Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a lockdown apparatus for facilitating initiation of lockdown procedures at a facility that includes multiple doors and is configured for occupation by facility occupants. A lockdown actuator is disposed at the facility and configured to initiate transmission of a lockdown initiation signal upon being actuated, the lockdown actuator being configured to be recognizably distinguishable from the fire alarm actuator. A lockdown communicator is configured to produce a lockdown initiation communication for communicating initiation of lockdown procedures to the facility occupants and individuals not disposed proximate the facility upon transmission of the lockdown initiation signal, the lockdown initiation communication being recognizably distinguishable from the fire alarm communication.

Abstract: A memory apparatus and method of operation is provided. The apparatus includes memory cells connected to word lines. The memory cells are disposed in memory holes and grouped into a plurality of tiers. The memory cells are configured to retain a threshold voltage corresponding to one of a plurality of data states to store one bit as single-level cells and a plurality of bits as multi-level cells. The apparatus also includes a control means coupled to the word lines and the memory holes and configured to select a predetermined strobe quantity of the plurality of tiers of the memory cells separately for the memory cells operating as the single-level cells and the memory cells operating as the multi-level cells. The control means is also configured to trigger sensing of the predetermined strobe quantity of the plurality of tiers of the memory cells during a verify operation.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe a testing framework for adaptive virtual services. In an example, a function vendor provides a network function having stated specifications to a service provider. A derived signature is generated for the network function (e.g., based on associated metadata, an image associated with the network function, and/or a network signature for the network function), which is used to classify the network function. The testing framework is used to test the network function according to its classification, thereby determining a set of capabilities. In examples, a network function having the same or similar signature as a previously tested network function may be categorized according to the previously tested network function. The network function is categorized according to its determined capabilities and added to an inventory of network functions for the service provider. Network functions in the inventory can then be selected to form a computer network.

Abstract: A thorn extractor apparatus has a frame, a roller, a screen that surrounds the roller, and a collection bin for receiving the thorny seeds. The frame includes a first and second side member, frame couplers, and a plurality of horizontal beams. The roller and screen work together to pick up and convey the thorny seeds to the collection bin to be discarded. The thorn extractor apparatus may feature a plurality of rollers coupled to a plurality of screens. The thorn extractor apparatus may also feature a vacuum, a kickstand, added weights, and a hitch mechanism configured to be pulled by a vehicle. Two or more frames may be coupled together in sequence to multiply the number of rollers clearing the ground of thorny seeds. The thorn extractor apparatus, in some examples, may feature an automatic drive system or be couplable to a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying entangled photons includes generating a plurality of sets of four entangled photons, wherein a first pair of photons in each of the plurality of sets of four entangled photons are time correlated indicating that a second pair of photons in a same one of each of the plurality of sets of four entangled photons are time correlated. A coincidence time of a first pair of photons of each of the plurality of sets of four entangled photons is determined and coincidence times are recorded as a first quantum data set. A coincidence time of a second pair of photons of each of the plurality of sets of four entangled photons determined and coincidence times is recorded as a second quantum data set such that the first quantum data set and the second quantum data set comprise at least some correlated coincidence times.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining data regarding interference detected in a received communication signal, and performing polarization adjusting for one or more orthogonally-polarized element pairs of an antenna system such that an impact of the interference on the antenna system is minimized. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an integral, additively manufactured, actuation device having a rigid portion comprising a shaped structural member and a flexible portion comprising a helical torsion spring. In a spacecraft application, a spacecraft appendage may be coupled with a deployment mechanism, the deployment mechanism including at least one integral, additively manufactured, actuation device having a rigid portion comprising a shaped structural member and a flexible portion comprising a helical torsion spring.

Abstract: A linear lighting fixture may comprise lighting control devices for controlling lighting loads in a load control system. Each linear lighting fixture may include a fixture controller configured to control lighting control devices. The fixture controller may receive messages from one or more devices in the load control system for controlling lighting control devices in the linear lighting fixture. The fixture controller may receive the message and communicate with the lighting control devices on a wired power/communication link. Each linear lighting fixture may comprise one or more sensors. The sensors may be coupled to the fixture controller to send/receive messages on a wired power/communication link and/or a wireless communication link. The lighting control devices in the fixtures may be zoned separately or together. Each of the sensors in a linear lighting fixture may be zoned with one or more of the lighting control devices in the linear lighting fixture.

Abstract: A package for enclosing an oral care device includes a first layer and a second layer removably coupled to the first layer. The second layer includes a first section configured to enclose a first portion of an oral care device, a second section configured to enclose a second portion of the oral care device, and a plurality of axially stacked folds disposed between the first section and the second section.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the disclosure provide a system and method for generating codes associated with clusters of sentiments, comprising receiving a text input, partitioning the text input into one or more segments, generating one or more numerical vectors associated with each of the one or more segments, comparing the one or more numerical vectors to generate a plurality of cosine proximity values associated with the one or more numerical vectors, applying a clustering algorithm to the one or more numerical vectors to generate clusters of segments within one or more cosine proximity ranges, and generating one or more codes associated with each of the clusters of segments within the one or more cosine proximity ranges, wherein each cluster represents an overall sentiment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accurate and precise fuel supply control for continuous-flow of gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine over a large dynamic power range, including a dual-stage valve that allows optimal control—a first stage in the form of a voice-coil driven electronic pressure regulator, and a second stage in the form of a voice-coil-driven choked-flow valve; monitoring the pressure of the fuel intermediate the two stages and making appropriate adjustments to the first stage via a pressure actuator loop; feeding the gaseous fuel mixture through a unitary block assembly into the second stage; monitoring the pressure of the air/fuel mixture and making appropriate adjustments to the second stage via a valve actuator control loop.

