Abstract: A modular valve assembly can include a core spool module and a plurality of end connection modules. The end connection modules can be configured to be secured to the core spool module at one or more of a core inlet or a core outlet of the core spool module to provide one or more respective, different flow configurations for the modular valve assembly. The core spool module can include a bonnet portion that is integrally formed with the core inlet and the core outlet and a seat ring configured to provide a seal against flow of process fluid through the modular valve assembly.

Abstract: A spring-damper assembly includes a damper and an adjustable gas spring system coupled to the damper. The spring-damper assembly can be coupled to a vehicle as part of a suspension thereof. The adjustable gas spring system maintains the ride height of the vehicle while absorbing forces from changes in the terrain. The dampers control unwanted movement of the coil spring and dissipate forces from the suspension.

Abstract: Systems and methods for avoiding or mitigating motion sickness in a vehicle are disclosed herein. The systems and methods may include (a) determining a profile of the individual inclination towards motion sickness; (b) predicting an individual effectiveness of countermeasures based on typing using the data from step (a); (c) evaluating the actual effectiveness of the predicted countermeasures after their implementation when travelling in the vehicle; wherein step (a) is repeated regularly and all data and results from step (c) are fed into a self-learning system in order to obtain an improved statement on the individual actual effectiveness of countermeasures taken and to make the selection of effective countermeasures based on them.

Abstract: Rapid access storage devices and systems are provided herein, which allow a user to quickly retrieve items stored behind, to the side of, or otherwise out of a comfortable reach range of the user. The devices comprise a housing, and at least one carriage retractable from the housing via a retraction assembly. Rapid access storage systems may comprise a wearable item, including hanging items, that include or are coupled to one or more rapid access storage devices.

Abstract: Responding to a data subject access request includes receiving the request and identifying the requestor and source. In response to identifying the requestor and source, a computer processor determines whether the data subject access request is subject to fulfillment constraints, including whether the requestor or source is malicious. If so, then the computer processor denies the request or requests a processing fee prior to fulfillment. If not, then the computer processor fulfills the request.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to dual-momentum gradient optimization with reduced memory requirements are described. An example method in a system comprising a gradient optimizer and a memory configured to store momentum values associated with a neural network model comprising L layers is described. The method includes retrieving from the memory a first set of momentum values and a second set of momentum values, corresponding to a layer of the neural network model, having a selected storage format. The method further includes converting the first set of momentum values to a third set of momentum values having a training format associated with the gradient optimizer and converting the second set of momentum values to a fourth set of momentum values having a training format associated with the gradient optimizer. The method further includes performing gradient optimization using the third set of momentum values and the fourth set of momentum values.

Abstract: A system for managing female incontinence includes a body of biocompatible material configured to fit between the labia minora and the vestibule floor, the body having a surface configured to occlude the urethral meatus, a first adhesive layer disposed on at least a first portion of the surface and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus, and a second adhesive layer disposed over the first adhesive layer and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus, wherein the second adhesive layer is removable from the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: A personal vehicle system including a control system and at least one wheel motor coupled to the personal vehicle system and subject to control by the control system. A control system for a personal vehicle system including steps for calibrating the control system, where the control system includes a sensor system having load sensors incorporated into the personal vehicle system and also having lean forward and lean backward outputs, a user interface that prompts a user to lean forward and backward and allows a user to input a sensitivity value, and an electronic hardware component for calculating a normalization value where the wheel motor current is controlled as a function of the normalization value.

Abstract: Methods and systems to diagnose operation of an engine coolant pump are presented. In one example, the engine coolant pump is operated while an engine is stopped so that operation of the coolant pump may not effect engine operation. The engine coolant pump may be operated at different speeds to assess engine coolant pump operation.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes a plurality of engine starting devices and an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the method determines whether or not to inhibit automatic engine stopping so that a lifespan of an engine starting device may be extended. In one example, the inhibiting is based on a ratio of an actual total number of engine starts generated via the engine starting device to an actual total distance traveled by the vehicle since the engine starting device was installed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a vehicle are presented. In one example, a controller may respond to a temperature of a catalyst to permit or temporarily inhibit a vehicle from moving. Engine load and engine emissions may be reduced by limiting vehicle motion until a catalyst temperature exceeds a threshold temperature.

