Abstract: Food processing devices capable of performing multiple functions, including mixing and extruding pasta or other food products, are described. The food processing devices have a base, a mixing bowl mountable on the base, a mixing assembly, and an extruder. The base has a first motor operably coupled to drive the mixing assembly when the mixing bowl is coupled to the base, a data store arranged to store a plurality of computer-readable signals defining at least a first sequence of food processing instructions, and a controller in electronic communication with the data store. The controller is operable to execute the plurality of computer-readable signals, the execution of which controls the first motor to actuate the mixing assembly for at least a first period of time to produce mixed food items and controls operation of the extruder for at least a second period of time, causing extrusion of the mixed food items.

Abstract: Techniques and tools for reducing latency in video encoding and decoding by constraining latency due to reordering of video frames, and by indicating the constraint on frame reordering latency with one or more syntax elements that accompany encoded data for the video frames. For example, a real-time communication tool with a video encoder sets a syntax element that indicates a constraint on frame reordering latency, which is consistent with inter-frame dependencies between multiple frames of a video sequence, then outputs the syntax element. A corresponding real-time communication tool with a video decoder receives the syntax element that indicates the constraint on frame reordering latency, determines the constraint on frame reordering latency based on the syntax element, and uses the constraint on frame reordering latency to determine when a reconstructed frame is ready for output (in terms of output order).

Abstract: Systems and methods for automating track adjustments for live music performance. The method includes displaying a graphical user interface for music editing and playback. The graphical user interface includes a timeline waveform of a song and control elements configured to control tracks in the song. The method also includes receiving a timecode in the timeline waveform. The method further includes receiving a transition length indicating a number of beats. The method also includes receiving, from one of the control elements, a target value for one of the tracks. The method further includes determining a transition rate based on the transition length and a difference between the target value and a current value for the one of the tracks. Upon reaching the timecode during playback of the song, the method includes automatically adjusting the one of the tracks from the current value to the target value based on the transition rate.

Abstract: A self-resetting coupler is provided for capturing a hitch ball. The coupler includes a pocket to receive the hitch ball and a lever to capture the hitch ball in the pocket. When the hitch ball enters the pocket, it moves the lever from a release position to a captured position. A locking pin is biased towards a locked position. Once moved to the captured position, the locking pin moves to a locked position, locking the lever in the captured position. To release the coupler, the user pulls the locking pin clear of the lever, where it is held clear. As the hitch ball is removed, the lever moves the locking pin to be in biased contact therewith so that when the hitch ball is re-inserted, the locking pin moves to the locked position once the hitch ball is located in the pocket.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a frame, a body assembly coupled with the frame, a suspension system and a control system. The suspension system includes a pair of dampers positioned at opposite lateral ends of an axle. The suspension system includes a hydraulic system having a hydraulic line fluidly coupling the pair of dampers with each other through a valve. The valve is actuatable between an open position wherein the pair of dampers are fluidly coupled with each other, and a closed position in which the pair of dampers are hydraulically isolated from each other. The control system circuitry configured to obtain sensor feedback indicating a steering operation of the agricultural vehicle, and responsive to the steering operation of the agricultural vehicle, operate the valve into the closed position to hydraulically isolate the pair of dampers from each other to reduce a roll of the body assembly of the agricultural vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the translation and rotation of an object to position the object into an upright position. In embodiments, an apparatus can include a base plate configured to attach to a clamp vehicle, a surface plate, and a rotator configured to rotatably connect the surface plate to the base plate such that the surface plate is able to rotate independently of the base plate about an axis. In embodiments, the surface plate is positioned against a proximate end of the object, and a compressive force can be applied to the object, causing the surface plate to press against the proximate end of the object. A lifting force can be applied to raise the object upwards to cause the surface plate to rotate the object toward the upright position while maintaining a secure hold on the object. The upright object can then be lowered in an upright position.

Abstract: A fuel additive for fuel formulations comprising calcium sulfonates in an amount effective to limit or eliminate valve seat recession in engines utilizing such fuel formulations. The fuel additive may also include a detergent, particularly in an amount to enhance the VSR limiting effect of the calcium sulfonates. Also included are fuel formulations containing calcium sulfonates in a concentration effective to limit vale seat recession in engines utilizing the fuel formulations. Methods for treating VSR in piston engines are also provided.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a plurality of can bodies includes a number of forming machines for forming one or more portions of the can bodies. Each forming machine includes a number of removable components. The system further includes a maintenance device including a housing, a changeout arrangement coupled to the housing, and a controller positioned on or in the housing. The changeout arrangement is configured to selectively remove and replace a removeable component of one or more of the number of removeable components of one or more of the number of forming machines under the direction and control of the controller.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for characterizing and quantifying composite laminate structures. The embodiments take a composite laminate of unknown ply stack composition and sequence and determine various information about the individual plies, such as ply stack, orientation, microstructure, and type. The embodiments distinguish between weave types that exhibit similar planar stiffness behaviors, but produce different failure mechanisms. Individual ply information is then used to derive the laminate bulk properties from externally provided constitutive properties of the fiber and matrix, including extensional stiffness, bending-extension coupling stiffness, bending stiffness, and the like. The laminate bulk properties are then used to generate a probabilistic failure envelope for the composite laminate. In some embodiments, ply stack type and sequence are also determined for a curved composite laminate using the disclosed embodiments by adding a rotational stage.

