Abstract: The invention relates to methods of improving protein production, e.g., large-scale commercial protein production, e.g., antibody production, utilizing a modified fed-batch cell culture method comprising a cell growth phase and a polypeptide production phase. The modified fed-batch cell culture method combines both cell culture perfusion and fed-batch methods to achieve higher titers of polypeptide products. Because the modified fed-batch cell culture method of the invention produces higher polypeptide product titers than fed-batch culture alone, it will substantially improve commercial-scale protein production. The invention also relates to a perfusion bioreactor apparatus comprising a fresh medium reservoir connected to a bioreactor by a feed pump, a recirculation loop connected to the bioreactor, wherein the recirculation loop comprises a filtration device, e.g., ultrafiltration or microfiltration, and a permeate pump connecting the filtration device to a permeate collection container.

Abstract: Presented are clutch-type engine disconnect devices, methods for making/using such disconnect devices, and motor vehicles equipped with such disconnect devices. An engine disconnect device includes a notch plate, which has multiple notches and attaches to a torque converter, and a pocket plate, which has multiple pockets and attaches to an engine's crankshaft. A pawl is movably mounted within each notch; these pawls selectively engage the notches with the pockets. A notch plate insert is nested within each notch, supporting thereon one of the pawls. A selector plate interposed between the pocket and notch plates moves from a first position, to shift the pawls out of engagement with the pockets, and a second position, to move the notch plate inserts within the notches and allow the pawls to engage the notches with the pockets to thereby lock the notch plate to the pocket plate to rotate in unison with each other.

Abstract: A device for holding a laser measuring device for the vertical measurement of features of a subterranean structure. The device attaches to the opening of the structure by the use of extendable legs and magnets and holds a laser measuring tool with a mounting plate. The plate can slide along the device for the best line of site to the feature being measured.

Abstract: Sensors, sensor controllers, and sensor control methods may employ an echo- magnification technique to improve threshold-based echo detection. In one illustrative embodiment, a sensor controller includes: a transmitter, a receiver, and a processing circuit coupled to the transmitter and to the receiver. The transmitter drives a piezoelectric element to generate acoustic bursts. The receiver senses a response of the piezoelectric element to echoes of each acoustic burst. The processing circuit is operable to apply echo-detection processing to the response by: identifying an interval of the response representing at least a portion of a potential echo; deriving a modified response from the response by selectively magnifying the response during said interval; and using the modified response to detect an echo.

Abstract: An AMU system includes an Autonomous Mobile Unit (“AMU”), base station, lanyard, and Warehouse Management System (“WMS”) configured to communicate with one another over a network. The AMU includes a microphone configured to receive verbal commands from an individual. The individual can further provide verbal commands through the base station and the lanyard when worn by the individual. The lanyard can also provide a geo-fence around the individual where the AMU slows down to enhance safety.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique can process overhead images of users in a line at a venue to obtain a user wait time for the line. The processing can include (a) identifying a user of the group of users that is second in the line to obtain a target user, (b) detecting when the target user becomes first in the line to obtain a start time, (c) after the target user becomes first in the line, detecting when the target user leaves the line to obtain an end time, (d) determining a period from the start time to the end time, and (e) calculating the user wait time by calculating a product of (i) the determined period and (ii) a quantity of the group of users in the line after the target user leaves the line. The calculated user wait time can then be output.

Abstract: A harness mountable insulating assembly includes a panel that is flexible and has a front side, a back side and a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge includes an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A coupler attaches the panel to a safety harness so that panel extends downwardly to cover buttocks of a person using the safety harness. This positioning retains heat between the panel and the buttocks.

Abstract: A method of generating a digital media message includes receiving a script of the a digital message, receiving a digital video segment based on the script, determining text of the digital media message corresponding to at least a portion of the video segment, and providing the text via a display of an electronic device. The method also includes providing a plurality of images, each indicative of a respective digital content segment, and receiving a first input indicating selection of a first digital content segment. The method further includes associating first digital content segment with either a first portion or a second portion of the video segment, and associating the various portions and the first digital content segment with a play sequence of the digital media message such that the first digital content segment will be presented simultaneously with at least part of the first portion when the digital media message is played.