Abstract: A temperature measurement system of a vehicle includes a controller, a first temperature sensor associated with a first location, and a second temperature sensor associated with a second location. The temperature measurement system is calibratable based upon a comparison of a temperature of the first location and a temperature of the second location, wherein the temperature of at least one of the first location and the second location is determined after a predetermined time from an end of operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments are methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for annotating distributed data without redundant data copying. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising reading a raw dataset, the raw dataset comprising a first set of columns and a first set of rows; generating an annotation dataset, the annotation dataset comprising a second set of columns and a second set of rows; assigning row identifiers to each row in the second set of rows, the row identifiers aligning the second set of rows with the first set of rows based on the underlying storage of the raw dataset and annotation dataset; and writing the annotation dataset to a distributed storage medium.

Abstract: Methods and devices for digitizing an analog repetitive signal using waveform averaging are described. An example method includes generating a discrete set of analog dither offset voltages, wherein at least two of the discrete set of analog dither offset voltages are different from each other, receiving the analog repetitive signal comprising multiple instances of a waveform, wherein the waveform has a waveform duration, generate a timing alignment to align each waveform of the analog repetitive signal and the corresponding analog dither offset voltage over the waveform duration, combining, based on the timing alignment, each waveform and the corresponding analog dither offset voltage over the waveform duration to produce an analog output signal, converting the analog output signal to a digital output signal, and producing, based on the timing alignment, a digital averaged signal based on averaging the multiple instances of the waveform in the analog output signal.

Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A no bake process is provided for preparing a foundry shape. A major amount of an appropriate foundry aggregate, especially a sand that has been mechanically-reclaimed, is mixed with an amount of halloysite tubes. A binder system, especially a water-based binder, such as an aqueous alkaline phenolic resole resin, is added to the mixed aggregate and halloysite, and a liquid co-reactant for curing the binder is also added. By intimately mixing the components, a foundry molding compound is formed and it can be placed into a mold or patter to cure into a foundry shape. When removed from the mold or pattern, the foundry shape can be used to cast molten metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of sequential copolymers (P), comprising at least one chain (C) capable of being obtained by micellar polymerization, for keeping solid particles (p) in suspension in a fluid (F) where said chain (C) is soluble.

Abstract: A device includes a light source, a waveguide layer, and a light director layer. The light source emits illumination light. The waveguide layer includes a cladding layer and an optical waveguide. The cladding layer provides a top planar surface of the waveguide layer and the optical waveguide is immersed in the cladding layer and includes a light input coupler. The light director layer includes a bottom planar surface that is disposed on the top planar surface of the waveguide layer. The light director layer also includes a light director that receives and directs the illumination light to the light input coupler as shaped light. The light director is configured to tilt the illumination light to give the shaped light a tilt angle with respect to the light input coupler.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises a system and method for control of a transaction state system utilizing a distributed ledger. First, the system and method includes an application plane layer adapted to receive instructions regarding operation of the transaction state system. Preferably, the application plane layer is coupled to the application plane layer interface. Second, a control plane layer is provided, the control plane layer including an adaptive control unit, such as a cognitive computing unit, artificial intelligence unit or machine-learning unit. Third, a data plane layer includes an input interface to receive data input from one or more data sources and to provide output coupled to a decentralized distributed ledger, the data plane layer is coupled to the control plane layer. Optionally, the system and method serve to implement a smart contract on a decentralized distributed ledger.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to providing an artificial reality environment with augments and surfaces. An “augment” is a virtual container in 3D space that can include presentation data, context, and logic. An artificial reality system can use augments as the fundamental building block for displaying 2D and 3D models in the artificial reality environment. For example, augments can represent people, places, and things in an artificial reality environment and can respond to a context such as a current display mode, time of day, a type of surface the augment is on, a relationship to other augments, etc. Augments can be on a “surface” that has a layout and properties that cause augments on that surface to display in different ways. Augments and other objects (real or virtual) can also interact, where these interactions can be controlled by rules for the objects evaluated based on information from the shell.