Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that leverage multi-factor authentication features of a service provider and intelligent call routing to increase security and efficiency at a customer call center. Pre-authentication of customer support requests reduces the potential for misappropriation of sensitive customer data during call handling. A contactless card uniquely associated with a client may provide a second factor of authentication to reduce the potential for malicious third-party impersonation of the client. Pre-authorized customer support calls are intelligently and efficiently routed in a manner that reduces the opportunity for malicious call interference and information theft.

Abstract: Metadata for media content items is received. The media content items are displayed in an overview area in an electronic program guide (EPG) of a user interface. The overview area includes cells aligned in one or more rows. Input of a selection of one of the media content items displayed at the EPG in the user interface is received. Responsive to receiving the input of the selected media content item, the selected media content item is displayed in a focus area in the EPG of the user interface. The focus area includes expanded metadata that includes a sample of the selected media content item that is played as an underlay of a display of at least some of the subset of the metadata of the selected media content item.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for reading and writing data from a database table. In one aspect, a method includes: (1) initiating a read transaction to read from a first non-key column of a row in the database table, the database table having a plurality of rows, each row comprising a primary key and a plurality of non-key columns, the initiating including: (a) determining that a write transaction holds a lock on a second non-key column of the row in the database table, and (b) determining that no lock is held on the first non-key column; and (2) in response, concurrently reading data from the first non-key column and writing a new column value to the second non-key column; where each non-key column includes a last-write timestamp that indicates when the last write occurred for the respective non-key column.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for managing concurrent requests from clients for services. Client computing devices may be permitted to use available capacity beyond their associated thresholds. If a total quantity of current connections associated with a service is greater than or equal to a total connection threshold, connections with a client exceeding its connection threshold may be closed. A request for a new connection from another client may be granted based on closing the connections.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensor including a sensor lens, a casing mounted to the sensor, and a fluid nozzle mounted to the casing. The casing at least partially defines a duct positioned to outlet airflow across the sensor lens, and the duct defines a direction of airflow. The fluid nozzle is aimed through the duct in the direction of airflow.

Abstract: Methods and systems for conveying or operationalizing data from a transport climate control system (TCCS) that provides climate control within an internal space moved by a vehicle are disclosed. A method includes determining, by a controller of the TCCS, a set of TCCS operational measurements; obtaining, by the controller, a set of TCCS operational settings; determining, by the controller, a set of cargo measurements; creating a shipment performance log based on the set of TCCS operational measurements, the set of TCCS operational settings, and the set of cargo measurements; publishing the shipment performance log to a data repository; and retrieving the shipment performance log to facilitate disposition of goods in the internal space.

Abstract: Based on a set of planned control parameters defining a planned path for a vehicle, a set of reference control parameters corresponding to the set of planned path control parameters are identified. Optimized controller inputs associated with the identified set of reference control parameters, the set of planned control parameters, and operation noise data are input to a vehicle dynamics model that outputs a vehicle state model. Based on the vehicle state model, an actual path for the vehicle and an operating range for the actual path are determined. The planned path is determined to be one of verified or unverified based on the operating range.

Abstract: A computing system includes a processor and memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor provide a user interface module. The user interface module is configured to generate a tracker definition user interface having a threat parameter selection user interface element configured to receive a selection of at least one threat parameter, the tracker definition user interface also having a threat value user interface element configured to receive input specifying a threat value to match for the specified at least one threat parameter. The processor is configured to save a tracker based on the selection of at least one threat parameter and the threat value, and wherein the processor is configured to access a threat data store and execute the tracker against the threat data store to provide a tracker result.

Abstract: A method for shaping an optical element includes heating a first surface of an optical element, and allowing the first surface of the optical element to cool, thereby causing residual stress in the first surface which deforms the optical element to a predetermined shape. Heating can include applying a laser to the first surface.

