Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives session features for a session associated with a request for a video from a client and predicts network conditions for the session using the session features. A subset of available profiles is selected based on the network conditions. The available profiles are associated with a different playback characteristic. The method provides a profile ladder that includes the subset of available profiles for the playback of the video to the client. The profile ladder restricts the client to using the subset of available profiles to request segments of the video during the session.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing digital video includes displaying a preview of a field of view of the imaging device in a user interface of the imaging device. A sequence of images is captured. A main subject and a background in the sequence of images is determined, wherein the main subject is different than the background. A sequence of modified images for use in a final video is obtained, wherein each modified image is obtained by combining two or more images of the sequence of images such that the main subject in the modified image is blur free and the background is blurred. The sequence of modified images is combined to obtain the final video, which is stored in a memory of the imaging device, and displayed in the user interface.

Abstract: A cement form assembly includes cement and a cement form. The cement form can include a ground facing surface extending horizontally on a ground support surface and a cement facing surface extending vertically and contacting the cement. An extension member extends outward from the cement form and includes a surface that extends the ground facing surface or the cement facing surface. The cement form and the extension member are each made, at least partially, of a foam material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to apparatus and methods that collect sensed data and that may organize that data such that it can be accessed by user devices or that can be organized and analyzed according to rules, conventions, or policies. Data collected by sensors or devices may be transmitted to a computer or server that stores that data. That stored data may then be analyzed to identify trends, events, or a chain of related events. In certain instances, an analysis of sets of raw data may result in the generation of a report or may result in alerts being sent to particular user devices. These sets of collected data, generated reports, and alert information may be stored and synchronized at one or more computing devices as data sets associated with a group of user devices or with a group of sensing devices.

Abstract: A system and method for performing field-portable GC/MS measurements for the rapid sampling and measurement of high temperature boiling semi-volatile organic compounds in environmental samples, wherein other column bundles have cold spots that may prevent high temperature boiling semi-volatile components from eluting the GC column, this new design may eliminate those cold spots on the GC column.

Abstract: In some implementations, a substrate for coupling to an integrated circuit includes multiple layers. Each of the multiple layers has, in a particular region of the substrate, a repeating pattern of regions corresponding to power and ground. The multiple layers include (i) a top layer having, in the particular region, power contacts and ground contacts for coupling to an integrated circuit and (ii) a bottom layer having, in the particular region, power contacts and ground contacts for coupling to another device. At least one layer of the multiple layers has a repeating pattern of signal traces that extend along and are located between the regions corresponding to ground in the at least one layer.

Abstract: A computer may receive editing instructions that specify one or more changes to filters in an existing access control list or a template for an access control list. Then, the computer may dynamically generate the clone access control list by applying the editing instructions to the existing access control list or the template for the access control list. For example, the computer may provide the editing instructions to a computer network device (such as a switch or a router) that are applied to the existing access control list or the template for the access control list while the computer network device is processing data packets. Alternatively, the computer may apply the editing instructions to the existing access control list or the template for the access control list that is not currently installed on the computer network device, and may provide the access control list to the computer network device.

Abstract: A human shoe sole has foot supporting upper surface including a first region for supporting the first, second, third, fourth and optionally fifth metatarsal heads of the foot of the wearer when the human shoe sole is worn; a second region for supporting the wearer's heel when the shoe sole is worn; and a section bridging the first section and the second section. The shoe sole includes a cuboid pad immediately forward the second section configured to underlie essentially the central interior region of the cuboid bone of the wearer, The cuboid pad includes an obliquely running groove or notch on a superior surface of the cuboid pad arranged to align with the location of the peroneus longus tendon of the wearer.

Abstract: A motorcycle plug cover having a cup-shaped body with a cylindrical wall and a continuous annular groove for receiving engagement with an O-ring gasket. The body has a curved external cap surface with an edge extending beyond the cylindrical wall and beyond an external surface of the rubber O-ring gasket when engaged within the continuous annular groove in the cylindrical wall. Spring openings are formed through the cylindrical wall arranged in pairs and on opposite sides of the cylindrical wall, each for receiving and engaging a spring ball plunger that is secured within a one of the spring openings. The cup-shaped body has a curved external cap surface supporting a decorative design.

Abstract: A system and method for operating the same includes a drive sprocket assembly, a clutch lever, a user interface generating a reverse signal at a user interface, a wheel speed sensor generating a wheel speed signal, a transmission position sensor generating a transmission position signal and a vehicle control module receiving the reverse signal, the wheel speed signal and the transmission position signal. The vehicle control module engages a reverse gear at a drive sprocket in response to the reverse signal, the wheel speed and transmission gear position and controls the drive sprocket assembly in response to the clutch lever.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for machine translation using neural networks. In some implementations, a text in one language is translated into a second language using a neural network model. The model can include an encoder neural network comprising a plurality of bidirectional recurrent neural network layers. The encoding vectors are processed using a multi-headed attention module configured to generate multiple attention context vectors for each encoding vector. A decoder neural network generates a sequence of decoder output vectors using the attention context vectors. The decoder output vectors can represent distributions over various language elements of the second language, allowing a translation of the text into the second language to be determined based on the sequence of decoder output vectors.

