Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, device and computer program product for processing a job. In a method, a first group of tasks in a first portion of the job are obtained, the first group of tasks being executable in parallel by a first group of processing devices. A plurality of priorities are set to a plurality of processing devices, respectively, based on a state of a processing resource of a processing device among the plurality of processing devices in a distributed processing system, the processing resource comprising at least one of a computing resource and a storage resource. The first group of processing devices are selected from the plurality of processing devices based on the plurality of priorities. The first group of tasks are allocated to the first group of processing devices, respectively, which process the first group of tasks for generating a first group of task results.

Abstract: Docking platforms formed in one of the largest-surface-area surfaces of mobile electronic devices. Such a docking platform may comprise a docking accessory cavity having a docking connection system comprising one or more docking connectors formed within the cavity, and optionally two or more electrical contacts within the cavity, the contacts electrically connected to electronics within the electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to detachable docking accessories. The docking connection system is operable to form detachable attachments to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. The cavities of the docking platforms are shaped to accommodate a broad range of docking accessories that are specially adapted to sit in a generally flush manner with the back surface of the mobile electronic device while attached to the docking connectors. One type of accessory forms an assembly with an expandable accordion attached to the docking platform.

Abstract: From among physical storage devices (PSDs) of a storage system, a set of two or more of the PSDs that are eligible for scrubbing may be determined; and from among the set, a relative eligibility of the PSDs may be determined. Conformance prediction analysis may be applied to determine the set and the relative eligibility of PSDs of the set. The conformance prediction analysis may determine a scrubbing eligibility classification (e.g., label), and a confidence value for the classification, which may serve as the relative eligibility of the PSD. The eligible PSDs may be ranked in an order according to determined confidence values, and may be further classified according to such order. The future workload of the storage system may be forecasted, and the scrubbing of PSDs may be scheduled based on the forecasted workload of the system and the relative eligibilities of the set of PSDs.

Abstract: A remote control device may control electrical loads and/or load control devices of a load control system without accessing electrical wiring. The remote control device may be configured to be mounted over an installed mechanical switch having a paddle actuator and may include a base and a control unit that is configured to be removably attached to the base. The base may include a frame, a clamp arm, a screw, and/or a sleeve. The clamp arm may be configured to secure the base to a protruding portion of the paddle actuator. The clamp arm may be attached to the frame at a pivot joint. The clamp arm may be configured to pivot about the pivot joint. The pivot joint may be located proximate to an endpoint or a midpoint of the frame.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a novel network architecture for providing edge services of a virtual private cloud (VPC) at host computers hosting machines of the VPC. The host computers in the novel network architecture are reachable from external networks through a gateway router of an availability zone (AZ). The gateway router receives a data message from the external network addressed to one or more data compute nodes (DCNs) in the VPC and forwards the data message to a particular host computer identified as providing a distributed edge service for the VPC. The particular host computer, upon receiving the forwarded data message, performs the distributed edge service and provides the serviced data message to a destination DCN.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods that control the motion of an autonomous vehicle by rewarding or otherwise encouraging progress toward a goal, rather than simply rewarding distance travelled. In particular, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can project a candidate motion plan that describes a proposed motion path for the autonomous vehicle onto a nominal pathway to determine a projected distance associated with the candidate motion plan. The systems and methods of the present disclosure can use the projected distance to evaluate a reward function that provides a reward that is positively correlated to the magnitude of the projected distance. The motion of the vehicle can be controlled based on the reward value provided by the reward function. For example, the candidate motion plan can be selected for implementation or revised based at least in part on the determined reward value.

Abstract: An optimistic byzantine agreement protocol (the protocol) first tries to reach agreement via an efficient deterministic algorithm (synchronous protocol) that relies on synchrony for termination. If an agreement is not reached (e.g., due to asynchrony), the protocol uses a randomized asynchronous algorithm (asynchronous protocol) for fallback. Although randomized asynchronous algorithms are considered to be costly, the rationale here is to bound communication in non-synchronous runs after an equivalent cost has already paid.

