Abstract: A die output lane assembly for receiving a blank through an opening of a die-cutter machine includes a frame, a support structure, and a memory device. The support structure is attached to the frame to form a lane and is configured to receive the blank from the opening of the die-cutter machine and temporarily store the blank in the lane. The memory device is configured to store data associated with the die output lane assembly thereon. The data includes at least one of a dimension of the die output lane assembly, a dimension of a cutting die of the die-cutter machine, a dimension of the blank, a pick position for removing the blank, a retraction path for removing the blank, a speed of part handling, or placement position data for storing the blank.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a system and methods for reporting an employee schedule, and more particularly to a system and methods for dynamically optimizing and generating employee schedules. The system may analyze a request for an employee schedule including demand data corresponding to proposed duty periods for a specific duration. The demand data is partitioned, optimized and assembled to produce one or more weekly shift configurations. Employees are then assigned to duty periods of the weekly shift configurations and a fitness function is calculated based on one or more constraints and, based on the calculated fitness function, an optimized schedule is generated. Advantageously, the system is configured to automatically output an optimized schedule including a plurality of shifts for a plurality of employees, while minimizing the amount of employer oversight for the scheduling process.

Abstract: A data stream, such as a video stream, may comprise one or more event trigger messages indicating an upcoming event in the stream. The time (e.g., pre-roll time) between the event trigger message and its corresponding event may be modified, based on rules, to provide a network operator, service provider or downstream recipient more (or less) time to prepare for the event. This may be accomplished by moving the event trigger to an earlier (or later) location in the stream, and/or editing the event trigger to indicate the different pre-roll time.

Abstract: An elongated device and a system that at the same time allow acquisition of temperature-related data of high spatial and temporal resolution from hollow structures together with other relevant data of physical or chemical variables. In a preferred embodiment infrared or visible light sensors are used to obtain thermal or color images from the inner surface during imposed change of the temperature in the lumen of the hollow structure. The disclosure makes it possible to evaluate thermal variations when the inner surface returns to pre-change thermal conditions. High-resolution data can be obtained with the disclosure. The disclosure further includes a system with rotators, injection pumps, a control unit and display operably coupled to one or more of the data acquisition and processing system.

Abstract: A multi-axis rotation control ankle brace, wherein the direction and magnitude of force can be controlled around three axes of the ankle joint through an adjustable tensioning apparatus. The device may be applied to address conditions such as chronic ankle instability, foot drop, or osteoarthritis by providing such forces around the joint as an external-muscle tendon system to improve function, reduce pain, or restore mobility of the user. While more are contemplated herein, five preferred embodiments are specifically disclosed in the current application. Three preferred embodiments comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion is anchored above the ankle joint and houses, in aspects, the adjustment mechanism. The proximal portion is connected to the distal portion by tensioning or compressive elements, through which forces can be controlled by the user via the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying cable, including: a first curve-limited drag chain facing in a first direction and including a plurality of channel-defining links, a second curve-limited drag chain facing in a second direction and including a plurality of channel-defining links, the second direction opposite the first direction, a transition link coupled between the first curve-limited drag chain and second curve-limited drag chain, a first mount coupled to an end of the first-curve limited drag chain, and a second mount coupled to an end of the second-curve limited drag chain.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fitness machine by a user, where the method includes storing intensity ratings within a memory device, and the intensity ratings correspond to an intensity for the user operating the fitness machine. The method includes displaying initial operating levels selectable to control the fitness machine, where the intensity for the user varies for each of the initial operating levels. The method includes determining and displaying the intensity rating associated with each of the initial operating levels, receiving a selection from the initial operating levels and automatically controlling the fitness machine to operate according thereto, displaying, after receiving the selection among the initial operating levels, new operating levels selectable to control the fitness machine, and determining and displaying the intensity ratings associated with each of the new operating levels. At least one of the new operating levels and one of the initial operating levels are different.

