Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for video encoding/decoding. Processing circuitry decodes prediction information of a block from a coded video bitstream. The prediction information is indicative of a matrix based intra prediction for the block. The processing circuitry determines entries of a vector based on neighboring samples of the block. An entry can be determined based on one or more neighboring samples of the block. The processing circuitry converts the entries into a reduced bit form with a number of bits satisfying a requirement of using a first multiplication tool that processes fewer bits than a second multiplication tool. Then, the processing circuitry multiplies, using the first multiplication tool, the entries of the vector in the reduced bit form with entries of a matrix to calculate a subset of prediction samples of the block, and determines other prediction samples of the block based on the subset.

Abstract: An integrated circuit may include a full-scale reference generation circuit that corrects for variation in the gain or full scale of a set of interleaved analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). Notably, the full-scale reference generation circuit may provide a given full-scale or reference setting for a given interleaved ADC, where the given full-scale setting corresponds to a predefined or fixed component and a variable component (which may specify a given full-scale correction for a given full scale). For example, the full-scale reference generation circuit may include a full-scale reference generator replica circuit that outputs a fixed current corresponding to the fixed component. Furthermore, the full-scale reference generation circuit may include a full-scale reference generator circuit that outputs a first voltage corresponding to the given full-scale setting based at least in part on the fixed current and a variable current that, at least in part, specifies the given full-scale correction.

Abstract: While a vehicle is in an off state, expiration of a timer and receipt of a first message from a user device are monitored. Upon determining that at least one of the timer has expired or that the first message is received from the user device, a communication network onboard the vehicle is then monitored for a specified set of fault conditions. Upon detecting, on the onboard vehicle communication network, a fault condition included in the set of fault conditions, the fault condition is then identified as one of transient or persistent. A user assist feature of the vehicle is disabled upon identifying that the fault condition is transient and that a second message was received from the user device after the fault condition was detected.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method and an apparatus including processing circuitry for video decoding. The processing circuitry can decode coding information for a block from a coded video bitstream. The coding information can indicate an intra prediction mode for the block and one or a combination of transform partitioning information for the block, a size of the block, and a shape of the block. The processing circuitry can determine whether a secondary transform is disabled for the block based on the one or the combination of the transform partitioning information for the block, the size of the block, and the shape of the block. The processing circuitry can reconstruct the block based on the determination of whether the secondary transform is disabled for the block.

Abstract: A support structure for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger includes an upper section, a lower section, and a plurality of support members. The upper section includes an upper ring having a first exterior surface, an upper hub and at least three upper spokes each extending between and secured at respective ends thereof to the upper ring and the upper hub. Each of the plurality of support members are fixedly secured, directly or indirectly, to the upper ring and the lower section. An annular space is between the upper ring and the lower ring, which is configured to receive compartments of a rotor assembly. The upper hub, the upper spokes and the support members cooperate to provide rigidity to the support structure by cooperating to support and transmit the weight of the upper spokes, the upper ring and the upper hub to the lower section.

Abstract: A fixed target sample holder for serial synchrotron crystallography comprising a goniometer compatible base, a carrier, a sample holding insert which can be placed into the carrier. The sample holding insert comprising fiducials and windows, wherein each of the windows are respectively configured to accept a sample. The windows can also have holes and texture within each window. Additionally, a sample loading workstation for loading crystals into the sample holder and the removal of excess liquid from the sample, comprising a humidity-controlled chamber, a sample support within the chamber, a capture to place the goniometer-compatible base, and a channel in communication with the chamber that allows for the flow of humidified air into the chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods related to security. An exemplary system includes a central computer, an object database including object data identifying a plurality of banned objects; a network interface configured to communicate with a control center; and a plurality of devices coupled to the central computer. A first device of the plurality of devices includes a camera, a network interface, and one or more non-lethal countermeasures. The central computer is configured to receive image data and compare the image data to the object data of the object database to identify a banned object of the banned objects. The central computer is configured to send a threat message to the control center and receive a control command from the control center. The central computer is configured to activate at least one of the non-lethal countermeasures based on the control command.

Abstract: Elevated work platform apparatuses, as well as associated methods, are provided. One elevated platform apparatus comprises a first assembly having a pair of rails coupled with a plurality of rungs, a second assembly hingedly coupled with the first assembly, a platform pivotally coupled with the first assembly and configured to extend to, and engage a portion of, the second assembly. The apparatus further includes a cage associated with the platform. The cage may include a guard structure including a pair of gates. A locking mechanism may be associated with the platform and include a latch member for engagement with a cross-member of the second assembly. Actuation of the locking member may include a “pulling” action by a user standing in front of the apparatus and reaching between the two rails of the first assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for remote acquisition and delivery of goods includes a server in communication with customer computers, such as through a user interface via the internet. The server can store customer information including billing information, and may include an image processor. A mobile delivery system in communication with the server includes an energy efficient vehicle, an image capture device, a global positioning system, a communication device and a printer. In use, a customer communicates with a mobile delivery agent via the image capture device and the communication device to remotely acquire a product. Once acquired, the delivery agent delivers the product to a designated delivery location. The image capture device can be utilized during the entire transaction. The system preferably includes a processor for optimizing system efficiencies, including selecting a delivery agent based on the product, pick-up location and delivery site.

Abstract: A cable connector assembly includes lower and upper hood parts which are mated together to form a passageway therethrough in which a connector and a cable retaining assembly are mounted. The cable retaining includes a cable retaining body and a cable retainer attached thereto. The cable retaining body provides two exits and the cable retaining body can be positioned within the hood parts in a number of different orientations to change the exit path. Multiple cable retaining bodies and cable retainers can be interchangeably mounted within the hood parts.