Abstract: Various implementations relate to techniques, for controlling smart devices, that are low latency and/or that provide computational efficiencies (client and/or server) and/or network efficiencies. Those implementations relate to generating and/or utilizing cache entries, of a cache that is stored locally at an assistant client device, in control of various smart devices (e.g., smart lights, smart thermostats, smart plugs, smart appliances, smart routers, etc.). Each of the cache entries includes a mapping of text to one or more corresponding semantic representations.

Abstract: Improved valve seal and integrity systems and methods are disclosed. Pressure in an internal cavity of a valve may be monitored and stored to assist in determining whether one or more seals in the valve are leaking. Internal cavity temperature may also be recorded and monitored to assist in determining whether there are any valve seal leaks. Expected pressure corresponding to a detected internal cavity pressure (that may be determined by correlating temperature and known fluid properties) may be compared to detected internal cavity pressure to assist in determining the existence of valve leaks. Internal cavity pressures and pressure differentials over time may be used to determine remaining valve seal life, leak severity, and/or integrity of a check valve on the valve. Indications of seal life, leak severity, seal integrity, and/or check valve integrity may be displayed to an end user or otherwise provided to a database or computer.

Abstract: A method for recognizing persons in video streams includes obtaining a live video stream, detecting a first person in the live video stream, determining from analysis of the live video stream first information that identifies an attribute of the first person, determining based on at least some of the first information that the first person is not identifiable to the computing system, storing at least some of the first information, receiving a user classification of the first person as being a stranger, and deleting the stored first information.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed generally to an ionizing-radiation beamline monitoring system that includes a vacuum chamber structure with vacuum compatible flanges through which an incident ionizing-radiation beam enters the monitoring system. Embodiments further include at least one scintillator within the vacuum chamber structure that can be at least partially translated in the ionizing-radiation beam while oriented at an angle greater than 10 degrees to a normal of the incident ionizing-radiation beam, a machine vision camera coupled to a light-tight structure at atmospheric/ambient pressure that is attached to the vacuum chamber structure by a flange attached to a vacuum-tight viewport window with the camera and lens optical axis oriented at an angle of less than 80 degrees with respect to a normal of the scintillator, and at least one ultraviolet (“UV”) illumination source facing the scintillator in the ionizing-radiation beam for monitoring a scintillator stability comprising scintillator radiation damage.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The front portion may include a front pocket having a horizontal interior wall. A face portion may be positioned in the front pocket and against the horizontal interior wall. The horizontal interior wall may reinforce the front portion and support the face portion during impact with a golf ball. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for creating and storing a captured image and associated spatial data and augmented reality (AR) data in a file that allows subsequent manipulation and processing of AR objects is disclosed. In embodiments, one or more frames are extracted from a video stream, along with spatial information about the camera capturing the video stream. The one or more frames are analyzed in conjunction with the spatial information to calculate a point cloud of depth data. The one or more frames are stored in a file in a first layer, and the point cloud is stored in the file in a second layer. In some embodiments, one or more AR objects are stored in a third layer.

Abstract: A method for driving an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display having a first area with a first pixel density and a second area with a second pixel density higher than the first pixel density, the method includes receiving image content that specifies a grayscale value for both a first pixel in the first area and a second pixel in the second area, providing, based on the grayscale value, a first voltage to the first pixel in the first area, and providing, based on the grayscale value, a second voltage that is different from the first voltage to the second pixel in the second area, where the second voltage causes the second pixel to emit light less brightly than the first voltage causes the first pixel to emit light.

Abstract: A pressure actuated pressure relief valve is disposed in the body of a beverage vessel and is configured to be in fluidic communication with an exterior of the beverage vessel and an interior of the beverage vessel. The pressure actuated pressure relief valve being configured to actuate from a closed position to an open position based on pressure reaching a threshold within the interior of the beverage vessel. The pressure actuated pressure relief valve being configured to actuate from the open position to the closed position based on pressure falling below the threshold within the interior of the beverage vessel.

Abstract: In representative embodiments, a digital assistant is extended by service activities. A service activity executes as a service as part of the digital assistant. A service activity specifies a set of user data to be provided when invoked, at least one insight used to invoke the service activity in a proactive way and at least one intent used to invoke the service activity in a reactive way, and executable code that is executed when the service activity is invoked. A development environment provides templates to ease development of service activities. Service activities in development can be deployed alongside production services with access to service activities in development restricted to a set of authorized users.