Abstract: A measurement system used in conjunction with a conveyor includes a first sensor with a first transceiver and a second sensor with a second transceiver. The transceivers transmit a first light beam and a second light beam towards a movable portion of the conveyor. A control unit communicably coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein the control unit calculates a first distance between the first sensor and the movable portion based on the first sensor and a second distance between the second sensor and the movable portion based on the second sensor. The control unit determines a difference value between the first distance and the second distance; and stops the unloader in response to the difference value being above a predefined threshold value.

Abstract: A detailing tool for removing unwanted particles from a target surface. The detailing tool includes a tool head and a pair of blades. The tool head extends longitudinally between a front side and a rear side, the front side being opposite the rear side. The tool head further extends transversely between a first end and a second end, the first end being opposite the second end. The tool head is adapted and configured to receive a plastic unitary one piece member. The pair of blades includes a rearward blade and a forward blade, the pair of blades being formed from the unitary one piece member. When the unitary one piece member is received within the tool head, the pair of blades are adapted and configured to flex and engage the target surface such that unwanted particles adhere to the pair of blades and are removed from the target surface.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, a thermal energy storage and retrieval system with a cavity containing a working fluid and a heat transfer surface disposed in the cavity transverse to a gravity field and in thermal coupling with an ice that is formed from and floating in the working fluid. The heat transfer surface transfers to that ice heat from a heat transfer medium that is thermally coupled to the heat transfer surface. According to aspects of the invention in which the ice is less dense than the working fluid, the heat transfer surface is disposed above (with respect to the gravity field) a region of the cavity where that ice is formed or inlet. According to aspects of the invention in which the ice is more dense than the working fluid, the heat transfer surface is disposed below that region.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for cross-validating a second sensor with a first sensor. Cross-validating the second sensor may include obtaining sensor readings from the first sensor and comparing the sensor readings from the first sensor with sensor readings obtained from the second sensor. In particular, the comparison of the sensor readings may include comparing state information about a vehicle detected by the first sensor and the second sensor. In addition, comparing the sensor readings may include obtaining a first image from the first sensor, obtaining a second image from the second sensor, and then comparing various characteristics of the images. One characteristic that may be compared are object labels applied to the vehicle detected by the first and second sensor. The first and second sensors may be different types of sensors.

Abstract: A method of improving a ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCo) to have a higher protein score is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: making a modified RbcL of the RuBisCo, by, on an RbcL unit of the RuBisCo, either substituting Met for Leu, Phe, Val, or Ile or combinations thereof; substituting Lys for Arg, Thr, or His or combinations thereof; or both of these substitutions. The modified RbcL consequently modifies the RuBisCo and is added to a biomass host where it is stable for homologous recombination. Plastid and nucleus integration was observed. Example RbcL sequences are disclosed with the desirable substitutions. The improved RuBisCo can be used as an improved proteinaceous food source for humans and animals.

Abstract: Control of a load wrapping apparatus may be based at least in part on packaging material grading and/or factory profiles.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a first middle-of-line (MOL) oxide layer and a second MOL oxide layer in the semiconductor structure. The first MOL oxide layer including multiple gate stacks formed on a substrate, and each gate stack of the gate stacks including a source/drain junction. A first nitride layer is formed over a silicide in the first MOL oxide layer. A second nitride layer is formed. Trenches are formed through the second nitride layer down to the source/drain junctions. A nitride cap of the plurality of gate stacks is selectively recessed. At least one self-aligned contact area (CA) element is formed within the first nitride layer. The first MOL oxide layer is selectively recessed. An air-gap oxide layer is deposited. The air gap oxide layer is reduced to the at least one self-aligned CA element and the first nitride layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing an end-to-end automation framework. The method includes receiving a testing data file associated with applications. The method also includes initiating a first automation framework corresponding to a first application. The method further includes storing first data generated from the first automation framework in a data file. The method also includes initiating a second automation framework corresponding to a second application. The method further includes storing second data generated from the second automation framework based on at least the first data in the data file. The method also includes generating a data log based on the data file. The method further includes generating for display the data log on a user device.

Abstract: A non-monetary incentive model defines a Distributed Consensus Protocol (DCP) for a blockchain based on a proof-of-play mining approach. The non-monetary incentive model employs a gamification approach where mining efforts are recorded responsive to achievement in a gaming environment, rather than the proof-of-work or proof-of-stake approaches commonly used for blockchain valuation. The incentive model draws on a participant volition in attaining or improving a gaming achievement. The approach records gaming moves or actions undertaken by a participant playing the game, based on a seed used to instantiate the game. Upon attaining a predetermined minimum score, and at a predefined difficulty, the gaming effort is deemed to warrant a new block in the blockchain.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for programming one-time programmable fuses of microphone assemblies. One microphone assembly includes a housing, a transducer, a filter circuit, and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit has a fuse block having a one-time programmable (OTP) fuse configurable in a programming mode of operation during which a voltage applied to the supply voltage contact is increased relative to a voltage applied to a supply voltage contact in a normal mode of operation. The microphone assembly further includes a protection circuit configured to regulate a voltage at the voltage input terminal of the integrated circuit during the programming mode of operation based on a comparison of a voltage at the voltage input terminal with a reference voltage. The voltage on the voltage input terminal of the integrated circuit tracks the reference voltage during the programming mode of operation.

Abstract: A support for a headrest may have a single-part bending joint support which may have two support regions. A first support region may be situated in a backrest, and a second support region may be designed to receive a headrest body. Also included is a headrest for a seat, including a vehicle seat, that may have at least one headrest body and a support mentioned above and a seat.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) imaging method of detecting and scoring motion artifacts in MR images of an object is provided. The method includes computing a k-space difference map based at least in part on first MR signals of the object acquired with a first coil and second MR signals of the object acquired with a second coil. The method also includes generating a difference plot based on the k-space difference map, the difference plot including a curve. The method further includes calculating a motion score based on the curve in the difference plot, wherein the motion score indicates the level of motion artifacts in the image caused by motion of the object during acquisition of the first MR signals and the second MR signals, and the motion score includes an area under the curve. Moreover, the method includes outputting the motion score.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Picea pungens tree having a large, narrow conical shaped tree, all propagations develop orthotropic leader growth, and intense silver-blue colored foliage, as disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and distinct Cannabis sativa cultivar designated as ‘UNIQUE FLOWER ORIGINAL HAZE’. This new cultivar is characterized by a persistent green phenotype, extreme resin production, flowering at 14-16 weeks, and significant resistance to pests and fungal growth. ‘UNIQUE FLOWER ORIGINAL HAZE’ is characterized by high levels of Myrcene and Ocimene 2, moderate levels of cis-? Farnesene and ? Caryophyllene, and lower levels of additional terpenes including pinenes, ?-humulene, linalool, and limonine. ‘UNIQUE FLOWER ORIGINAL HAZE’ has on average 17.38% Total THC and 0.1% Total CBD by dry weight.