Abstract: An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may include functionality for targeted marketing. The marketing may be through communications with a computing device, such as a smartphone. For example, a smartphone application may be used for monitoring e-Cig usage and collecting data regarding the user and the usage. That data may result in targeted marketing. In another example, location information may also be used for targeted advertisements from a retailer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for interacting with advertisements on a virtual keyboard. An advertisement appears in a position that is proximate to a virtual key of the virtual keyboard. A user can manipulate the advertisement based on performing one or more types of gestures or key presses on or near the virtual keys. One type of gesture triggers an interaction with the advertisement and another type of gesture or key press performs a standard keyboard function.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for assessing validity of a map using image data collected by a laser sensor along a vehicle path. The method may compile image data received from the laser sensor. The map subject to assessment may define an area prohibiting entry by a vehicle.

Abstract: Methods of modifying the luminal profile of a body vessel are described. An example method comprises advancing a cannula out of the distal end of a catheter disposed within the lumen of a body vessel of an animal and toward a target site on the wall of the body vessel; passing contrast dye through the cannula toward the target site; simultaneously continuing the advancing and passing until the distal end of the cannula punctures the inner layer of the wall of the body vessel at the target site; and passing a bulking agent through the cannula and into a space between connective tissue layers surrounding the vessel wall at the target site. Medical devices, medical device assemblies, and kits are also described.

Abstract: A method of generating a coiled actuator fiber that includes twisting a fiber to generate a twisted fiber; wrapping the twisted fiber around a core yarn or fiber to generate a coil in the twisted fiber, which generates a coiled twisted fiber; setting the coiled twisted fiber by heat or chemical treatment; and removing at least a portion of the core yarn or fiber to generate a coiled actuator fiber.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing flavorant particles includes melting a food grade wax and a flavorant into a molten wax; solidifying the molten wax; and grinding the solidified molten wax into a plurality of flavorant particles. Another method of manufacturing flavorant particles includes melting a food grade wax and a flavorant into a molten wax, the molten wax having a melting temperature between about 50° C. to about 70° C.; and spray-chilling the molten wax into at least one solid flavorant particle, the solid flavorant particle having a diameter of between about 0.1 mm to about 2.0 mm.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample collection from one or more subjects using mobile sample collection devices.

Abstract: This document describes an image-capturing doorbell device. In aspects, the image-capturing doorbell device provides a compact, space-efficient, battery-powered, doorbell camera. The architecture of the image-capturing doorbell device is optimized by concentrating sensors at one end of the device and user input mechanism(s) at the opposing end of the device and including a thin and narrow middle portion between the two opposing ends. The sensors include an image sensor and a PIR sensor mounted to the same PCB for space conservation. A camera lens protrudes from an outer surface of an IR window aligned with IR LEDs to mitigate IR flare. The PIR sensor is aligned with a lens that enhances radial motion detection by implementing two stacked rows of lenslets. The user input mechanism includes a light ring formed via a two-shot molding technique with a button to bond the light ring to the button for enhanced waterproofing.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring fluid usage in a fluid system, a proportional control valve is provided, including a valve element operable to control fluid flow from a fluid source to the fluid system. A first pressure upstream of the valve element and a second pressure downstream of the valve element are measured to identify a pressure differential across the valve element. In response to the identified pressure differential, the valve element is adjusted to one of a plurality of flow positions to adjust the pressure differential across the valve element to substantially match a predetermined pressure differential. A flow rate through the proportional control valve is determined based on the first pressure, the second pressure, and the adjusted flow position of the valve element. Based on the determined flow rate over time, an amount of fluid usage in the fluid system is determined.

