Abstract: Improved multi-modal machine learning networks integrate computer vision systems with language models. In certain embodiments, a computer vision system analyzes at least one image to generate a computer vision output. The language model generates an output based, at least in part, on a consideration of the computer vision output. The outputs of the language model can be generated by jointly considering textual information learned by the language model and visual content extracted by the computer vision system, thereby significantly improving the accuracy, breadth, and comprehensiveness of the outputs.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a method and system for provisioning a merchant-specific payment apparatus, such as a temporary payment card, via a computing device, such as an automated teller machine (ATM). A user, such as a customer, may specify a merchant. A record of known payment acceptance types at that merchant may be returned, which may be used to determine what type of temporary payment card gets issued to the user.

Abstract: An exemplary audio enhancement system substantially eliminates latency by returning audio input signals in amplified form directly in the analog domain to the source, thereby reducing signal degradation and removing redundancy from digital and analog audio transmission and processing architectures.

Abstract: A stemming system includes a computing device and a stemming device. The computing device includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware. The data processing hardware includes a transmitter and a receiver. The stemming device is communicatively-coupled to the computing device. The stemming device includes a base portion and a valve-engaging portion. The valve-engaging portion includes a transducer that obtains a measurement communicated to the receiver of the computing device. The measurement includes at least one physical parameter associated with installing a tire-wheel assembly valve to a wheel throughout a process of disposing the valve within a valve hole of the wheel. The processor analyzes a data signature associated with the measurement for determining if the valve has been adequately or inadequately installed by the stemming device.

Abstract: A woven plastic bag having features that further prevent leakage of contents out of the bag, or infestation of organisms into the contents of the bag is provided. In various aspects the bag can be fabricated from a woven polymer layer and a film layer, can form a pinch bottom bag, and can have one or both sides include graphics and/or printing. The bag can also provide a top end and/or a bottom end either or both of which provide a discrete area which may contain discrete graphics and/or printing. The bag can have an end with a step cut configuration, wherein the step cut configuration includes one or more angled and/or radial cuts between separations.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that leverage existing information displayed or presented to a user by an app without requiring the integration of new libraries or requiring a user to use a specific app. Rather, methods and systems presented herein identify a task, select an app or multiple apps capable of performing the task, obtain information that may be required by the app or apps, determine a contextual understanding of what is displayed by the selected app or apps, and finally generate and automate the interaction with the app or apps such that the interaction with the app or apps is handled by an automation agent, allowing a user to stay focused on one or more tasks that the user needs to accomplish.

Abstract: A wheel end support assembly and method of assembly. The assembly may include a spindle, a brake torque plate, and a locator bushing. The locator bushing is received in a first locator hole of the spindle and a second locator hole of the brake torque plate and aligns the brake torque plate to the spindle.

Abstract: Data deduplication techniques may use a fingerprint hash table and a backend location hash table in connection with performing operations including fingerprint insertion, fingerprint deletion and fingerprint lookup. Processing I/O operations may include: receiving a write operation that writes data to a target logical address; determining a fingerprint for the data; querying the fingerprint hash table using the fingerprint to determine a matching entry of the fingerprint hash table for the fingerprint; and responsive to determining that the fingerprint hash table does not have the matching entry that matches the fingerprint, performing processing including: inserting a first entry in the fingerprint hash table, wherein the first entry includes the fingerprint for the data and identifies a storage location at which the data is stored; and inserting a second entry in a backend location hash table, wherein the second entry references the first entry.

Abstract: A method of forming an asphalt mixture can include mixing a bio-source material and a bitumen source to form a bitumen mixture. The bitumen mixture can be mixed with a catalyst to form the asphalt mixture. Particles can be added to the asphalt mixture to form a roofing-grade asphalt mixture. In an embodiment, the bitumen source material can have a softening point of at least approximately 93° C. and a penetration distance no greater than approximately 25 dmm. In another embodiment, the roofing-grade asphalt mixture can have a softening point of at least approximately 104° C., a penetration distance no greater than approximately 12 dmm, a viscosity of at least approximately 3000 cps at a temperature of 204° C., or any combination thereof. The asphalt mixture can be applied to a base material to form a roofing product. The asphalt mixture can be applied as a pavement product.

Abstract: Solvent-based adhesive composition are disclosed, the compositions comprising (A) a polyester-urethane resin, (B) an epoxy-terminated polyester compound, (C) a phosphoric acid, and (D) an aliphatic isocyanate curing agent. Methods for preparing a solvent-based adhesive composition, the methods comprising providing a polyester-urethane resin, providing an epoxy-terminated polyester compound, mixing the polyester-urethane resin, epoxy-terminated polyester compound, and phosphoric acid to form a resin mixture, diluting the resin mixture in a solvent to form a diluted resin mixture having an application solid content from 25 to 55 weight percent, based on the total weight of the diluted resin mixture, and curing the diluted resin mixture with an aliphatic isocyanate curing agent at a mix ratio (parts by weight resin mixture before dilution:parts by weight aliphatic isocyanate curing agent) of from 100:1 to 100:12.

