Abstract: Provided are various methods of data collection and providing feedback to business owners and other types of venues using a software application. The software application includes various levels including a venue software application level, a consumer software application level and a cloud-based server software application level. The consumer software application is downloaded onto a smart device and notifications are sent to the smart device when a consumer enters a venue's defined geo-fences. The notification informs the consumer of survey-voucher pairs, where vouchers may be redeemed in exchange for the consumer completing surveys. The information obtained from the surveys provides feedback to venues and business owners.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide transaction-related insight information for an establishment. In some aspects of the present disclosure, a digital image captured at a location of a user can be received. The digital image can be analyzed to identify an establishment. Transaction data between customers and the establishment can be retrieved. Transaction-related insight information about the establishment can be generated based on the data. The transaction-related insight information can be provided to the user.

Abstract: An electrode component according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes an electrically-conductive layer and an electrode layer. The electrically-conductive layer includes a current collector portion and a tab portion. The electrode layer is disposed on at least a portion of the current collector portion. The electrode layer includes a first edge. The electrode layer includes an electroactive material. The electrode layer defines a first dimension substantially parallel to the first edge and a second dimension substantially perpendicular to the first edge. An aspect ratio of the first dimension to the second dimension is greater than or equal to about 2. The tab portion is disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the first edge. An interface between the electrode layer and the tab portion defines an interface length of greater than or equal to about 50% of the first dimension.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes: a plastic housing provided with a receiving cavity extending in a front-rear direction therein; a metal stopping member provided in the housing, including at least one fixing portion embedded in the housing and a body exposed to the cavity, the body is provided with a through hole; a terminal base including a base portion and a tongue extending forwardly from the base portion, the terminal base is mounted in the cavity, the body of the metal stopping member blocks in front of the base portion, the tongue passes through the through hole of the metal stopping member and extends forwardly; and a plurality of conductive terminals fixed to the terminal base, each terminal includes a contact portion which is exposed to the tongue and a soldering portion which rearwardly extends out of the terminal base. The connector has a robust structure and facilitates to reduce weight.

Abstract: Methods include producing a gelled sanitizer composition, including preparing a hydrating fluid composition including water and one or more of alcohol and peroxide; preparing a hydratable additive; and combining the hydrating fluid composition and the hydratable additive to produce a gelled composition. Methods also include flowing a hydrating liquid composition in an extensional flow regime through an elongated passageway of an extender, wherein the hydrating liquid composition includes water and a C2-C10 solvent, and a flow rate of the hydrating liquid composition and a diameter of the elongated passageway are sufficient to achieve a Reynolds number of 20,000 or greater; and adding a hydratable additive to the hydrating liquid composition in the elongated passageway to produce a mixture comprising the hydratable additive that is at least partially hydrated.

Abstract: A drum is rotatably mounted on a carriage. A cable is configured to: transport power, connect with a drum connector disposed on the drum, and connect with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) via a UAV connector. A drum actuator is configured to rotate the drum. A UAV feed is configured to align the cable as it exits the device towards the UAV. A tension sensor is configured to measure a tension of the cable. A controller receive as tension measurement from the tension sensor; and controls the drum actuator to maintain a determined tension on the cable while: dispensing the cable; holding the cable steady; or collecting the cable.

Abstract: An air quality system includes an air precleaner, a filter identification component, and a control module. The air precleaner has a precleaner housing and a filter disposed inside the precleaner housing. The filter identification component is positioned within the precleaner housing at a first position and is mounted on the filter. The control module is positioned within the precleaner housing at a second position and is configured to emit an electrical field and communicate with the filter identification component via the emitted electrical field.

Abstract: Examples for enabling off-network transactions to be performed and securely managed are provided. An example system may include a data network, a digital ledger server, a blockchain platform, smart payment devices, and point of sale devices. Each respective point of sale device and each respective smart device may be operable to perform an off-network transaction, and store information related to the transaction in a digital ledger coupled to each respective device. When a transaction is executed between a POS device and a smart payment device, the POS device and smart payment device exchange a record of all off-network transactions that each respective device has executed since the last time a connection was made to the data network. When a network connection is established for each device, the respective information stored in the digital ledger is uploaded to the blockchain platform for storage and the digital ledger server for transaction resolution.

Abstract: In one aspect, a dual tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) element structure includes a first TMR element and a second TMR element. The TMR element structure also includes a conducting layer that is disposed between the first TMR element and the second TMR element and is in direct contact with the first TMR element and the second TMR element.

Abstract: A method and user device for determining a unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) value associated with a user of the user device include obtaining video data associated with a movement of a body part of the user. The UPDRS value is determined using a model and the video data associated with the movement of the body part of the user. The UPDRS value is provided to permit an evaluation of the user based on the UPDRS value.