Abstract: A powertrain system is controlled to deliver axle torque in response to an operator accelerator pedal input. Axle torque is determined by metrics including historical control information, current control information, and future control information.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for providing a user equipment (UE) device that is associated with a private network service (PrNS) and communicatively attached a public WiFi network in a remote market being serviced by a different headend than the UE device's home network with public or private network services.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delta state tracking for event stream analysis. Events at a device are tracked and stored locally or forwarded to a server. The events collectively form an event stream. When an event of interest occurs, the precise configuration of a device at the time of the event of interest can be determined by applying the event stream in chronological or reverse chronological order to a snapshot of the device's configuration. Thus, the snapshot can be taken at any time. Tracking the deltas to the device's configuration enables the precise configuration at the time of the event of interest to be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for calming a baby in an interior of a vehicle has a heartbeat sensor device (11, 12, 13) configured to capture a heartbeat input signal that depends on the heartbeat of an occupant in an interior (18) of a vehicle (10). A heartbeat signal processing device (14) is configured to produce a heartbeat output signal that depends on the heartbeat input signal. A calming signal output device (15, 16, 17) is configured to output a calming signal that depends on the heartbeat output signal and that is perceivable by a baby in the interior (19) of the vehicle (10). The apparatus is to configured to output the calming signal, at least intermittently, directly during the capture of the heartbeat input signal.

Abstract: A self-correcting secure computer system is provided. The computer system includes a read-only memory (ROM) device, a random access memory (RAM) device, and at least one processor in communication with the ROM device and the RAM device. The at least one processor is programmed to receive an activation signal; retrieve, from the ROM device, data to execute a first configuration including an encryption suite; execute, on the RAM device, the first configuration including the encryption suite; execute the encryption suite to generate a key; store the key at a first memory location; and delete volatile memory associated with the encryption suite.

Abstract: A fuel system, a method of fueling a vehicle, and a vehicle are provided. The fuel system has a recirculation line connecting a fuel tank to a fuel fill inlet. An ejector is positioned within the recirculation line, and a valve is positioned within a drain line fluidly connecting the ejector to the fuel tank. A pressure sensor is positioned to measure a pressure associated with the drain line between the ejector and the valve. A controller is in communication with the pressure sensor, and the controller configured to, in response to initiation of a refueling event, determine a state of the valve based on the pressure.

Abstract: Nuclear fuel structures and methods for fabricating are disclosed herein. The nuclear fuel structure includes a plurality of fibers arranged in the structure and a multilayer fuel region within at least one fiber of the plurality of fibers. The multilayer fuel region includes an inner layer region made of a nuclear fuel material, and an outer layer region encasing the nuclear fuel material. A plurality of discrete multilayer fuel regions may be formed over a core region along the at least one fiber, the plurality of discrete multilayer fuel regions having a respective inner layer region of nuclear fuel material and a respective outer layer region encasing the nuclear fuel material. The plurality of fibers may be wrapped around an inner rod or tube structure or inside an outer tube structure of the nuclear fuel structure, providing both structural support and the nuclear fuel material of the nuclear fuel structure.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for validating vehicle trajectories are provided. A vehicle controller can obtain a motion plan indicative of a trajectory including one or more state variables and one or more control variables. The vehicle controller can determine a dynamics defect value for the motion plan based at least in part on the one or more state variables, the one or more control variables, and a continuous-time dynamics function comprising a function indicative of a change in the one or more state variables and the one or more control variables over time. The vehicle controller can further determine the motion plan is dynamically consistent based at least in part on the dynamics defect value, generate one or more vehicle system control signals, and control the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the one or more vehicle system control signals.

Abstract: Multi-directional drilling of a bone to create a perforation of bone cortex. The disclosure presents methods of using a drill having a measurement system to advance a drill bit through a bone with detection of penetration or eruption of the leading edge of the drill bit through the exterior of the cortex layer of the bone. In this regard, operation of the drill may be controlled to limit soft tissue damage adjacent to the distal side of the bone. The drill bit may be at least partially retracted through a first bore, repositioned, and one or more additional bores may be created, all while monitoring for penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit relative to the cortical layer. In turn, a perforated distal side of the cortical layer of the bone may be created that creates a desired weakness in the bone, which may be useful in various operations including when performing a corticotomy or the like.