Abstract: A pressure control device can include an outer housing, a bearing assembly with bearings to rotatably support an inner barrel in the outer housing, a heat exchanger, and fluid passages that communicate between the bearings and the heat exchanger, and a latch assembly configured to releasably secure the bearing assembly in the outer housing. The latch assembly can include a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the bearing assembly heat exchanger. Another pressure control device can include a bearing assembly with bearings to rotatably support an inner barrel in the outer housing, fluid passages that communicate with space adjacent the bearings, a pump in communication with the fluid passages, and a gear train connected between the pump and a ring gear secured to the inner barrel.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing a portable lab system for PCR testing. An example method for operating an integrated thermal cycling system includes depositing samples into the integrated thermal cycling system that includes a thermal cycling device and an electronic interface. The thermal cycling device includes multiple wells to receive the samples to be thermally cycled, a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) element connected to the multiple wells, a substrate on which the TEC element is positioned, and a controller coupled to the TEC element. The multiple wells are positioned within the substrate that includes a thermally conductive ground positioned between adjacent wells. Supplying power to the integrated thermal cycling system, via the electronic interface, allows the multiple wells to exchange heat with the substrate and for each well to operate independently from other wells.

Abstract: A system for training animals includes a hand-held device and a remote device, where the remote device applies a stimulus when a user presses a button or trigger on the hand-held device. The amount of pressure applied is measured by a pressure sensitive transducer and transformed into proportional transducer signals. These transducer signals are transmitted to the remote device, which then applies a stimulus to an animal being trained. The amplitude of the applied stimulus corresponds to the amplitude of the transducer signals; a trainer can thus precisely control the intensity of the stimulus by applying and relieving pressure on the button. The type of stimulus applied is controlled based on the position of a rotary switch on the hand-held device. Sensor data generated by specialized sensors in the remote device may be transmitted to the hand-held device to provide the user with sensory feedback.

Abstract: A gel composition possessing good cohesive properties. In one embodiment, the gel composition includes a phase-change material. The phase-change material is preferably an aqueous salt solution. The gel composition also includes a cross-linkable thickener. The cross-linkable thickener preferably is compatible with an aqueous salt solution and preferably includes one or more cross-linkable hydroxyl groups. The gel composition additionally includes a boron-containing cross-linker that is present in an amount that is sufficient to gel the formulation. The weight ratio in the gel composition of boron to thickener is preferably in the range of about 1:250 to 1:50. When packaged in a container, the gel composition resists flowing when the container is torn or punctured. The present invention is also directed at a method of preparing the gel composition, at a thermal exchange implement including the gel composition, and at methods of preparing and using the thermal exchange implement.

Abstract: A cooling support cushion and method of forming same is provided. In particular, the present cooling support cushions and methods of producing the same make use of a plurality of surface coatings to a base layer to provide an extended cooling effect. The surface coating may be mixed and applied or may be applied as separated layers.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, and/or manufacture that is configured for operably releasing condensate received from a condensate-producing unit toward a drain without allowing a substantial quantity of gas to flow through the system, machine, device, and/or manufacture, those embodiments including a valve, a spring, and/or a housing.

Abstract: Methods, computer systems, computer-storage media, and graphical user interfaces are provided for facilitating data transformations, according to embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, a plurality of remote sources is searched to identify candidate transformation tools relevant for performing data transformations. The candidate transformation tools are analyzed to identify tool examples corresponding with each of the candidate transformation tools. For each of the candidate transformation tools, the tool examples are stored in association with the corresponding candidate transformation tool. Based on a comparison of tool examples with example values, a transformation tool is identified as relevant to facilitate transforming example input values to the desired form in which to transform data.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for accessing information associated with an organization hierarchy. In one aspect of the disclosure, a method includes transmitting, from a device to a server in which multiple group models are stored, an access request to access a first group model of the multiple group models. Each group model of the multiple group models is associated with a different organization and includes multiple group data structures, multiple group type data structures, and multiple group member data structures. Each group model is associated with group hierarchy information that indicates a hierarchy associated with the multiple group data structures associated with the group model. The method further includes receiving, at the device and based on the access request, first hierarchy information associated with a first group model. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A vehicle, variable spring system and method of operating a corner actuator coupled to wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle includes the corner actuator and the variable spring system. The variable spring system includes a control chamber coupled to the corner actuator, a first spring, a second spring, and a valve. An applied resistance for the corner actuator is selected by selecting an amount of fluid coupling between the control chamber and each of the first spring and the second spring. A force is absorbed at the wheel using the applied resistance.