Abstract: A system includes a first robotic machine having a first set of capabilities for interacting with a target object on stationary equipment; a second robotic machine having a second set of capabilities for interacting with the target object; and a task manager that can determine capability requirements to perform a task on the target object. The task has an associated series of sub-tasks. The task manager can assign a first sequence of sub-tasks for performance by the first robotic machine based on the first set of capabilities and a second sequence of sub-tasks for performance by the second robotic machine based on the second set of capabilities. The first and second robotic machines can coordinate performance of the first sequence of sub-tasks by the first robotic machine with performance of the second sequence of sub-tasks by the second robotic machine to accomplish the task.

Abstract: Systems and methods for redeeming digital files are disclosed. In particular, the systems and methods relate to localized sharing of digital files such that the digital file is degraded when the file is redeemed. The digital file can include a plurality of bits, and bits of the digital file can be removed upon each transfer and/or access of the digital file. When a quantity of bits in the digital file falls below a predetermined threshold, the digital file can be deactivated. The systems can include an application that degrade the digital file. The degradation can include file compression, bitrate reduction, and/or removal of parity bits from the digital file. Security measures, such as private/public encryption keys, are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The described methods and systems decrease instances of distracted driving, encourage more frequent use of vehicle tracking services, and generally improve the risk profile of a driver and vehicle. These benefits are achieved by way of a vehicle computer system that incentivizes users to place mobile devices in a do-not-disturb (DND) mode and to activate vehicle tracking services. The vehicle computer system encourages these behaviors by enabling content delivery for devices within the vehicle based on the status of the mobile device(s) and the status of the vehicle tracking service(s). Specifically, the content delivery may comprise data for providing a gamified user interface within the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating hydraulic fracturing units, each including a hydraulic fracturing pump to pump fracturing fluid into a wellhead and an internal combustion engine to drive the hydraulic fracturing pump, may include receiving signals indicative of operational parameters. The systems and methods also may include determining an amount of required fracturing power sufficient to perform the hydraulic fracturing operation, determining an available power to perform the hydraulic fracturing operation and a difference between the available power and the required power, and controlling operation of the hydraulic fracturing units based at least in part on the power difference. When the power difference is indicative of excess power available, the system and methods may include causing at least one of the hydraulic fracturing units to idle, and when the power difference is indicative of a power deficit, increasing a power output of at least one of the hydraulic fracturing units.

Abstract: A compostable laminate for food wrap and method for making same. The wrap can include a first layer of paper material, a second layer of paper material, and a series of coatings between the paper materials. The coatings include a first flood coating having water and/or barrier properties, a second flood coating having water and/or oil barrier properties, and a third coating that only partially covers the second flood coating. None of the first, second and third coatings comprise a thermoplastic or polyolefin, and are made substantially from one or more biodegradable and/or compostable materials.

Abstract: A weight optimized stiffener for use in a semiconductor device is disclosed herein. In one example, the stiffener is made of AlSiC for its weight and thermal properties. An O-ring provides sealing between a top surface of the stiffener and a component of the semiconductor device and adhesive provides sealing between a bottom surface of the stiffener and another component of the semiconductor device. The stiffener provides warpage control for a lidless package while enabling direct liquid cooling of a chip or substrate.

Abstract: An Internet of Things device is herein disclosed. The Internet of Things device comprises a communication module operable to connect to a network, a memory storing a device fingerprint having a plurality of predetermined system parameters, a processor coupled to the memory and operable to execute instructions stored in the memory, and an activity module, including at least one of a sensor and a control device, the activity module under control of the processor, to perform a predetermined operation with at least one of the sensor and the control device. The activity module communicates on the network via the communications module. The processor measures system parameters during performance of the predetermined operation, compares measured system parameters to predetermined system parameters of the device fingerprint, and disables the communications module, the processor, or the activity module responsive to the measured system parameters being out of compliance with the predetermined system parameters.

Abstract: A mounting bracket lock may be configured to secure the mounting bracket of a window treatment housing to a rail of the housing. The mounting bracket lock may be slidably attachable to the rail and, when in a locked position, may prevent the mounting bracket from detaching from the rail. The mounting bracket lock may include a body that is mountable to the rail. The body may include a first portion that slidably attaches to the rail, and a second portion that receives a portion of the rail and a portion of the mounting bracket, thereby securing the mounting bracket in a locked position relative to the rail. The body of the mounting bracket lock may define one or more projections that extend therefrom, and that engage in a friction fit between corresponding surfaces of the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket lock is in the locked position.

