Abstract: A ball bat includes a continuous tape of fiber material wrapped around the longitudinal axis in a helix extending along the longitudinal axis. Interlaminar interfaces between adjacent turns of the tape are oriented obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the ball bat includes a preform structure, the tape being wrapped around the preform structure. In some embodiments, the ball bat includes a flared element on the preform structure. An end of the continuous tape may be positioned on an angled surface of the flared element. An outer skin may be positioned over the tape. Methods of making ball bats may include attaching a first end of a fiber tape to a flared element on a preform structure or a mandrel and wrapping the fiber tape around the preform structure or mandrel in a helix extending along the longitudinal axis of the preform structure or mandrel.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein for using a smart device such as a standalone assistant-centric interactive speaker and/or a standalone assistant-centric interactive display with speaker(s) to send a message using a messaging application on a client device such as a smartphone. A method includes: receiving, by a first device, a request from a first user to send a message to a second user; determining that a messaging application corresponding to the request is unavailable on the first device; and in response to determining that the messaging application corresponding to the request is unavailable on the first device: selecting a second device on which the messaging application corresponding to the request is available; and sending, to the second device, a command that causes the second device to send the message from the first user to the second user using the messaging application on the second device.

Abstract: Embodiments describe systems and methods for analyzing digital certificates. A computer-implemented method can include identifying a plurality of digital certificates, individual digital certificates of the plurality of digital certificates including respective internal information. External information associated with the individual digital certificates can be determined, the external information not contained within the respective digital certificate. The external information can be updated in a database with additional external information that is collected on a periodic basis. A query can be run against the database to identify one or more vulnerable digital certificates associated with a client based on the internal information and the external information. A notification can be sent to the client regarding the one or more vulnerable digital certificates.

Abstract: A catalytic carbon capture material is provided. The catalytic carbon capture material includes a microporous polymer including a Tröger's base moiety, and a transition metal is coordinated within the microporous polymer. The catalytic carbon capture material selectively captures carbon dioxide (CO2) and also is a catalyst that simultaneously converts the captured carbon dioxide into one or more carbon dioxide-based products. A method of making the catalytic carbon capture material and a method of selective carbon dioxide capture and conversion are also provided.

Abstract: Described are exemplary embodiments of a handheld, powered positive displacement pipette assembly, including a plurality of syringes of different volumes and a powered positive displacement pipette having unique mechanisms for the retention, identification, operation, and ejection of said syringes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for distributing a domain name service (DNS) response cache in a DNS resolving system on a network. The systems and methods described herein may improve response times for client queries and also protect the DNS resolving system from DNS related cyber attacks.

Abstract: First-aid systems comprising an ultra compact first-aid pouch configured to fit behind the ballistic plates of a protective vest are disclosed. In this configuration, the first-aid kit is protected from shrapnel and tearing, is easily locatable and removable and does not effect the user's freedom of movement. When the first-aid pouch is removed from its protected location, it presents the first-aid equipment in a logical and easily viewable manner.

Abstract: Haptic feedback from a robotic surgical tool can be adjusted based on intra-operative assessment of the accuracy of a pre-operative surgical navigational plans. Navigational reference points are identified in at least one pre-operative image. At least one haptic response is identified for interactions between at least one robotic surgical tool and at least one navigational reference point. At least one intra-operative image is compared to the pre-operative image to determine the relative position of at least two corresponding navigational reference points in the images. The reference points' relative position determines a confidence level in the accuracy of the pre-operative navigational reference point. The haptic response is adjusted in timing, location, type, or amplitude based upon the confidence level. Tolerances and surgical navigation plan may also be updated and altered based on the confidence level.