Abstract: Therapeutically-active compositions that combine strontium with at least one additional molecules that increase the overall therapeutic potency of the combination beyond the potency of any of the separate constituents. Specifically, the combinations perform two important functions; (1) they increase the ability of topically-applied strontium to inhibit both acute sensory irritation (e.g., pruritus and pain), redness, swelling and inflammation (collectively defined for purposes of this description, “irritation”) and the chronic irritation that is characteristic of and contributes to the development and maintenance of painful or pruritic neuropathic conditions; and (2) they decrease the strontium activated pathways that are known to enhance the development and maintenance of pain, pruritis and neuropathic conditions.

Abstract: A squeezable, white polypropylene film is disclosed having a novel balance of conformability, stiffness, modulus, opacity, and whiteness. The film includes an ABCBA structure having a core layer of polypropylene resin with an elastomeric copolymer and a cavitating agent. Two intermediate layers of polypropylene resin are present on either side, the intermediate layers optionally including an elastomeric copolymer and a pigmenting agent. Two polymer skin layers surround the two intermediate layers. The resins are co-extruded into a biaxially oriented film having a thickness between 40 to 70 pm for use in pressure-sensitive labeling applications.

Abstract: A watercraft and a waterproof electronics container are provided. The watercraft includes a flotation portion. A strut is removably affixed to a portion of the watercraft. A first connector portion is mounted to the upper end of the strut. A waterproof electronics container includes a second connector portion is disposed such that the second connector forms at least one electrically conductive pathway with the first connector portion when both are affixed to the watercraft. The waterproof electronics container is removably affixed to the said watercraft. In one aspect, the waterproof electronics container houses a power source capable of powering an electric motor that propels the watercraft.

Abstract: A light intensity modulator includes an input optical fiber; an output optical fiber; an optical arrangement having a lens, where the optical arrangement is configured to receive light from the input optical fiber, pass the light through the lens, and direct the light to the output optical fiber; and a piezoelectric device coupled to the lens, where the piezoelectric device is configured for moving the lens to alter overlap of the output optical fiber and the light directed to the output optical fiber to modulate intensity of light in the output optical fiber.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a modular system for deep brain stimulation (DBS) and electrocorticography (ECoG). The system may have an implantable neuromodulator for generating electrical stimulation signals adapted to be applied to a desired region of a brain via an attached electrode array. An aggregator module may be used for collecting and aggregating electrical signals and transmitting the electrical signals to the neuromodulator. A control module may be used which is in communication with the aggregator module for controlling generation of the electrical signals and transmitting the electrical signals to the aggregator.

Abstract: An assembly includes a vehicle frame having a middle section, a front-section vehicle-forward of the middle section, and a rear section vehicle-rearward of the middle section. The middle section has frame rails spaced from each other and cross-beams extending from one frame rail toward the other frame rail. The frame rails each having a vehicle-forward end and a vehicle-rearward end. The assembly includes one or more electric-vehicle batteries. At least one of the batteries is in one of the cross-beams. The assembly includes two front nodes between and directly connected to the middle section and the front section and two rear nodes between and directly connected to the middle section and the rear section.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to pharmaceutical compositions for preventing, treating, reducing the duration, or reducing the severity of symptoms of the common cold. The pharmaceutical composition can comprise a probiotic formulation of non-pathogenic bacteria, vitamin C and vitamin D along with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or filler. A method of for preventing, treating, reducing the duration, or reducing the severity of symptoms of the common cold is also disclosed in which a patient in need of a treatment for preventing, treating, reducing the duration, or reducing the severity of symptoms of the common cold is identified. The pharmaceutical composition can then be administered orally to the patient.

Abstract: A computing device may be configured to provide authorization to a first content source to provide first content to a user device. The computing device may receive a request from the first content source to identify a location of second content to be presented to the user device and respond to the request by providing an address to the first content source. At the provided address, a request for the second content from the user device may be received. When responding to the request, the computing device may retrieve information associated with the user (e.g., user preference information) from the user device. Using this information, the computing device may generate at least one parameter for selecting the second contend and send a response to the user device. The response may include an address for the second content and the at least one parameter for selecting the second content.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a container including a reseal-able closure mechanism having a rocker arm and a pull tab or actuator button.

Abstract: A method of operating an electrochemical cell including introducing an aqueous solution into the electrochemical cell, applying a current across an anode and a cathode to produce a product, monitoring the voltage, dissolved hydrogen, or a condition of the aqueous solution, and applying the current in a pulsed waveform responsive to one of the measured parameters is disclosed. An electrochemical system including an electrochemical cell including an anode and a cathode, a source of an aqueous solution having an outlet fluidly connectable to the electrochemical cell, a sensor for measuring a parameter, and a controller configured to cause the anode and the cathode to apply the current in a pulsed waveform responsive to the parameter measurement is disclosed. Methods of suppressing accumulation of hydrogen gas within the electrochemical cell are also disclosed. Methods of facilitating operation of an electrochemical cell are also disclosed.