Abstract: A method and system for managing transcoding of data in a stream that includes identifying an input source change for the stream with a new input source type, and adding a decoder for the new input source type, the decoder configured to output for a respective encoder in a transcoder pipeline.

Abstract: Mowing systems include a mower and a remote control unit such as a handheld unit, between which is provided 1- or 2-way communications. Components and features are included in the mower, the remote control unit, or both to enhance the safety, functionality, or user experience of the system's user/operator. Aspects of the invention relate to: an enable switch on the remote control unit that requires activation within a specified time before activating a drive system or PTO unit; sharing diagnostic information between the mower and remote control unit and emitting user-detectable warnings in response to the shared information; reducing a danger level of the system when a proximity between the mower and the remote control unit is too small; and using inclinometers in the mower and the remote control unit to control operation of the mower based on tilt angles of both the mower and the remote control unit.

Abstract: Ultrasensitive, decoupled thermodynamic sensing platforms for the detection of chemical compounds in the vapor phase at trace levels are disclosed, wherein the sensors have a heating resistor decoupled from a sensing resistor. Embodiments of the decoupled sensor comprise a metallic microheater resistor on one side of substrate, and a sensor resistor coupled to a catalyst on the other side of the substrate. A sensor array may be provided including a plurality of sensors each having a different catalyst that, when exposed to an analyte, each experience an endothermic reaction, an exothermic reaction, or no reaction. A comparison of the reaction results to data comprising previously obtained reaction results may be used to determine the presence and the identity of the analyte. Advantageously, the decoupled sensors utilize less power and provide greater sensitivity than other known systems, and may be used to detect and identify a single molecule of an analyte.

Abstract: A military vehicle includes a brake positioned to facilitate braking a tractive element, a brake housing defining an inner volume, a piston separating the inner volume into a first chamber and a second chamber, a rod extending through an end of the brake housing and coupled to the piston where the rod is positioned to selectively engage with the brake to inhibit movement of the tractive element, a resilient member positioned within the inner volume and configured to generate a biasing force against the piston such that the rod is biased into engagement with the brake, and an air-to-hydraulic intensifier coupled to the brake housing. The air-to-hydraulic intensifier is configured to receive a supply of air and provide a hydraulic fluid to the brake housing based on the supply of air to overcome the biasing force to disengage the rod from the brake to permit movement of the tractive element.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing a part via vat photopolymerization (VPP) includes irradiating a first material through a first transparent wall of a first material tank and forming a first section of an nth layer of the part on a platform, positioning the platform with the first section of the nth layer in a second material tank with a distance between the first section of the nth layer and a second transparent wall, and irradiating a second material such that a second section of the nth layer of the part is formed on the platform adjacent to the first section of the nth layer. The method repeats forming first and second sections of additional layer until a predetermined number of total layers are formed. Positioning the first and second sections with a distance between the second and first transparent walls, respectively, inhibits crashing during forming of the part.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor-superconductor hybrid device comprises providing a workpiece comprising a semiconductor component, a layer of a first superconductor material on the semiconductor component, and a layer of a second superconductor material on the first superconductor material, the second superconductor material being different from the first superconductor material; etching the layer of the second superconductor material to expose a portion of the first superconductor material; and oxidising the portion of the first superconductor material to form a passivating layer on the semiconductor. The first superconductor provides energy coupling between the semiconductor and the second superconductor, and the passivating layer protects the semiconductor while allowing electrostatic access thereto. Also provided are a hybrid device, and a method of etching.

Abstract: An adhesive composition for use in flooring applications that includes a moisture curable polymer system; a calcium carbonate filler system having a first spheroidal particle of calcium carbonate having an equivalent spherical mean diameter of 70 nanometer (nm) to 15 micrometer (?m) and a second spheroidal particle of calcium carbonate having an equivalent spherical mean diameter of greater than 15 ?m to 200 ?m; a seed oil based fatty acid ester; and a silane based adhesion promoter. The adhesive composition provides low viscosity along with high shear resistance, which helps to retain the troweled ridges to enable maximum coverage.

Abstract: An encapsulated flavorant or artificial sweetener for use with smokeless tobacco and related products. The encapsulated flavorant or artificial sweetener comprises a core encapsulated with a lipid-based coating that provides stability when in contact with tobacco, yet releases flavor over time when the product is used. The core comprises a carrier, such as silica, tobacco, beet fiber, citrus fiber, artificial sweetener, or the like, coated or loaded with a flavorant. Flavor loading may be in the range of approximately 10% to 60%, by weight. Flavorants include, but are not limited to, methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), cinnamon (e.g., cinnamon oil), peppermint (e.g., peppermint oil), and spearmint (oil of spearmint).

Abstract: A method includes receiving data objects, determining a predicted lifespan of each data object, and instantiating multiple shard files. Each shard file has an associated predicted lifespan range. The method also includes writing each data object into a corresponding shard file having the associated predicted lifespan range that includes the predicted lifespan of the respective data object and storing the shard files in a distributed system. The method also includes determining whether any stored shard files satisfy a compaction criteria based on a number of deleted data objects in each corresponding stored shard file. For each stored shard file satisfying the compaction criteria, the method also includes compacting the stored shard file by rewriting the remaining data objects of the stored shard file into a new shard file.

Abstract: A standard smoking lighter slides into a hole on top of a plastic sheath so that only the top of the lighter is exposed. The bottom of the sheath has a hammer like protrusion at one end to stuff tobacco or other herb into a pipe. The opposite end of the bottom has a pivot point for a poker which serves to mix the herb and ash within the pipe and/or clean the debris from the pipe. The poker folds up into the sheath when not in use. Thus, a three function pipe tool provides a lighter, a stuffer and a poker.