Abstract: A vehicle and a drive system include a method of operating the vehicle. In another exemplary embodiment, a drive system of a vehicle is disclosed. The drive system includes a first sensor, a second sensor and a processor. The first sensor is disposed at a first location of the drive system for measuring a first angle of rotation. The second sensor is disposed at a second location of the drive system for measuring a second angle of rotation. The processor is configured to determine a torque transferred between the first location and the second location based on a difference between the first angle of rotation and the second angle of rotation and control an operation of the drive system based on the torque.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from a first remote device, an initial first plurality of status metrics corresponding to a first domain, each of the initial plurality of status metrics indicating whether a corresponding parameter of the first domain requires remediation. The method includes comparing the initial plurality of status metrics to a reference database, the reference database listing previously encountered problems with known remediation solutions. The method includes receiving from the first remote device, an updated plurality of status metrics corresponding the first domain, each of the updated plurality of status metrics indicating whether a corresponding parameter of the first domain requires remediation. The method includes applying an algorithm to the updated plurality of status metrics to generate a maturity score of the first domain. The method includes combining the maturity score of the first domain and a maturity score of a second domain to generate a maturity report.

Abstract: A personalized and intrinsically valuable jewelry form factor or greeting card that includes electronic functionality. In an embodiment, one form factor is metallic, rectangular device with overall thickness of 3 mm that is credit-card sized. Embedded inside the form factor are electronic components giving rise to its functionality such as processing, data storage, messaging display, user input, wireless charging facilities, battery compactly disposed inside of a 2 mm cavity. Further, the form factor provides strength with a wall thickness of 0.5 mm and made of titanium, or the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to determine a power state of a device. An example method includes determining respective counts for a plurality of measurements during a calibration period, the measurements indicative of an amount of power drawn by the device, determining a first threshold and a second threshold based on at least one of the counts, the first threshold determined using most frequently logged measurement values, the most frequently logged measurement values based on counts performed after expiration of the calibration period, comparing a measurement to the first threshold and to the second threshold, and outputting a positive indication when the measurement is within an acceptable difference range, the acceptable difference range based on the amount of power drawn by the device.

Abstract: An audio services agent manager (ASAM) of a control device can provide an improved user experience by iterating through a list of audio services agents so as to verify that a requested audio service is provided. The ASAM can receive an audio input from an audio input device and direct the audio input as an audio command to an audio services agent based on an audio service rule. The ASAM can verify processing of the audio command by the audio service agent based on a response received by the ASAM from the audio service agent. If the response indicates success, then the audio service requested by the audio command is provided, otherwise, the ASAM can select another audio services agent based on the audio service rule and proceed to direct the audio command to the newly selected audio services agent so as to provide the requested audio service.

Abstract: A remote control device for controlling lighting devices may be configured to detect an excessive user interaction (e.g., a continued user interaction) and reduce a number of command messages that are being transmitted to prevent the lighting devices from producing undesirable visual effects. The remote control device may comprise a user interface (e.g., that may include a rotation portion, such as a rotary knob) and a processor configured to receive an indication of a user interaction via the user interface. The processor may periodically transmit command messages at a transmission frequency in response to a continued user interaction, where each of the command messages comprise a respective command for adjusting to a respective lighting level. The processor may also start a usage timer in response to receiving the indication of the user interaction, and decrease the transmission frequency in response to the usage timer exceeding a usage threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a provisioning service, such as a broker provisioner service (BPS), for provisioning a device (e.g., such as a control device and/or a mobile device) to one or more remote servers. The device may send a connection request message to the BPS to be provisioned with the remote servers (e.g., one or more services offered by the remote servers). The BPS may determine one or more services and/or brokers associated with the corresponding remote servers with which the device may be provisioned, e.g., based on provisioning rules. The BPS may apply the provisioning rules to determine the appropriate services and/or brokers and the corresponding remote servers with which the device may be provisioned. The BPS may send a provision message to the device. The device may establish communications with the provisioned services and/or brokers and/or the corresponding remote servers.

Abstract: A wiring socket adapter is described that is configured to provide tow zone illumination. In embodiments the adapter includes a housing, a plug at a first end of the housing configured to be attached to a trailer wiring socket of a vehicle, and a socket at a second end of the housing configured to be attached to a trailer wiring plug. A lamp is at the second end of the housing and an electrical lead is coupled to the lamp at the second end of the housing to power the lamp and coupled to the socket at the first end of the housing to receive power from the socket.