Abstract: A system for rupturing a vacuum in a medical imaging device. The system includes a vacuum plug attached to the medical imaging device and configured to retain a vacuum in the medical imaging device. A puncture tool is configured to puncture the vacuum plug to rupture the vacuum in the medical imaging machine. A puncture tool retainer removably couples the puncture tool to the medical imaging device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for processors that associate a taint-source operation with another operation dependent upon the taint-source operation, perform the taint-source operation thereby causing a side effect, and suppress the side effect of the taint-source operation until conditional state determining commitment of the taint-source operation is resolved. In some examples, the method can further include associating a speculation-source operation with the taint-source operation, storing taint data in taint-matrix memory associating the speculation-source operation, the taint-source operation, and/or the taint-dependent operation, and performing the suppressing of side effects based on the stored taint data.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: where R1-R6, a, b, and Z are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds.

Abstract: An automated door system includes a hinge assembly having a movable hinge portion coupled to a door and a fixed hinge portion coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge pillar. The movable hinge portion includes first and second mounting portions. The first mounting portion is rotatably connected to the fixed hinge portion for rotation about a hinge axis of the hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the fixed hinge portion and further coupled to the second mounting portion of the mounting hinge portion by a drive shaft. The power assist device includes a motor that is configured to drive the drive shaft for providing at least one of opening and closing movement of the door about the hinge axis of the hinge assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for localized cryotherapy treatments with improved gas delivery and safety features are disclosed. The systems and methods incorporate a high-pressure supply of cryogenic fluid that is dispersed through an atomizing nozzle. Utilization of a high-pressure supply of cryogenic liquid allows the delivery of cryogenic fluid to a user's skin without the need to heat or otherwise increase the thermal energy of the cryogenic fluid prior to dispersion. The systems and methods also incorporate a thermographic imaging camera to measure the body surface temperature of a patient during the cryotherapy treatment. The thermographic imaging camera can measure the body surface temperature from a distance, which reduces the risk of inaccurate readings due to ambient temperature changes and improves the safety of the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing transcanal ear surgery. A volume of fluid is maintained within the ear canal to provide a flooded environment. A cutting member of a cutting instrument is submerged and operated within the flooded environment to resect tissue within the ear. A reservoir system may be coupled to the patient to facilitate providing the flooded environment. The reservoir system at least partially surrounds the auricle of the ear in fluid-tight sealing engagement with the head of the patient. An irrigation pump and a suction source on one or both of the reservoir system and the cutting instrument are operated to provide the flooded environment. The reservoir system includes an access opening sized to receive one or more surgical instruments, for example, the cutting instrument and an endoscope. The flooded environment improves cooling of the surgical site and visualization of the surgical site from the endoscope.

Abstract: A drain plug for a recreational boat includes a position sensor and an alarm to detect the operating condition of the drain plug and provide a signal indicating that the plug is in an open position. The drain plug includes a drain plug body and a cap. The cap is connected to the drain plug body in such a manner as to be inseparable from the drain plug body.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid sampling system including a chamber having affixed therein a sample pump to pull a cryogenic liquid sample from an external source and an enclosure. The enclosure includes a supply port to receive an input stream of a gas, an input port connected to the chamber via a vacuum line, a sample pump port connected to the chamber via a pump line and configured to feed therethrough gas received at the supply port to the sample pump, a vacuum device connected to the input port and configured to generate a vacuum within the chamber by pulling air from the vacuum line, and processing circuitry to control the vacuum device and the sample pump to perform transfer of a cryogenic liquid sample from the external source to an external device.

Abstract: An apparatus may include: a body defining a flow path; an inlet to the flow path; an outlet to the flow path; a test coupon at least partially disposed within the flow path; a sealing element disposed between the test coupon and the body; and a current source electrically coupled to the test coupon, wherein the inlet and the outlet are in fluid communication through the flow path, and wherein the sealing element electrically insulates the body and the test coupon.

Abstract: A fee collection apparatus and methods defines a secure manner of collecting fees with electronic payments where there is no form of communication from the location of the fee collection apparatus such as telephone lines, Wi-Fi, or cellular networks, and where typically there is no source of grid power supply. Data from users is collected and stored in a remotely located kiosk, then securely transferred to a remote device operated by an operator such as a campground employee. The remote device is then transported to a location where telecommunications services are available (such as Wi-Fi, cellular networks) and is securely transmitted to a processing system (cloud or otherwise). Payment card data are transmitted to a financial transaction processor pursuant to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).