Abstract: A single pair Ethernet connector jack includes a housing that includes a first end having two pin contacts. The first end receives a single pair Ethernet free connector. The connector jack housing includes a second end that provides a single pair Ethernet cable interface and wire termination through use of two insulated displacement contacts. The insulation displacement contacts are electrically coupled to the pin contacts enabling power, data, or both power and data to be transferred from the single pair Ethernet cable to the free connector.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an optical communication system may include an optical source, a modulator, and a photoreceiver. The optical source may be configured to generate a beam comprising a series of light pulses each having a duration of less than 100 picoseconds. The photoreceiver may have a detection window duration of less than 1 nanosecond. When a first pulse travels through a variably refractive medium, photons in the first pulse may be refracted to travel along different ray paths to arrive at the photoreceiver according to a temporal distribution curve. A full width at half maximum (FWHM) value of the temporal distribution curve may be at least three times as large as a coherence time value of the first pulse, and the detection window of the photoreceiver may be at least six times as large as the FWHM value of the temporal distribution curve.

Abstract: A process for removing an existing core from a DECD housing may comprise the steps of providing a core press station having a working platform; connecting a collection container between the working platform and the DECD housing; aligning the DECD housing over the collection container; pressings the existing core out of the DECD housing; and collecting the existing core into the collection container. A process for inserting a replacement core into a DECD housing may comprise the steps of providing a core press station having a working platform; coupling a stuffing funnel to the DECD housing; wrapping the replacement core with a matting; aligning the replacement core with the DECD housing; and pressing the replacement core through the stuffing funnel and into the DECD housing.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a housing. The lamp assembly also includes an outer lens operably coupled with the housing to define a chamber therebetween. A light source is disposed in a first portion of the chamber and is configured to emit visible light through the outer lens to a region exterior to the vehicle. The lamp assembly further includes a LiDAR module disposed in a second portion of the chamber and facing the outer lens. The LiDAR module is configured to capture distance information based on infrared light reflected from the region exterior. The second portion is vertically spaced from the first portion.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for characterizing and quantifying composite laminate structures. The method and system take a composite laminate of unknown ply stack composition and sequence and determine various information about the individual plies, such as ply stack, orientation, microstructure, and type. The method and system distinguishes between weave types that exhibit similar planar stiffness behaviors, but which produce different failure mechanisms. Individual ply information then is used to derive the laminate bulk properties from externally provided constitutive properties of the fiber and matrix, including extensional stiffness, bending-extension coupling stiffness, bending stiffness, and the like. The laminate bulk properties are then used to generate a probabilistic failure envelope for the composite laminate.

Abstract: A chassis defines one or more chambers within the interior. Each chamber includes guides along which one or more cassettes can be mounted. Some chambers are configured to receive cassettes in a row. Other chambers are configured to receive cassettes in a column. The cassettes slide along and latch to the guides. The cassettes carry forward port members configured to receive one or more plug connectors, such as SN plugs, duplex LC plugs, MPO plugs, at mounting positions forward of the main bodies of the cassettes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing variable trick-play mode playback of media content in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. A playback device stores images of the media content associated with presentation times and marker information for the media content that indicates the presentation time of moments of interest. When a trick-play mode is invoked, the playback device determines a presentation time of a next marker in the playback. The playback device determines whether the current presentation time of the playback is within a specified range of the presentation time of the next marker and adjusts the speed of the trick-play playback based on the determination. The next frame to present is determined based on the adjusted speed of the trick-play playback and displayed.

Abstract: A linear lighting fixture may comprise lighting control devices for controlling lighting loads in a load control system. Each linear lighting fixture may include a fixture controller configured to control lighting control devices. The fixture controller may receive messages from one or more devices in the load control system for controlling lighting control devices in the linear lighting fixture. The fixture controller may receive the message and communicate with the lighting control devices on a wired power/communication link Each linear lighting fixture may comprise one or more sensors. The sensors may be coupled to the fixture controller to send/receive messages on a wired power/communication link and/or a wireless communication link The lighting control devices in the fixtures may be zoned separately or together. Each of the sensors in a linear lighting fixture may be zoned with one or more of the lighting control devices in the linear lighting fixture.

Abstract: Described herein is a vehicle hitch mounted cargo basket comprising a floor, one or more lips, a rim, a connector, and one or more reinforcing members.

Abstract: A vent apparatus is used to install a tankless water heater or similar equipment inside an attic without going onto the roof. The vent apparatus may include a main housing and an umbrella assembly movably disposed therein. The main housing (e.g., PVC pipe) is installed through the roof. The umbrella assembly may have a central rod with a flexible umbrella cover on top. The umbrella assembly is pushed up through the main housing until the umbrella cover exits the top of the main housing to cover it and prevent rain from entering the main housing. The bottom of the main housing is then connected to the tankless water heater. Additional embodiments are disclosed for tankless water heaters and other equipment with an air intake port and a gas exhaust port.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that include implementing network-efficient data durability or data reliability coding on a network. In one example, this disclosure describes a method that includes generating a plurality of data fragments from data to enable reconstruction of the data from a subset of the plurality of data fragments; storing, across a plurality of nodes in a network, the plurality of data fragments, wherein storing the plurality of data fragments includes storing the first fragment at a first node and the second fragment at a second node; and generating, by the first node, a plurality of secondary fragments derived from the first fragment to enable reconstruction of the first fragment from a subset of the plurality of secondary fragments; and storing the plurality of secondary fragments from the first fragment across a plurality of storage devices included within the first node.