Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer-readable storage devices, for robot navigation using 2D and 3D path planning. In the disclosed method, a robot accesses map data indicating two-dimensional layout of objects in a space and evaluates candidate paths for the robot to traverse. In response to determining that the candidate paths do not include a collision-free path across the space for a two-dimensional profile of the robot, the robot evaluates a three-dimensional shape of the robot with respect to a three-dimensional shape of an object in the space. Based on the evaluation of the three-dimensional shapes, the robot determines a collision-free path to traverse through the space.

Abstract: A heat press device is provided that includes a support structure, a first platen and a heating element assembly that includes a heating element and a second platen. The heat press device further includes a movement assembly configured to change a pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in a closed configuration. The heat press device can also include an indicator that is configured to convey the pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A power converter with secondary side active clamp. At least one example is a method including: limiting a push-phase voltage excursion of a phase node on a secondary side of a power converter during a push phase of a primary side of the power converter, the limiting by extracting current from the phase node and storing the current on a clamp capacitor; limiting a pull-phase voltage excursion of the phase node on the secondary side of the power converter during a pull phase of the primary side of the power converter, the limiting by extracting current from the phase node and storing the current on a clamp capacitor; and utilizing the current stored on the clamp capacitor to drive a component on the secondary side.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, to systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features and improved user interfaces. For instance, a smart search may be provided, e.g., where search results vary based on the popularity of songs within the venue, in dependence on songs being promoted, etc. As another example, a tile-based approach to organizing groupings of songs is provided. Groupings may involve self-populating collections of songs that combine centrally-promoted songs, songs in a given genre that are popular across an audiovisual distribution network, and songs that are locally popular and match up with the given genre (e.g., because of shared attributes such as same or similar genre, artist, etc.). Different tile visual presentations also are contemplated, as are different physical jukebox designs. In certain example embodiments, a sealed core unit with the “brains” of the jukebox is insertable into a docking station.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for associating a player loyalty account of a player with a stored value account. The player can accumulate loyalty points over time. The accumulated loyalty points can be converted to value, such as cash or coupons, associated with the stored value account. The value can be accessed by the player through the use of a stored value payment vehicle associated with the stored value account. The value added to the stored value account can be restricted such that the use of the value is limited to particular merchants or particular types of transactions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for efficient communication of content. A user device may request content from a content device. The content device may determine a browsing context of the user device. A user model based on machine learning may be determined based on the browsing context. The user model may be used to predicted additional content that might be requested by the user device. The additional content or a portion thereof may be sent to the user device in parallel with the originally requested content. As the user device rejects, accepts, or further requests the additional content, the user model may be further refined.

Abstract: A kit and method of abrading grain provides multiple components to improve the threshing operation within an agricultural combine. The kit includes a unique concave design, open valley rasp bars, and restrictor plates. The method of abrading grain allows threshing operations for large grains such as corn and, also, for small grains such as soybeans. For example, the kit can be used to facilitate construction of a harvesting system that comprises: a drum of a rotary combine; a straight bar concave in a first position, wherein the straight bar concave utilizing intersecting bars, wherein at least some of said intersecting bars including a sharp leading edge, wherein the sharp leading edge abrades harvested materials and separate grain therefrom when the rotary drum rotates; and a plurality of round bar concaves in at least a second and a third position.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula (I): which contain a 4-membered heterocyclic amide, where the variables are defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, that are useful as JAK kinase inhibitors. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat respiratory diseases, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.

Abstract: A system includes multiple microphone arrays positioned at different locations on a roof of an autonomous vehicle. Each microphone array includes two or more microphones. Internal clocks of each microphone array are synchronized by a processor and used to generate timestamps indicating when microphones capture a sound. Based on the timestamps, the processor is configured to localize a source of the sound.

