determined based on a user setting associated with a hearing impairment. Compensating audio comprising a frequency translation associated with at least the portion of the closed caption data may be generated. The content asset may be caused to be output with audio content comprising the compensating audio and the original audio.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a profile page. A computer system identifies a group of potential profiles images from an image. The computer system identifies a group of features in the image. The computer system generates the profile page based on a potential profile image selected from the group of potential profile images and the group of features in the image. The computer system displays the profile page on a display system, enabling generating the profile page.

Abstract: A smoke inhalation device may include a housing, a first cartridge comprising a first release device configured to release a first substance, a second cartridge comprising a second release device configured to release a second substance, and a controller configured to control the operation of the first release device and the second release device. The first release device and the second release device may be configured to be operated independently from one another, such that a combined vapor composition including the first substance and the second substance is configured to be varied.

Abstract: This invention is related to the field of PCSK9 biology and the composition and methods of use of small organic compounds as ligands for modulation of PCSK9 biological activity. In particular, the invention provides compositions of small organic compounds that modulate circulating levels of low density lipoproteins by altering the conformation of the protein PCSK9. Binding these small organic compound ligands to PCSK9 alters the conformation of the protein, modifying the interaction between PCSK9 and an endogenous low density lipoprotein receptor, and can lead to reduced or increased levels of circulating LDL-cholesterol. High LDL-cholesterol levels are associated with increased risk for heart disease. Low LDL-cholesterol levels may be problematic in other conditions, such as liver dysfunction; thus, there is also utility for small organic compound ligands that can raise LDL levels.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well-bore, for example to facilitate fracturing of the formation, comprises the steps of: (i) selecting a treatment fluid comprising a diverting agent (A) in a flaked form, for example guar gum in a flaked form. (ii) introducing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation via the well-bore to plug a region of the formation. Thereafter, the formation may be fractured or re-fractured.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprising a handle assembly is disclosed. The handle assembly comprises an actuation trigger comprising a curved proximal portion and a curved cylinder surrounding the curved proximal portion of the actuation trigger. The curved cylinder comprises an electroactive polymer. The surgical instrument system comprises an actuation rod which is configured to transmit an actuation force and a sensor system which is configured to detect the magnitude of the actuation force. The electroactive polymer is responsive to the actuation force and provides feedback to a user of the surgical instrument system.