Abstract: A monitoring system having a secure computer server, a client computer, and the hosting computer server is provided. The client computer sends a webpage file having the telephone number to the secure computer server. The secure computer server sends a verification code message having a verification code to a smartphone, when the telephone number is associated with an authorized user. The secure computer server sends a webpage file to the client computer when the telephone number is associated with the authorized user. The client computer sends a webpage file having the verification code to the secure computer server. The secure computer server generates a secure communication channel between the client computer and the hosting computer server when a telephone number and a verification code are correct.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided. The gaming system allows users to access applications via gaming communication devices coupled to a communication network. At least a portion of the network may be wireless. The gaming applications include gambling, financial, entertainment service, and other types of transactions. The system may include a user location determination feature to prevent users from conducting transactions from unauthorized areas. The gaming system may incorporate a user profile feature according to which certain information regarding users of the system may be maintained. Such information can include, without limitation, information relating to preferences, finances, activities participated in by the users, and trends and habits of the users.

Abstract: Formulations for promoting honeybee health include an aqueous solution having an organic acid, one or more buffering agents, one or more coloring dyes, and one or more strains of probiotic bacteria. The formulations can be in the form of syrup additives or sprays. The formulations can have additional active ingredients, inert ingredients, or both.

Abstract: A shoe-clip fastener for securing components in a vehicle includes a stop member having a wall portion and a slot defined in the wall portion and an insertion element coupled to the stop member. The insertion element includes a base member and a clip member cantilevered from the base member. The clip member includes an actuator section that projects proudly of the slot.

Abstract: The technology relates to enhancing the operation of autonomous vehicles. Extendible sensors are deployed based on detected or predicted conditions around a vehicle while operating in a self-driving mode. When not needed, the sensors are fully retracted into the vehicle to reduce drag and increase fuel economy. When the onboard system determines that there is a need for a deployable sensor, such as to enhance the field of view of the perception system, the sensor is extended in a predetermined manner. The deployment may depend on one or more operating conditions and/or particular driving scenarios. These and other sensors of the vehicle may be protected with a rugged housing, for instance to protect against damage from the elements. And in other situations, deployable foils may extend from the vehicle's chassis to increase drag and enhance braking. This may be helpful for large trucks in steep descent situations.

Abstract: An impact or extension handle for a needle assembly such as a jamshidi needle can include an attachment portion and a handle portion. The impact or extension handle can also include an impact strikeplate. The attachment portion is configured to couple to the jamshidi needle. A user can use the impact or extension handle to manipulate the position or angle of the needle assembly. A user can tap a mallet or similar instrument on the impact strikeplate to drive the needle assembly into a target location in a patient's body. The impact or extension handle can allow the user to hold his or her hands out of the way of equipment used during the procedure and away from potentially harmful radiation from imaging equipment used during the procedure.

Abstract: An excimer bulb assembly, with an excimer bulb, at least one integral captured reflector, and an integral filter such that the excimer bulb only emits substantial UV radiation between 200 nm and 230 nm, using a filter that passes light from about 200 nm to 234 nm (+/?2 nm).

Abstract: A device including a waveguide having a first waveguide surface and a second waveguide surface parallel to the first waveguide surface is disclosed. The device may include a first light coupling device operatively coupled to the waveguide. The first light coupling device may include a first duct structure and a second duct structure oriented to reflect in-coupled light. Each of the first duct structure and the second duct structure may include a first planar region and a second planar region parallel to the first planar region and a first surface and a second surface parallel to the first surface. The device may also include a second light coupling device disposed between the first waveguide surface and the second waveguide surface. The second light coupling device may be positioned to receive reflected in-coupled light from the first light coupling device.

Abstract: Modular meter units for distributing particulate material from an applicator can be configured to combine with each other without the use of tools to provide specific meter assembly lengths based on desired flow rates. In one aspect, modular meter unit housings with interlocking features can provide build options for assembling different sized meter assemblies. The modular meter unit housings can allow stacking and connecting multiple adjacent meter units to make a meter assembly of a particular length/volume/flow rate. Each meter unit housing can have a longitudinal bore that opens through opposing end walls and define a cylindrical cavity or chamber that can receive a cylindrical/tubular sleeve or liner. Matching openings on opposite top/bottom walls of the modular meter unit housing can align with openings of the liner to define an inlet and outlet for the meter unit.

Abstract: Methods of encoding and decoding for video data are described for encoding or decoding multi-level significance maps. Distinct context sets may be used for encoding the significant-coefficient flags in different regions of the transform unit. In a fixed case, the regions are defined by coefficient group borders. In one example, the upper-left coefficient group is a first region and the other coefficient groups are a second region. In a dynamic case, the regions are defined by coefficient group borders, but the encoder and decoder dynamically determine in which region each coefficient group belongs. Coefficient groups may be assigned to one region or another based on, for example, whether their respective significant-coefficient-group flags were inferred or not.

Abstract: A wireless communication network serves user communication devices using Internet Protocol (IP) and Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB). An IAB Mobile Termination (MT) and an IAB donor establish a wireless IAB link. The IAB MT and a Centralized Unit (CU) establish IP links over the wireless IAB link. The IP links have different QoS levels. The IAB MT exchanges data streams with the user communication devices. The data streams have different QoS requirements. The IAB MT and the CU correlate the QoS requirements of the data streams with the QoS levels of the IP links. The IAB MT and the CU exchange individual ones of the data streams over individual ones of the IP links based on the QoS correlations. The CU exchanges the data streams with a data communication network based on the QoS requirements.

Abstract: In a system for facilitating the wrapping and taping of articles with wrapping materials, two or more apparatuses adapted to be secured in adjacent spaced relation on a planar surface are provided so as to support a roll of wrapping material therebetween. Each apparatus has an upper frame member which supports an end of the roll thereon and which includes a cavity for dispensing desired lengths of tape therefrom, and a clamp member adapted to be actuated by a user to removably attach its corresponding apparatus to a ledge of the planar surface so that the supported roll is parallel to and above the planar surface.