Abstract: A first conveyor for conveying foodstuff, a second conveyor separated from the first conveyor by a gap of free space, a top camera positioned above the gap and above the first conveyor and the second conveyor, a bottom camera positioned below the gap and below the first conveyor and the second conveyor, wherein the top camera and the bottom camera capture images of the foodstuff in the gap between the first conveyor and the second conveyor for analysis.

Abstract: A method for producing an optimized instruction set for guiding a robot through a service procedure includes fitting human operators with an XR headset and controllers, instructing the human operators to perform the same service procedure through a series of individual steps, monitoring the operator's movements, and recording the XR telemetry data produced by the headset and the controllers as the operator performs the series of steps within the service procedure. The XR telemetry data is analyzed, optimized and translated into an optimized set of instructions to enable a robot to perform the service procedure. In some aspects, machine learning and neural networks are used to acquire, aggregate, analyze and optimize the XR telemetry data.

Abstract: An end effector includes a continuous volume that holds a constituent and includes a nozzle, a suspension frame disposed within the continuous volume, an actuator, and an agitation needle that protrudes from the continuous volume through the nozzle. The actuator is suspended by the suspension frame within the continuous volume such that the constituent within the continuous volume is in direct contact with one or more of the actuator and the agitation needle. The actuator is configured to actuate such that, upon actuation, the constituent transforms from a static state to a pseudo-fluid like state for application with the end effector.

Abstract: A tobacco product tip assembly. The tobacco product tip assembly includes a tip portion comprising a tip wall defining an inhalation chamber; the tip portion extending into a body portion comprising a body wall defining an insertion chamber, the insertion chamber being in communication with the inhalation chamber; the body wall comprising a mechanical fastener. A tobacco product assembly and a process for producing a tobacco product assembly are also included.

Abstract: A closure system may include a closure movable between an extended state and a retracted state. The closure may be configured to at least partially obstruct an opening in the extended state and allow access through the opening in the retracted state. The closure may include a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion. The wherein the closure may deflect by a first deflection distance when a vertical force is applied to the closure. The closure system may include a strap coupled to the first portion of the closure. The closure with the strap coupled thereto may deflect by a second deflection distance when the vertical force is applied to the closure. The first distance may be at least 100 percent more than the second deflection distance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for securely entering, receiving, and storing sensitive data. A server system may determine if a request received from a user computing device communicatively coupled to the server triggers a requirement to receive sensitive data from the user computing device, generate a data structure for the sensitive data, designate a plurality of contact methods, determine a communication protocol for each of the designated plurality of contact methods, transmit a request for data unit information to the corresponding designated contact methods via the determined communication protocol for each data unit of the data structure, receive from each of the designated contact methods, the data unit information corresponding to the respective single data unit, and generate sensitive data by aggregating the received data unit information received from each of the designated contact methods.

Abstract: A system includes a computer. The computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive locally stored identifiers from each of a plurality of control modules of a vehicle; transmit a current list of the received locally stored identifiers to a remote server; receive a master list of compatible identifiers from the remote server, wherein each compatible identifier corresponds to a respective one of the control modules, and the master list includes file-verification data; prevent the vehicle from operating autonomously upon determining that one of the locally stored identifiers is different from the respective compatible identifier or upon determining that the file-verification data is incorrect; and permit the vehicle to operate autonomously upon determining that each locally stored identifier is the same as the respective compatible identifier and that the file-verification data is correct.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for producing large format print products having three-dimensional features. The system incorporates at least one micro-dispensing jet valve and optionally a cutting apparatus to provide an integrated, efficient printing system capable of producing large format print products having dramatic three-dimensional features.

Abstract: A network system comprises a first logic block providing a link to a first network via an access point of a WLAN and a second logic block communicating with a node of a second network (such as a WPAN) and configured to provide a link between the node and the first network via the access point. The network system is configured to maintain continuous connections to both the access point and the node while receiving power. The second logic block can communicate with the node using a modified communication protocol that is only partially compliant with an 802.11x communications protocol. A wireless hub can integrate a WPAN with a WLAN including, in part, a wireless circuit compliant with the WLAN standard (such as an 802.11x standard), a processor, and a memory. The wireless circuit can connect to the WPAN without losing connectivity (such as association and synchronization) to the WLAN.

Abstract: A seatbelt webbing includes an auxetic portion elongated along an axis. The auxetic portion includes a plurality of segments rotatably connected to each other at hinges. The hinges are spaced along the axis and are transverse to the axis. The auxetic portion includes a plurality of strands. Each strand is embedded in at least two of the hinges. When tensile force above a predetermined level is applied to the auxetic portion by a vehicle occupant, e.g., the chest of the vehicle occupant, the auxetic portion both stretches along the axis and widens transverse to the axis, i.e., has a negative Poisson ratio.