Abstract: A storage lock for a storage door, the lock comprising a lock housing for mounting to the storage door or a storage frame supporting the door; and a lock mechanism arranged within the lock housing, the lock mechanism comprising a latch selectively operable between a locked position in which the latch is extended to engage with the other of the storage door and storage frame to block against opening of the storage door, and an unlocked position in which the latch is retracted to disengage from the other of the storage door and storage frame to allow the storage door to be opened for access to storage, and a latch control system selectively operable between a restricted position to block against operation of the latch out from the locked position, and an unrestricted position to permit operation of the latch out from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: An optical element includes a first boundary layer and a second boundary layer. A solution is disposed between the first boundary layer and the second boundary layer. The solution includes liquid crystals co-mingled with oblong photochromic dye molecules. The photochromic dye molecules are matched to the liquid crystals to offset a decrease in absorption of the photochromic dye molecules in response to a temperature increase of the photochromic dye molecules.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a composition including controlled release particles includes: (a) preparing an oil phase including at least one hydrophobic active ingredient, at least one isocyanate, at least one epoxy, at least one organofunctional silane, optionally at least one pre-reacted natural material resin, and optionally a plasticizer; (b) preparing an aqueous phase comprising an emulsifier; (c) combining the oil phase and the aqueous phase to provide an aqueous suspension; (d) adding at least one amine moiety containing material to provide a barrier; (e) heating; (f) adding a natural material to provide a microcapsule having hydroxyl moieties or amine moieties on a surface thereof; (g) adding an aldehyde to react with the surface moieties; and (h) adding structuring agents to provide the controlled release particles homogeneously suspended in an aqueous dispersion. The composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are skincare compositions that include a bactericide, one or more surfactants, water, and optionally saturated fatty acid. The composition may include a bactericide, surfactants (e.g., anionic and/or zwitterionic), saturated fatty acid, and no more than about 50 wt % water. Alternatively, the composition may include a bactericide, surfactants (e.g., anionic and/or nonionic), and at least about 50 wt % water. Commonly, the skincare compositions may include benzoyl peroxide and goat milk. The compositions may be used for various applications including cleaning the skin and as a shaving cream.

Abstract: A weight distribution hitch system comprising a vehicle attachment member comprising a forward end configured to rigidly attach to a vehicle, and a rearward end extending rearwardly toward a trailer, the rearward end comprising an upper portion comprising a trailer attachment member configured to pivotally attach to a coupler of the trailer, and a lower portion configured to receive a moment bar; a moment bar having a modulus of elasticity, the moment bar comprising a moment bar forward end attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member so as to prevent rotation about a horizontal axis, and a moment bar rearward end; a tension member comprising a top end configured to be supported by a frame member of the trailer, and a bottom end configured to support the rearward end of the moment bar; wherein, when the tension member is in tension, it imposes an upward force on the moment bar rearward end, which, in turn, imposes a forward moment on the vehicle; and wherein the modulus o

Abstract: A method of communicating over a plurality of network slices concurrently. The method comprises building a distributed ledger by a network slice registrar function (NSRF) application executing on a computer, where the distributed ledger records an association between a first network slice allocated to a user equipment (UE) and a second network slice allocated to the UE, providing information about the association of the UE to the first network slice and the second network slice by the NSRF application to a network slice selector function (NSSF), establishing a first communication link between the UE and a first call end point via the first network slice by a first user plane function (UPF) and establishing a second communication link between the UE and a second call end point via the second network slice by a second UPF based on the information provided by the NSRF application to the NSSF.

Abstract: Flexible BMG elements and methods for making the flexible BMG elements. The BMG element contains a main body made from a BMG material and may further contain a flange. The main body may contain at least one opening. The main body may be a thin-walled structure that is compressible, extendable, and/or bendable. A surface of the main body may be corrugated with a series of ridges and furrows.

Abstract: A method for removing perfluorinated compounds from a fluoropolymer material is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing the fluoropolymer material in a chamber; (b) providing an anaerobic environment in the chamber; and (c) providing a fluorination gas in the chamber, thereby exposing the fluoropolymer material to the fluorination gas. The method results in the removal the perfluorinated compounds from the fluoropolymer material.

Abstract: In some examples, a first computing device of a plurality of computing devices may be a member of a first partition group. For example, the first partition group may correspond to a first partition of multiple partitions of a metadata database. The first partition group may include at least one other computing device. Furthermore, each of the plurality of computing devices may maintain at least one partition of the metadata database so that the metadata database is partitioned into multiple partitions distributed across the computing devices. The first computing device may determine a first time threshold for a heartbeat communication to be sent to the other computing device(s) in the first partition group, and may select a random time before the first time threshold. The first computing device may send, based on the selected random time, the heartbeat communication to the other computing device(s) in the first partition group.

Abstract: A bike balance trainer apparatus for training a rider to balance on a single wheel of a bicycle and including a mount for a service stand and an attachment to allow it to act as a bike stand or storage apparatus is provided. The apparatus may have a base support member and a tire retention member movably connected to the base support member about a first pivot.

Abstract: Example systems and methods are disclosed for determining vehicle pose data for an autonomous vehicle. The vehicle computer system may receive pose data from multiple pose measurement systems of the autonomous vehicle. Each pose measurement system may include one or more corresponding sensors of the autonomous vehicle. The vehicle computer system may determine a pose data quality for the received pose data for each pose measurement system. The vehicle computer system may set the vehicle pose data to the pose data of the pose measurement system with the highest pose data quality. The vehicle computer system may control the autonomous vehicle based on the vehicle pose data.