Abstract: Implementations of methods of making a semiconductor device may include: providing a partial semiconductor wafer. The method may also include providing a wafer holder including a tape portion with one or more openings through the tape portion. The method may include mounting the partial semiconductor wafer over the one or more openings in the tape portion of the wafer holder and providing an electrical connection to the partial semiconductor wafer through the one or more openings in the tape portion during probe test.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which a processing system acquires a video image and voice data of a remote viewer of a live event content, and generating animation parameters relating to the video image. An avatar of the viewer is constructed based on the animation parameters; the avatar includes an animated version of the video image. The animated version and voice data are encoded to obtain a compressed animation data stream and a compressed audio stream, which are transmitted at a low bit rate to a remote system providing the content. The remote system aggregates compressed animation data streams and compressed audio streams to obtain a virtual audience for the event; the virtual audience includes avatars of the remote viewers and sound produced by the remote viewers. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: One example method includes obtaining, from an endoscope and between first and second video frames of a real-time video having a frame rate, a preliminary image of a scene during a surgical procedure, the first image comprising a plurality of pixels, wherein the first and second video frames are consecutive video frames in the real-time video; determining, for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, a depth within the scene; determining first image capture parameters for the scene based on a scene illumination setting and a first set of pixels within a first range of depths in the scene; capturing, between the first and second consecutive output video frames, a first image using the first image capture parameters; determining an illumination correction for a second set of pixels at a second range of depths within the scene; capturing, between the first and second consecutive output video frames, a second image using the illumination correction; generating a composite image based on the first and second images;

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide for assigning classifications to signals and corresponding messages for prioritization and transmission across a vehicle CAN bus. The assigned classifications are used to select authentication keys specific to each classification of message. Nodes of the CAN bus can include different sets of keys based on the classifications of messages handled at the nodes. Keys are distributed and localized to reduce any potential impact on critical functions of the vehicle system that may result from compromise of an authentication key.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting live insects in a secure and environmentally controlled manner. The systems include containers and packaging for transporting the live insects at a controlled temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A system for managing energy of a building includes a controller in communication with a charger and configured to responsive to predicting (i) a coming power outage of an expected duration and (ii) a total energy reserve of a battery of a vehicle and an electric energy storage being less than an anticipated amount of energy to be used by the building during the expected duration, instruct the vehicle to recharge the battery at a target charge station and return before stored energy of the energy storage falls below a predefined value, and responsive to encountering the power outage, command the charger to supply electric energy to the building from the battery and electric energy storage.

Abstract: A system and method of checking sealing of a brake caliper housing. The method may include determining a level of moisture in a cavity of a brake caliper housing with a sensor. In another configuration, the method may determine whether a detected pressure inside the cavity remains stable for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A universal external port is proposed to add new functionality to or replace existing functionality of an already deployed spacecraft (e.g., a satellite in orbit). The universal external port is mounted on an external surface of the spacecraft and configured to connect to different types of external modules that have different functions, without removing components from the spacecraft other than one or more components of the universal external port. A communication interface onboard the spacecraft is configured to wirelessly receive a software patch from an entity remote from the spacecraft (e.g., from a ground terminal or other spacecraft) to program the spacecraft to change operation of the spacecraft to utilize the external module when the external module is connected to the universal external port.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of controlling insect pests which infest crop plants, in particular Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm), Lygus hesperus (western tarnished plant bug), Euschistus heros (neotropical brown stink bug), and Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth), and methods of providing plants resistant to such pests. Also disclosed are polynucleotides and recombinant DNA molecules and constructs useful in such methods, insecticidal compositions such as topical sprays containing insecticidal double-stranded RNAs, and plants with improved resistance to infestation by these insects. Further disclosed are methods of selecting target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing and control of these insect pests.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a novel apparatus, method, and system for a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system has a grease tray integrated into the tailgate configured to capture grease and prevent grease from leaking into the tailgate. A dust cover fits over the grill system preventing debris from entering the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system while the vehicle is in motion. A cover at a top of the tailgate has a closed position configured to hide the control knobs.

Abstract: A case for a portable electronic device that includes a base layer and a perimeter bumper coupled to the base layer for protecting the device is disclosed herein. The base layer is made of a first material and perimeter bumper is made of a second material, different from the first. The perimeter bumper has a different elasticity than the base layer. The elastic frame perimeter bumper extends around a perimeter of the case to provide cushioning or padding for side edges of the case.

Abstract: A radiation shield assembly includes a shield configured to block radiation and a rail assembly configured to position the shield in between the radiation table and a radiation source. The shield is movable between a retracted position and an extended position along a length of the rail assembly. In the extended position, the shield extends along a portion of a radiation table and blocks radiation from the radiation source to the portion of the radiation table. In the retracted position, the shield exposes at least some of the portion of the radiation table to the radiation.

Abstract: A low-deflection roller tube of a motorized roller shade may include a first tube and a second tube that is attached to the first tube. The first tube may be configured to operably couple to the motor drive unit of the roller shade. The second tube may comprise a plurality of carbon fiber layers additively constructed on the first tube, and may be fabricated such that first and second longitudinal portions of the roller tube exhibit different material stiffness characteristics from each other. The first and second portions of the roller tube may be made of carbon fiber material having different tensile moduli. Layers of carbon fiber material in the first portion may be staggered with layers of carbon fiber material in the second portion at an interface between the first and second portions.