Abstract: The drawer organization system comprises a cabinet and one or more drawers. The one or more drawers are contained within the cabinet. Each of the one or more drawers are organized into a plurality of containment sections. A user organizes the storage of the one or more objects by properly selecting a containment section selected from the plurality of containment sections for each object. The drawer organization system further comprises an index display and a plurality of stickers. The index display is contained within the cabinet. The index display is a display surface on which an index that identifies the selected containment space for each stored object. Each of the plurality of stickers presents the image of an indicia that is attached to a containment space selected from the plurality of containment spaces that relates the selected containment space to the index display.

Abstract: A medical guidance system providing real-time, three-dimensional (3D) augmented reality (AR) feedback guidance to a novice user of medical equipment having limited medical training, to achieve improved diagnostic or treatment outcomes.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include an upper body shaper garment for women. The garment contours the breasts and other aspects of the chest area into a fashionable form by delivering distinct amount of compression force at select areas of the garment. In various embodiments, the shaper garment includes a support area covering the breasts and a shaping area including one or more compression zones for moving the support area to enhance the appearance of the wearer. The shaper garment may be knitted from one continuous piece of fabric with the compression areas knitted directly into the base layer. The shaper garment may also include one or more transition zones between the areas and/or zones of the garment to smoothly transition between different areas and/or zones.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically preparing food for consumption in which preparation comprises dispensing, manipulation, heating, and other operations using a wide variety of ingredients. The methods and apparatus described use ingredients efficiently and maintain their quality, while avoiding contact between ingredients and apparatus to minimize the risk of system contamination.

Abstract: A multi-zone climate control system for vehicles includes a front HVAC unit and one or more additional units that can be configured to provide conditioned air to one or more rear climate zones. The front HVAC unit is adapted to condition air provided to at least one front climate zone. The front HVAC unit may include a cold air outlet that supplies cold air to an electrically-powered heater positioned in a console of the vehicle. The electrically-powered heater includes an electricity-to-air heat exchanger to control a temperature of conditioned air supplied to at least one rear zone of the passenger compartment. The system may include an auxiliary climate control system having an auxiliary heater core and an auxiliary evaporator positioned in a rear portion of the vehicle to provide conditioned air to one or more rear climate zones.

Abstract: A family of connectors to accommodate a single twisted pair of conductors is disclosed herein. The family of connectors includes a free connector, a fixed connector, and an adapter; the free and/or fixed connectors can be modified to accommodate the adapter configuration and/or modified to accommodate various patch cord configurations. In certain embodiments, the one or more of the family of connectors adopts an LC fiber optic style connector configuration and an LC fiber optic footprint configuration. In certain examples, one or more of the family of connectors adopts an LC fiber optic style connector configuration but in a footprint that is larger or smaller than the footprint of the LC fiber optic footprint. Other configurations may also be adopted.

Abstract: A connector assembly (10) is disclosed in which a connector part (12) and a cable manager part (20) are provided. The cable manager part (20) can be provided with a rear housing (40), a lacing fixture part (30), and a grounding part (50). In one aspect, the grounding part (50) provides grounding contact between an inserted cable (4) and the connector part (12). In one aspect, the grounding part (50) secures the connector part (12) to the rear housing part (40). In one example, a connector assembly (110) is provided with a grounding arrangement (150) including a plurality of deflectable grounding members (152) and provides grounding contact between the inserted cable (4) and the connector part (112). In one aspect, the grounding members (152) each provide two points of contact against the cable (4).

Abstract: Methods for email-based e-commerce using SMS and social media and for an e-commerce stock management system are disclosed. A method for email-based e-commerce using SMS includes receiving, via a social media network, a request from a customer to make a payment via email; generating a first email message that includes a mailto hyperlink and solicits payment in a predetermined amount; transmitting the first email message to the customer; and receiving an email message from the customer confirming payment in the predetermined amount. A method for an email-based financial management system includes storing user based settings, based on stock market events and a plurality of predetermined actions; determining when a stock market event occurs; transmitting a confirmation email to a customer requesting confirmation to perform a predetermined action; receiving a confirmation email from the customer to perform the predetermined action; and performing the predetermined action.

Abstract: Devices and related methods for the dynamic correction of spinal deformities are disclosed. The devices and methods are particularly useful for correcting an abnormal curvature of the spine. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for correcting deformity via a spinal implant that can include a polymer between or attached to a top and bottom plate, which can exist in a wedge-shaped configuration in order to apply asymmetric forces to the spinal column, is provided. The implant may be inserted between adjacent vertebrae comprising part of the abnormal curvature, thereby restoring the normal curvature of a spine.

Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system includes a support structure having a first area at a first height and a second area at a second height, the first and second areas adjacent one another. The system also includes an electric powered, multi-plunger pump with an odd number of plungers, arranged in the first area, the electric powered pump coupled to a well, via outlet piping, and powered by at least one electric motor, also arranged in the first area. The system further includes a variable frequency drive (VFD), arranged in the second area, connected to the at least one electric motor, the VFD configured to control at least a speed of the at least one electric motor. The system also includes a transformer, arranged in the second area, the transformer positioned within an enclosure with the VFD, the transformer distributing power to the electric pump.