Abstract: A system may include a virtual reality system configured to present one or more virtual objects via an electronic display. The system may also include one or more inflatable objects that correspond to the one or more virtual objects, such that the one or more inflatable objects matches one or more shapes of the one or more virtual objects. The system may also include a processor configured to cause at least one of the one or more inflatable objects to inflate based on feedback from the virtual reality system.

Abstract: A battery includes: a first terminal; a second terminal; a plurality of individually housed batteries; a plurality of switches configured to connect ones of the individually housed batteries to and from ones of the first and second terminals; and a switch control module configured to: at a frequency, vary a voltage applied to a gate of one of the switches, the one of the switches configured to connect at least one of the individually housed batteries to one of the first and second terminals; and diagnose whether a fault is present in the one of the switches based on a voltage across the one of the switches.

Abstract: A pair of pants including a fly that can be opened and closed via a bi-directional zipper that extends from a top end proximal to an upper terminus of the pants to a bottom end at the crotch point of the pants. The zipper includes a top slider and a bottom slider that travel on a common set of zipper teeth. The top slider separates the zipper teeth when moved in a direction away from the top end toward the bottom end and closes the zipper teeth when moved in the opposite direction. The bottom slider separates the zipper teeth when moved in a direction toward the top end and away from the bottom end and closes the zipper teeth when moved in the opposite direction. The pants allow a wearer to excrete urine while in a sitting position, particularly such as when the wearer is operating an aircraft.

Abstract: The novel bladder systems and tie down systems set forth herein provide systems and apparatuses that mitigate or prevent damage, such as tipping over/capsizing, of a watercraft stored on shore or an aircraft secured to a ground surface during adverse wind, rising water, or storm events. Further, novel apparatuses and methods for storing a watercraft using the bladders as cushioning or holding devices when installed within a cavity, whether the cavity is created by digging a hole or building an enclosing berm, provides additional stability and security for the watercraft during adverse wind, rising water, or storm events.

Abstract: A method for context-dependent in-call video codec switching includes receiving an indication that a far-side endpoint includes a capability to switch from an initial video codec to a secondary video codec during a call. During a call with the far-side endpoint, the method includes determining that a performance of an encoder satisfies a codec switching threshold. The codec switching threshold indicates that the performance of the encoder justifies switching from the initial video codec mid-stream of the call. During a call with the far-side endpoint, the method also includes switching from the initial video codec initially negotiated to govern the call to the secondary video codec.

Abstract: The invention features immunogenic compositions and vaccines containing an optimized human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope (Env) polypeptide (e.g., a stabilized trimer of optimized HIV Env polypeptides) or a polynucleotide encoding an optimized HIV Env polypeptide and uses thereof. The invention also features methods of treating and/or preventing a HIV infection by administering an immunogenic composition or vaccine of the invention to a subject (e.g., a human).

Abstract: A container device that has an outer shell with an opening that is sealed by a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism can include magnetic strips that are configured to partially or wholly seal the opening.

Abstract: Implementations relate to continuation of playback of media content by different devices. In some implementations, a method includes causing a stream of media content data to be received from a stream source and output by a first device to a user, where a portion of the data is buffered on the first device before output. An indication is detected that the user has stopped using the first device for output of the content data. A place marker indicates a portion of the content that is output approximately at the time of the indication. The method causes the stream of content data to be received and output by a second device starting at the place marker portion. The buffered content data is sent from the first device to the second device for output by the second device before unbuffered portions of the content data received from the stream source.

Abstract: Example apparatuses and systems are disclosed for providing controlled delivery of electrolysis products to a site which may be used for treatment of infection and ablation of undesirable cells and tissue. A system disclosed may include a power supply, two electrodes, an aqueous matrix that may close the electric circuit between the electrodes at the treated site, and a controller. The controller may control the electrical circuit to induce a direct current through the electrodes and an aqueous matrix to produce electrolysis products. The duration and magnitude of the charge applied may determine the dose of the products applied to the treatment site. The composition of the electrodes and the aqueous matrix may be chosen to produce desired products. An apparatus is disclosed that may be in the form of a pad for applying to a wound. An apparatus is disclosed that may be used for treating internal tissue.

Abstract: A plug having a longitudinal axis includes a plug body having a generally flat sealing surface on an axial end thereof, and a protuberance extending from the axial end generally concentric with the longitudinal axis. The protuberance has a first section contiguous with the plug body, and a second section having a hub portion contiguous with the first section and a plurality of generally evenly spaced arms extending outward from the hub portion. An underside surface of each arm faces the sealing surface of the plug body and has a generally flat portion and a ramped nub thereon projecting toward the sealing surface. The plug may be inserted into a compatible socket having tabs and rotated about the longitudinal axis for sealable engagement with the socket.

Abstract: A security light having optional connection to multiple power supplies. The lighting controller can sense the appropriate connected supply and automatically connect to three different power supplies which include house voltage connection through a typical junction box, a remote solar charging station, and on board batteries that can be used as a third backup power supply. Additional implementations include power outage detection and backup illumination along with low voltage power supply from a mounting structure.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for relaying messages in a communications system. In one aspect, a method is performed at a server having one or more processors and memory storing instructions for execution by the one or more processors. The method includes: (1) obtaining a plurality of incoming messages; (2) identifying one or more messages from among the plurality of incoming messages, the one or more messages obtained from a first user; (3) receiving a feedback message from a second user about at least one of: the first user and a first message of the one or more messages; and (4) sending the feedback message from the second user to a plurality of users, where the plurality of users track at least one of: the first user and the first message.

Abstract: A short circuit protection circuit may comprise a first configuration channel line extending from a first connector, a first resistor connected to the first configuration channel line; a voltage divider connected to a junction point on the first configuration channel line, the voltage divider comprising a second resistor and a thermistor, and a field effect transistor (FET) comprising a source, gate, and drain. The thermistor may be connected to a ground line. The drain of the FET may be connected to the first resistor, the source of the FET may be connected to the ground line, and the gate of the FET may be connected to a second junction point between the second resistor and thermistor of the voltage divider.

Abstract: A pipe loading system for a blast hole drilling rig. The blast hole drilling rig includes a drilling platform, a drill tower supported on the drilling platform, a drill motor supported at an upper end of the drill tower, operatively coupled to a drilling head configured to selectively engage with and rotate a drill pipe, and a pipe loader pivotably supported on the drilling platform and configured to selectively index a drilling tool into coaxial alignment with the drill pipe during a drilling tool change-out operation. The pipe loader includes a pipe support pod at a lower end and a pipe holding clamp at an upper end. Sensors detect a presence of the drilling tool in the pipe holder, an interconnection between the drilling head and the drill pipe, and a state of the pipe holding clamp. The pipe loading system closes the pipe holding clamp when the drilling tool is in the pipe loader and the pipe holding clamp is not in a closed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to field of an arrangement of multiple optical elements to generate multiple beam patterns. The arrangement (100) of multiple optical elements to plurality of fasteners (112), and an optics plate (106). The array board (102) having LEDs (104) mounted thereon in a plurality of first blade patterns (124a-124d). The optics plate (106) is removably fastened to the array board. The optics plate (106) defines lenses (108) in a plurality of second blade patterns (126a-126d) and reflectors (110) in a plurality of third blade patterns (128a-128d), identical to the first blade pattern (124a-124d). The optics plate (106) is manually rotated into a first configuration to align the second blade pattern (126a-126d) with the first blade pattern (124a-124d) and into a second configuration to align the third blade pattern (128a-128d) with the first blade pattern (124a-124d) to generate multiple beam patterns.