Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a polarization shifter including a lower substrate having disposed thereon first and second transmission lines for coupling to a feed network, an upper substrate having disposed thereon third and fourth transmission lines for respective communicative coupling to orthogonally-polarized elements of a radiating element, and a dielectric layer residing between the lower substrate and the upper substrate, the upper substrate being configured to mechanically couple to the radiating element, the dielectric layer coupling the first transmission line with the third transmission line and coupling the second transmission line with the fourth transmission line, the upper substrate being rotatable relative to the lower substrate to effect polarization adjusting for the radiating element to facilitate avoidance of interference or passive intermodulation (PIM). Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A transformer economizer automatically disconnects a main electric power transformer from a grid power line during low-load periods, and automatically reconnects the main transformer to the grid power line during high-load periods, to reduce low-power electricity losses incurred by the main transformer. The main transformer is therefore deenergized and a much smaller auxiliary transformer is energized during low-load periods to reduce the low-power electricity losses incurred by the main transformer. The main transformer is then automatically switched back into service during high-load periods, while the auxiliary transformer is switched out of service. This provides long-term energy, cost, and carbon footprint savings by automatically switching the large transformer's loads to a much smaller auxiliary transformer, and therefore proportionally lower losses, during light-load conditions.

Abstract: In an example, the solar tracker has a clamp assembly configured to pivot a torque tube. In an example, the assembly has a support structure configured as a frame having configured by a first and second anchoring region. In an example, the support structure is configured from a thickness of metal material. In an example, the support structure is configured in an upright manner, and has a major plane region. In an example, the assembly has a pivot device configured on the support structure, a torque tube suspending on the pivot device and aligned within an opening of the support, and configured to be normal to the plane region. In an example, the torque tube is configured on the pivot device to move about an arc in a first direction or in a second direction such that the first direction is in a direction opposite to the second direction.

Abstract: A method for securing messages includes obtaining, at a message server, a message for a user of a message service hosted by the message server. The message includes a header and the header includes a digital signature signed by an author of the message and a list of one or more recipients of the message. The method includes determining whether the digital signature by the author is valid and determining, using the list of one or more recipients, whether the user is a declared recipient of the message. When the digital signature by the author is valid and the user is the declared recipient of the message, the method includes delivering the message to a user device of the user. When the digital signature by the author is valid and the user is not the declared recipient of the message, the method includes alerting the user.

Abstract: A load control system may be commissioned using beacons. The load control system may include control devices that each include a beacon transmitting circuit configured to transmit a beacon that comprises an identifier associated with the control device. A network device, such as a mobile device, may discover a control device based on the beacon received from the control device. In response to discovery of the control device, the control device may be added to a temporary group of control devices for being collectively configured and/or controlled. Control devices may be discovered based on the signal strength at which the beacons are received. The control devices may provide feedback to a user in response to confirmation messages to indicate to a user that the lighting control device has been added to the temporary group. The control devices may stop providing the feedback after they are removed from the temporary group.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that receives a coded video bitstream from an encoder; retrieves, from the coded video bitstream, a mesh including a plurality of polygons that describe a surface of a volumetric object; triangulates one or more vertices of the mesh, the one or more vertices are located on a boundary of the mesh or interior of the mesh; infers connectivity information between the one or more vertices using the triangulation of the one or more vertices; and reconstructs one or more boundary UV coordinates based on the connectivity information.

Abstract: A method for filtering in video encoding is provided. In the method, based on a determination that (i) an intra block copy (IBC) mode is disabled for a chroma component of a block and the IBC mode is enabled for a luma component of the block or (ii) decoupled partitioning structures are applied to the luma component of the block and the chroma component of the block, at least one loop filter is enabled for the chroma component of the block, a first sample of the luma component at a location in the block is determined based on a first loop filter configuration that does not include the at least one loop filter, and a second sample of the chroma component at the location in the block is determined based on a second loop filter configuration that includes the at least one loop filter.

Abstract: A collapsible and self-erecting polyhedron system is provided. The system includes a collapsible and self-erecting box. The box comprises cardboard and includes outer surfaces upon which images (e.g., photographic reproductions), graphics, and text are printed to provide a three-dimensional greeting card. The three-dimensional greeting card (the box) is collapsed and placed into an envelope, and upon being removed from the envelope, automatically self-erects providing a fun and exciting experience. Confetti also is included within the box that is ejected during the box self-erecting, thereby providing even more enjoyment.

Abstract: A container (100, 300) configured to carry a plurality of articles includes a body (101, 301) configured to form an interior space (105, 305). The body (101, 301) includes at least a side wall (107, 307) and a bottom (109, 309). The container (101, 301) includes a divider handle (111, 311) that can be configured to attach to the body (101, 301). The divider handle (111, 311) forms a handle and at least one divider configured to divide the interior space (105, 305) into at least two compartments.