Abstract: Interbody fusion devices and related methods of manufacture are described herein. An example interbody fusion device can include a plurality of vertebral endplates, and a body extending between the vertebral endplates. The body and the vertebral endplates can define an internal cavity. Additionally, each of the vertebral endplates can include a lattice structure and a frame surrounding the lattice structure, where the lattice structure being configured to distribute load. Each of the vertebral endplates can also include a plurality of micro-apertures having an average size between about 2 to about IO micrometers (?m), and a plurality of macro-apertures having an average size between about 300 to about 800 micrometers (?m).

Abstract: Decentralized computer systems and methods are disclosed for hyperledger-based payment transactions, alerts, and dispute settlement, using smart contracts. One method includes: receiving transaction information comprising transaction data of transaction attributes for a transaction for a good or service originating at a merchant; storing the transaction data of the transaction attributes for the transaction, in a smart contract generated or updated by a smart contract application; deploying the Smart contract into one or more blockchain networks, wherein at least one of the one or more blockchain networks; performing one or more iterations of enabling, using an inter ledger protocol, to transfer at least some of the transaction data of the transaction attributes of the transaction to another of the one or more blockchain networks, wherein each of the one or more blockchain networks serves one or more business functions of the transaction.

Abstract: A fastener extractor and dislodging tool apparatus includes a torque-tool body, a threaded opening, a plurality of engagement features, and a release bolt. The plurality of engagement features that grips the lateral surface of the stripped fastener is radially positioned around a rotation axis of the torque-tool body. The plurality of engagement features being perimetrically connected around a base of the torque-tool body thus delineating a socket body that removes the stripped fastener. The threaded opening traverses through the base so that the release bolt can be threadedly engaged with the threaded opening, opposite of the plurality of engagement features. When the stripped fastener is jammed within the plurality of engagement features, the release bolt can be threadedly moved into the space between the plurality of engagement features thus dislodging the stripped fastener from the torque-tool body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a produce bag. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a completely recyclable and compostable grocery-type bag for use with produce and other goods. Ideally, the bag is a calendared single-ply paper with heat-sealed seams that is resistant to destruction from moisture. While produce is contemplated, the bag can be used to contain virtually any product. Preferably, such a bag would have a window or an opening so that produce can be viewed and readily identified. The present invention is further directed to a process for creating and filling the above bag. Using a standard printing machine, the adhesive is printed onto the paper in register to desired locations on the paper to form the seams of the bag and, optionally border a window area to be cut out of the paper.

Abstract: An artificial-reality device for audio playback is provided. The artificial-reality device includes: (i) a head-mounted display including at least one lens, and (ii) one or more transducers, coupled to the head-mounted display. The transducers are configured to generate signals that vibrate the at least one lens of the head-mounted display. The at least one lens generates acoustic waves that correspond to media presented by the head-mounted display when vibrated by the one or more transducers. Characteristics of the signals generated by the one or more transducers cause the acoustic waves generated by the at least one lens to be directed towards at least one ear of a user of the artificial reality device. Values of the characteristics for the signals are determined based on: (i) the media presented by the head-mounted display and (ii) characteristics of the at least one lens.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a running board for a motor vehicle, and in particular relates to a linkage assembly for the running board and a corresponding method of using the same. An example running board assembly includes a deck and a linkage assembly configured to guide movement of the deck. The linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link further from the deck than the first link. The second link is curved such that the second link exhibits a concave contour from a perspective of the deck.