Abstract: Techniques and a framework are described herein for constructing and/or updating, e.g., on top of a general-purpose knowledge graph, an “event-specific provisional knowledge graph.” In various implementations, live data stream(s) may be analyzed to identify entity(s) associated with a developing event. The entity(s) may form part of a general-purpose knowledge graph that includes entity nodes and edges between the entity nodes. Based on the identified one or more entities, an event-specific provisional knowledge graph may be constructed or updated in association with the developing event. In some implementations, the event-specific provisional knowledge graph may be queried for new information about the developing event. Computing devices may be caused to render, as output, the new information.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a cloud-based control platform remotely controls variable settings on a remotely-controlled system. In some aspects, the platform maintains a database of data objects for assets, and the data objects include static and dynamic hyperparameters associated with the asset and a template that specifies values of a variable associated with the asset for future time points. The platform updates a template for a data object by calculating target values for the variable for the future time points based on a target criterion, communicating with remote computer systems to determine current values of the dynamic hyperparameters, calculating scaled values for the future time points by applying a determined ratio to the target values, adjusting the scaled values based on the static hyperparameters, applying an override value to the adjusted scaled values. The remotely-controlled system is updated according to the updated template at each of the future time points.

Abstract: The technology involves operation of a self-driving truck or other cargo vehicle when it is being inspected at a weigh station. This may include determining whether a weigh station is open for inspection. Once at the weigh station, the vehicle may follow instructions of an inspection officer or autonomous inspection system. The vehicle may perform predefined actions or operations so that various vehicle systems and safety issues can be evaluated, such as the brakes, lights, tires, connections between the tractor and trailer, exposed fuel tanks, leaks, etc. A visual inspection may be performed to ensure the load is secured, vehicle and cargo documents meet certain criteria, and the carrier's safety record meets any requirements. In addition, the weigh station itself may be operated in a partly or fully autonomous mode when dealing with autonomous and manually driven vehicles.

Abstract: A film structure including: (a) at least one functionalized film layer, wherein the at least one film layer comprises a polar-reactive group polyolefin layer used as an internal layer in the film structure; and (b) a lamination adhesive composition present on, and in contact with, a least a portion of a surface of the internal layer; wherein the green tack value of the adhesive composition is greater than 0.772 Newtons/centimeter; a laminate including the above film structure bonded to a substrate layer; a process for producing the film structure; a process for producing the laminate; and a laminated article made from the above laminate.

Abstract: An isolation valve system, method, and apparatus are provided that can isolate a wellbore and prevent fluids from exiting the well and prevent seawater from entering the well. The system can be a two-part design in some embodiments where a shear sub is selectively interconnected to a body via shearing screws. A sufficient force on the shear sub destroys the shearing screws and the shear sub is removed from the body. This movement rotates an actuator on the body, which in turn rotates a valve in the body to provide the isolating function during routine operation of a wellbore or during an emergency.

Abstract: A system for measuring a thickness of a coating arranged on an anode substrate includes an optical measurement system configured to transmit a light signal having a known first polarization toward the anode substrate through the coating such that the light signal is reflected from the surface of the anode substrate, a detection module positioned to receive the reflected light signal and configured to determine a second polarization of the reflected light signal that is different from the first polarization and measure a polarization difference between the first polarization and the second polarization, and a measurement module configured to receive the measured polarization difference, calculate the thickness of the coating based on the measured polarization difference, and generate an output based on the calculated thickness.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly including an elongated tubular heat exchanger enclosure defining an interior chamber. A tube sheet is positioned within the interior chamber of the heat exchanger enclosure separating the interior chamber into a shell side and a channel side. The interior portion is configured to removably receive a tube bundle positioned within the shell side of the interior chamber. An annular sleeve member is positioned within the channel side of the interior chamber of the heat exchanger enclosure. An annular elastic torsion member is positioned within the channel side of the interior chamber of the heat exchanger such that the sleeve member is positioned between the tube sheet and the elastic torsion member. The elastic torsion member has an inner circumference deflectable relative to its outer circumference for torsioning the elastic torsion member.

Abstract: In general, intelligent fuel dispensers are provided. In at least some implementations, an intelligent fuel dispenser can determine customer identities and/or other characteristics and provide customized fueling sessions based on the determined customer identities and/or other characteristics. In at least some implementations, the fuel dispenser includes a touchless interface allowing customers to complete fueling sessions with minimal physical contact with the fuel dispenser.