Abstract: A method of reducing condensate accumulation in a natural gas well may include a first step of determining a pressure and a temperature of the natural gas well. The method may further include a second step of determining a dew point temperature based on the pressure of the natural gas well. The method may also include a third step of determining a cricondentherm temperature of the natural gas well. The method may also include a fourth step of heating the natural gas well to a temperature above the dew point temperature; and a fifth step of limiting the temperature of the natural gas well to the cricondentherm temperature.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and computer-readable media related playing a progressive game. In some embodiments, at least one request may be received from a player to play a first game associated with a first prize pool. Play of the first game may be facilitated on at least one networked terminal based at least in part on receiving the at least one request from the player to play the first game. Play of a second game associated with a second prize pool on the at least one networked terminal may be initiated. The second game may be initiated in response to the second prize pool reaching a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A repeater circuit includes at least a first input, and output, and a repeater. The first input for receiving a single-ended data signal from an embedded universal serial bus (eUSB) host. The output provides a differential data signal in a differential universal serial bus (USB) format. The repeater is coupled between the first input and output for converting the single-ended data signal to a differential data signal, the repeater includes an adaptive delay element operable for both sides of the differential data signal to delay one, but not both, of a rising edge and a falling edge of the differential data signal in order to meet a crossover specification for the USB format.

Abstract: A transportable blending system includes a container enclosure including a base, a roof, opposing first and second ends, and opposing first and second sidewalls, a pump fluidly coupled to an inlet manifold penetrating the container enclosure, wherein a base fluid is conveyed to the pump via the inlet manifold, and a mixing unit in fluid communication with the pump to receive the base fluid. A hopper is fluidly coupled to the mixing unit and has an inlet aligned with an opening defined in the roof, wherein an additive is delivered to the hopper via the opening to be conveyed to the mixing unit and blended with the base fluid to generate a working fluid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal component includes performing a test stamping process on a test sheet metal blank, generating a strain map of the test sheet metal blank for the test stamping process, generating a lubrication program based on the strain map, applying lubrication to the sheet metal according to the lubrication program, and stamping the sheet metal to form the metal component. The lubrication program is configured to control a lubrication system to apply lubrication to sheet metal in a non-uniform distribution across the sheet metal. The non-uniform distribution correlates to the strain map.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for automating and optimizing coil formation in a wire rod cooling conveyor comprising: (a) a speed measuring device (e.g., a laser velocometer) measuring a speed of a material entering a laying head; (b) a processor that: (1) receives, as input, the speed measured in (a), (2) computes an optimal speed of the laying head based on the received speed of the material entering the laying head; and wherein the processor dynamically computes the optimal speed of the laying head as the speed of the material changes. Also disclosed is a camera that monitors actual ring formation on the wire rod cooling conveyor at an exit point of the laying head, wherein the processor receives such monitored information from the camera and outputs a control signal to override the speed measuring device and to adjust a speed of the wire rod cooling conveyor.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a housing having an internal compartment, a divider positionable within the internal compartment for dividing the internal compartment into a first oven cavity and a second oven cavity, a first heating element configured to heat the first oven cavity, and a second element configured to heat the second oven cavity. The divider is at least one of retractable and/or removable.

Abstract: A method system for aligning an autonomous vehicle path within an enclosed parking space provides for detecting sides of an opening of an enclosed parking space with at least one sensor system disposed on a vehicle, determining a width of the opening based on a spacing between the detected sides of the opening with a controller of the vehicle, defining a target center point based on the determined spacing with the controller and aligning a vehicle path with the defined target center point.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling an active safety feature of a vehicle are provided. The systems and methods receive radar data from a radar device of the vehicle and image data from a camera of the vehicle. Object detection and tracking processes are performed on the radar data and the image data to identify and track objects in an environment of the vehicle. Conditions are assessed with respect to identified objects to ascertain whether a radar track is erroneously reported as a separate object to a camera track. When the conditions are assessed to be true, an object corresponding to the camera track is used as an input for controlling an active safety feature of the vehicle and an object corresponding to the radar track is discounted for controlling the active safety feature of the vehicle.

Abstract: A holder assembly configured to hold a scoop within an inside of a container at a height above the level of a substance. The holder assembly comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises a stem that may be provided with a height according to the geometry of the intended container. The second portion comprises a plurality of stems cooperatively configured and dimensioned to retain the scoop disposed in an inverted position. The segments are connected to the stem at a junction and should be disposed in a spaced apart relation to one another collectively defining a gap for the scoop wall(s). The segments should be movable away from the gap and comprise an inherent tendency to return to their natural position that generates a force that retains the scoop in place.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to encasements for protection of central lines, arterial lines, and/or intravenous (IV) lines from contaminants, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, an encasement device can include a flexible sleeve that fits over a central line and protects the central line from contaminants. The flexible sleeve has a first open end and a second open end. A first closing element secures the first open end to a medical dressing and a second closing element secures the second open end in a closed position at a location distal to the first closing element. In some embodiments, the central line can include an intravenous (IV) catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and/or a hemodialysis line. In some embodiments, the device can include a flap coupled to the flexible sleeve.