Abstract: In one aspect, a vessel system includes a vessel and a strap. The vessel has an outside surface and includes a bottom wall; a sidewall extending from the bottom wall; and an inner wall connected to the sidewall inward of the outside surface, wherein a recess is defined between the sidewall and inner wall. The strap has opposed first and second ends, wherein the first end is received in the recess, and wherein the second end is configured for selective attachment to the outside surface.

Abstract: According to some aspects, disclosed methods and systems may include determining, by an electronic device, a value associated with a first parameter configured to dynamically change, and displaying, via a user interface, an object corresponding to the value associated with the first parameter. The methods and systems may also include receiving, via the user interface, an input intended to unlock the electronic device, unlocking the electronic device if the received input interacts with the object in a predefined manner, and maintaining the electronic device in a locked state if the received input does not interact with the object in the predefined manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase shifter arrangement for an antenna, such as a cellular antenna, that has a simplified drive mechanism. The phase shifter arrangement has two phase shifters, each with two wiper arms that are coupled at one end to a single drive shaft. Each of the wiper arms have a pivot access that may be located at or near its center such that as the drive shaft translates, it mechanically engages both wiper arms, causing them to rotate around their respective pivot axes. Certain antenna arrangements have several array faces. For example, the antenna may have three array faces, each spaced at 120 degrees of azimuth. The drive shafts for each of these array faces may operate independently to function as a multisector antenna, or they may be driven in unison to function as an omnidirectional antenna.

Abstract: A cold brew coffee apparatus has a first container, a second container, a centerpiece connector, and a filter. Preferably, the filter is positionable within the first container such that it divides the filter interior volume from the remainder of the first container interior volume. Preferably, cold brew infusion occurs when water in the first container interior volume passes through the water-permeable barrier and soaks coffee grounds within the filter interior volume to form a soluble coffee extract. An alternative cold brew coffee apparatus includes only a single brew chamber and a filter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor to: present prompts guiding selection of first subset terms for estimation of variants of an experiment design based on a model thereof, and second subset terms for estimation using Bayesian modification; monitor for selections of term; in response to each change in the first subset terms, determine whether all first subset terms can be estimated based on the model; in response to the first subset including too many terms, present an indication of too many terms being selected for estimation based on the model; in response to the first subset including fewer terms than can be estimated based on the model, present an indication that more terms could be selected for estimation based on the model; and for each variant of the experiment design, estimate each first subset term based on the model, and estimate each second subset term using Bayesian modification.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for demonstrating a personalized automated teller machine (ATM) presentation to a user may include: obtaining transaction data of the user via a device associated with the user; obtaining, via the one or more processors, geographic data of the user based on the transaction data; generating, via the one or more processors, ATM data based on the geographic data of the user; obtaining, via the one or more processors, user feedback data based on the ATM data, wherein the user feedback data comprises a selection of an ATM of the list of the ATMs; transmitting, to the selected ATM of the list of the ATMs, presentation data based on the transaction data and the user feedback data; and demonstrating, via the selected ATM of the list of the ATMs, the personalized ATM presentation to the user based on the presentation data.

Abstract: Methods and architectures for improving operation of 9-1-1 and other emergency services networks. Enriched data (e.g., text messages, videos, phase II location information, etc.) may be transmitted to a PSAP via a secondary communication channel (i.e., data), wherein the primary communication channel is a voice telephony trunk. Disclosed embodiments may increase the speed with which accurate location information is made available to improve call routing accuracy and decrease dispatch time. Some embodiments may also enable continued operation of legacy emergency services systems during and after transition to next generation systems.

Abstract: A laser system calibration method and system are provided. In some methods, a calibration plate may be used to calibrate a video camera of the laser system. The video camera pixel locations may be mapped to the physical space. A xy-scan device of the laser system may be calibrated by defining control parameters for actuating components of the xy-scan device to scan a beam to a series of locations. Optionally, the beam may be scanned to a series of locations on a fluorescent plate. The video camera may be used to capture reflected light from the fluorescent plate. The xy-scan device may then be calibrated by mapping the xy-scan device control parameters to physical locations. A desired z-depth focus may be determined by defining control parameters for focusing a beam to different depths. The video camera or a confocal detector may be used to detect the scanned depths.

Abstract: A system and associated method for concentrating and separating components of different densities from fluid containing cells using a centrifuge includes a syringe and a syringe holder, the syringe having a proximal top with a luer port, a sidewall extending from the top forming a syringe tube, and a plunger slidably disposed inside the syringe tube, the plunger forming a sealing engagement with the sidewall, the syringe holder defining a cavity for receiving the syringe, wherein a distal end of the syringe tube is at least partially closed by the syringe holder after the plunger is placed inside the syringe tube.