Abstract: A system for waking up a dormant car control device of rail car braking system that provides a sufficient wake up voltage in response to pressurization of the brake pipe of the transit car. A supercapacitor is used to output a predetermined voltage when a pressure switch responsive to a source of brake pipe pressure moves to a closed position in response to a charging of the brake system. A first circuit boosts the predetermined voltage of the supercapacitor and energized the contacts of a relay that can selectively provide the boosted voltage to an input of a car control device. A second circuit controls the relay to select when boosted voltage should be provided to the input of a car control device. A third circuit selectively provides power to the first and second circuits based on whether the car control device should receive the boosted voltage.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom portion, a top portion, and a crown portion covering an opening in the top portion. The crown portion may include a raised central crown portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A table game construction and method of play in which a spinning game piece follows along a curved trajectory, which may be further directed after release, and which interacts with other game pieces through collisions. The game components include a game board, one or more propelled spinning game pieces, and an optional striking object.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a lamp assembly coupled to the body. The lamp assembly includes a housing and a first metal conductor coupled to the housing. A semiconductor layer is coupled to the first metal conductor, wherein the semiconductor layer includes a plurality of perovskites configured to emit light. A second conductor is coupled to the semiconductor layer and a lens is coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A method of subsiding foam undesirably accumulating on a liquid-surface plane of an associated industrial-process liquid includes designating a foam-depletion zone within which the foam is situated. A set of at least two fluid ejectors is arranged above and peripherally of foam within the foam-depletion zone, from each of which fluid ejectors a foam-subsiding fluid can be selectively ejected under pressure in a spray pattern representable by a spray vector. Each fluid ejector is oriented such that the spray vector associated therewith has a non-zero vertical component of spatial extension directed downwardly toward the liquid-surface plane and a non-zero horizontal component of spatial extension directed (a) parallel to the liquid-surface plane and (b) inwardly toward the foam-depletion zone so that, collectively, spray patterns emanating from the fluid ejectors constrain the foam within the foam-depletion zone for sustained impingement and abatement by the spray patterns.

Abstract: A load-leveling hanging apparatus and a system for suspended lifting of objects are disclosed. The load-leveling hanging apparatus includes a carriage suspended from a line; a hanging beam adapted for attachment of multiple objects at points along the beam; a mechanism for moving the hanging beam relative to the carriage to thereby achieve a level condition; and a level indicator. The mechanism is a rotatable screw. The system includes the load-leveling hanging apparatus and a lifting device. The lifting device includes a drum for winding and unwinding a line; a motor coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto; a guide to direct the line onto the drum; and a controller. The lifting device raises and lowers the suspended hanging apparatus.

Abstract: Various examples of a wearable sensor enclosure are described. In an example, a wearable sensor enclosure is generally oval-shaped with rigid interior that protects one or more sensors or other electronic devices. The enclosure includes a proximal component and a distal component. The proximal component of the enclosure optionally includes one or more openings for light to pass through for detection by sensing electronic devices. The distal component includes a protrusion positioned in an interior of the distal component and a lip positioned in along the perimeter of the distal component such that the lip surrounds the protrusion.

Abstract: A collapsible push-up bar comprises a hollow main shaft and a leg assembly. The collapsible push-up bar is, for example, a pair of push up bars which are modular and portable. The collapsible push-up bar is used for exercising, gymnastics and calisthenics. The hollow main shaft comprises one or more engagement devices that are disposed on a length of the hollow main shaft. The hollow main shaft is configured to be held by a user during a workout. The leg assembly comprises one or more support legs, insertable within the hollow main shaft and configured to be removably secured to the engagement device within the hollow main shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of limiting power of a boiling water nuclear reactor system includes a reactor pressure vessel, a reactor core disposed in the reactor pressure vessel, a core shroud surrounding the reactor core, a downcomer region disposed between an inner surface of the reactor pressure vessel and the core shroud, a steam line connected to an upper end of the reactor pressure vessel and a condenser system that receives steam from the reactor pressure vessel. A portion of the condenser system condensate is returned to the reactor pressure vessel of the boiling water reactor inside the core barrel above the core rather than into the downcomer. Returning the condensate in this way increases the effectiveness of an isolation condenser system or if the condensate is a portion of the feedwater from the main condenser it provides an effective means to regulate core flow and core power.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for improving the radiation efficiency and coverage range of antennas in wireless devices. According to some embodiments, an antenna includes an antenna feed and a radiator, where signals to be transmitted by the antenna are coupled from the antenna feed to the radiator through distributed and coherent coupling, such that the radiations by the antenna feed and the radiator constructively interfere in a far field to achieve a higher radiation efficiency and an increased coverage range, without increasing the power consumption of the antenna.

Abstract: A method of treating a wound may include topically administering a statin composition including a statin selected from atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, or combination thereof. The statin composition may be administered in an ointment, powder, or liquid format. The method may also include topically administering one or more antimicrobial drugs.

Abstract: In one aspect, minimization of recovery time after a high availability (HA) event in a storage system is provided. An aspect includes creating, during an active replication session, mini replication session MOM objects from replication session-related configuration information of the active replication session, and creating mini volume objects for volumes of the active replication session, Upon determining an occurrence of the HA corresponding to the data module, an aspect includes reconfiguring the mini replication session MOM objects and the mini volume objects prior to activation of the data module and prior to enabling input/output (TO) servicing by the data module. An aspect further includes performing non-replication IO-related configuration for the data module and, upon completion of the non-replication IO-related configuration, enabling the IO servicing by the data module.