Abstract: Methods of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow include extracting loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow—including a liquid component thereof—to a collection container that has a first cup and a suction port to which a suction source is connected. After extraction, the suction source is disconnected and a lid of the collection container is removed and replaced with a lid having a plunger with a press head that is configured to filter the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger toward a bottom of the first cup. The filtered liquid is poured through a suction port into a second cup while depressing the plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a semi-solid mass of cancellous bone that remains. The bone is extracted through a cortical opening in the femur, tibia, or calcaneus, or from an intermedullary canal that is preferably formed by reaming of the tibia using an orthopedic reamer.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivery items includes sidewalls that define a cargo space. A retention assembly is operably coupled to the sidewalls. The retention assembly includes a housing and a retention feature that is operably coupled to the housing. The retention feature has an attachment portion and a control unit that is operably coupled with the retention feature. A controller is communicatively coupled to the control unit of the retention assembly, and a memory storage is communicatively coupled with the controller.

Abstract: A magnetic switching arrangement including a first contact, a second contact, at least one of the first and second contacts including a magnetically responsive material, a biaser operably connected to one of the first and second contacts and biasing the one of the first and second contact into electrical connection with the other of the first and second contacts such that a closed circuit is achieved in the absence of an external force preventing closure of the first and second contacts, and a disconnector maintaining the first and second contacts spaced from one another, preventing formation of a circuit. A method for operating a tool including applying or removing a magnetic field configuration and causing a first and second contact within the tool to make electrical contact. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, and disposed in the borehole.

Abstract: A storage system includes a protective housing member configured to mate with a handheld electronic device. The protective housing member includes a charging area formed between a surface of the protective housing member and a surface of an accessory item of the handheld electronic device. The charging area is configured to charge the accessory item of the handheld electronic device. The charging area is powered by at last one power component of the protective housing member or at least one power component of the handheld electronic device. The storage system further includes at least one integrated circuit which is either a component of the handheld electronic device or a component of the protective housing member.

Abstract: A personal wash composition which provides an effective antimicrobial benefit against fungi, gram positive and gram negative bacteria, which composition comprises: a) from 0.1% to 10 wt % betaine surfactant, b) from 0.1% to 5.0 wt % lactic acid, c) from 0.1% to 20 wt % polyhydric C2-C6 alcohol, d) from 0% to 10 wt % alkyl polyethoxy carboxylate of the formula RO(CH2CH2O)kCH2COO?M+ wherein R is a C8-C22 alkyl, k is an integer from 0 to 20, and M is a soluble salt-forming cation, e) from 0% to 10 wt % alkyl polyethoxy amides of the formula RO(CH2CH2O)kCH2CONH2 wherein R is a C8-C22 alkyl, k is an integer from 0 to 20, f) >8 wt % alkyl ether sulphate, g) water, h) a pH of 3.8-4.5, i) 10-20 wt % total surfactant, j) from 0.1 to 10 wt % metal salt.

Abstract: A ponded ash beneficiation system and related methods treat either landfilled or ponded waste coal fly ash by removing at least 75% of the carbon from a collected quantity of such waste coal fly ash. Analysis and testing of the collected waste coal fly ash to determine optimal air balance, indirect heat temperature and retention time. Subjecting a stream of such waste coal fly ash to temperatures ranging from 900° F. and 1150° F. along with air addition calibrated as a function of the LOI of the carbon in such waste coal fly ash. This stream is exposed to the foregoing range of temperatures and corresponding air addition for a range of time between 20 minutes and 90 minutes, in certain aspects of the disclosure. A system for beneficiating landfilled or ponded waste coal fly ash makes use of a carbon reduction kiln comprising multiple independent heat zones so that the waste coal fly ash is preferably exposed to indirect heat when received in such zones.

Abstract: A method implemented by a computer system, the computer-implemented method comprising receiving dimensions of a building surface, including a surface length and a surface height; receiving dimensions of a surface material unit, including a material length and a material height; receiving design parameters defining a three-dimensional design over the building surface; partitioning the three-dimensional design into a plurality of three-dimensional segments based on both the three-dimensional design and the dimensions of the surface material; and generating a set of milling instructions for cutting a plurality of surface material units into the plurality of three-dimensional segments.