Abstract: A smart mask includes a first material layer, at least one display, a first sensor, and a control module. The first material layer is configured to cover a portion of a face of a person. The at least one display is connected to the first material layer and configured to display images over a mouth of the person. The first sensor is configured to detect movement of the mouth of the person and generate a signal indicative of the movement of the mouth. The control module is configured to receive the signal and display the images on the display based on the movement of the mouth.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting two lids includes a hoop member having first and second edges and at least one inwardly-extending protrusion located at the first edge and at the second edge. The connecting device also includes an outwardly-extending tab affixed to the exterior surface of the hoop member, where the tab has a through hole. The hoop member is sized so as to fit within and engage with two opposing like-shaped lids to form a closed structure. According to one aspect of the invention, two lids are repurposed candle lids that would otherwise be discarded, and the closed structure forms an ornamental apparatus such as a holiday decoration.

Abstract: A lateral disc cutter for morcellating and decorticating tissue of an intervertebral disc from between adjacent vertebrae. The device can be arranged in a retracted configuration for insertion via an access tube, and in an extended configuration for cutting of tissue in the target region. The blades may be extended to contact the concave endplate in an orientation that is substantially parallel to a mid-plane of the intervertebral disc. Blades of the device may be configured with a convex profile that substantially conforms to the concave shape of the endplate for enhanced contact length between the blade and the endplate.

Abstract: A side mirror includes a housing, a mirror moveably attached with the housing, and a Peltier element mounted in the housing adjacent the mirror. There may also be a controller that is electrically connected with the Peltier element. The controller is configured to apply an electric current to the Peltier element in an electric current direction that depends on temperature and humidity data.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a supporting frame; a resistance fan on the supporting frame, the resistance fan being configured to provide an amount of resistance to a user of the exercise machine; a housing enclosing the resistance fan, the housing having a plurality of openings through which air from the resistance fan is directed towards the user of the exercise machine; and a shroud on the housing. The shroud is movable with respect to the plurality of openings so as to redirect the air from the resistance fan without changing the amount of resistance provided to the user of the exercise machine.

Abstract: A box edge security device, for a merchandise box having adjacent structural portions connected together along an edge, includes an edge cleat and a tag assembly. The edge cleat is adapted to be attached around an edge of a merchandise box, the merchandise box having a first structural portion and a second structural portion that are connected to one another along the edge, such that a first portion of the edge cleat is disposed against the first structural portion of the merchandise box and a second portion of the edge cleat is disposed against the second structural portion of the merchandise box. The tag assembly interlocks with the edge cleat and includes an electronics assembly, contained within a housing, that forms at least part of an alarm system. The electronics assembly may include an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag.

Abstract: A Virtual reality system which comprises a head mounted display and positional tracking to determine the position and orientation of the head mounted display. A player wearing the head mounted display would view a virtual world. External physical objects such as a cup can be identified and displayed inside the virtual world displayed inside the head mounted display so that a player can drink out of the cup without having to remove the head mounted display.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application sets forth an apparatus that includes a composite display layer that transmits a set of composite light. The composite display layer includes a display layer that provides a first subset of light included in the set of composite light, and a first mirror layer parallel to the first display layer that provides a second subset of light included in the set of composite light, where the second subset of light comprises a reflection of a first portion of the first subset of light. The composite display layer also includes a polarizer layer disposed on the composite display layer, where the polarizer layer provides the first portion of the first subset of light to the first mirror layer.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium. A method includes: for each of a plurality of content items in an inventory of content items: identifying an entity associated with the content item and a plurality of page types for a vertical associated with a product or service described in the content item; locating a plurality of informational pages associated with the entity; classifying each informational page based on the page types; identifying queries associated with the entity, wherein a query is used as a selection criteria for delivering one or more content items associated with the entity; for each informational page of the plurality of informational pages determining relevant queries from the identified queries; and storing in a data structure an association between the content item, data associated with the relevant queries and associated informational pages.

Abstract: Methods for uplink-based zero activation force are performed by systems and devices. A touch instrument interfaces with a touch device, and includes antennas that receive communication signals from the touch device. The touch instrument also includes a processing circuit that is electrically coupled to the antennas. The processing circuit determines an orientation of the touch instrument with respect to the touch device. A distance between the touch device and the touch instrument is then determined based on the orientation and a communication signal from the touch device received by the antennas, and an activation command is generated when the distance indicates a touch/contact. The activation command, transmitted to the touch device, causes the touch device to perform an inking operation. When the distance determined indicates a hover, and not touching/contact, a deactivation command is generated. Distance is also determined based on touch instrument orientation.

Abstract: A method includes identifying media content items for a playlist, each media content item has an introductory segment, main segment, and ending segment, determining a length of an ending segment of a first media content item and a length of an introductory segment of a second media content item, selecting an interstitial to be added to the playlist between a main segment of the first media content item and the second media content item. A length of the interstitial exceeds a combined length of the ending segment of the first media content item and the introductory segment of the second media content item. The method also includes adding a spacing between the ending segment and the introductory segment, and inserting the interstitial in the playlist between the main segment of the first media content item and the second media content item based on the spacing.

Abstract: An example light concentrator system for precision thermal processes includes a stabilizing base and a structure attached to the stabilizing base. The structure includes support arms. An azimuth control rotates the structure. A primary solar collector on the support arms is rotatable about two axes based on various positions of the sun throughout the day. Elevation actuators adjust an angle of the primary solar collector relative to position of the sun. Collector distancing actuators adjust distance of the primary solar collector toward and away from the sun. A variety of Thermal Processing Units (TPUs) are configured for a specific process or set of processes implementing concentrated solar energy from the primary solar collector at the receiver plane. Position of the spot can be moved on a fixed receiver plane through translation of the lens relative to the support arms or through rotation of a redirecting mirror.

Abstract: A device profile manager receives notification of a user operating a mobile communication device in a subscriber domain. In response to detecting authorized usage of the mobile communication device in the subscriber domain, the device profile manager initiates registering of the mobile communication device and/or corresponding non-head of household user for subsequent use of incremental subscription services assigned to the subscriber domain. Subsequent to auto-registration of the mobile communication device to use services associated with the subscriber domain, the non-head of household user operating the mobile communication device is able to use the incremental subscription services assigned to the subscriber domain based on the identifier value of the mobile communication device without submission of access credentials.

Abstract: A set-top box with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box is associated with a room and includes a housing that secures a television input, a television output, a processor, a transceiver, and memory therein in an interconnected bus architecture. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network.

Abstract: A meat processing device for defining a uniform shape of a pork belly, and including a frame, a shoulder defining a confinement space with the frame, and a tine for securing the meat in the confinement space. A cover may be joined to the frame to further define the confinement space, and may releasably engage the shoulder for a secure confinement of the pork belly.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, a fluid flow path, and a chamber. A control element is disposed in the chamber and in the fluid flow path, and is rotatable by a valve stem about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. A flow conditioner coupled to the valve body and including a first end, a second end, and a plurality of channels extending between the first end and the second end. The plurality of channels are in flow communication with the fluid flow path of the valve body when the control element is in the open position. A plurality of walls separate the plurality of channels and include a first thickness and a second thickness different than the first thickness.

Abstract: A high dose rapidly dispersing three-dimensionally printed dosage form comprising a high dose of water soluble drug in a porous matrix that disperses in water within a period of less than about 15 seconds is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the dosage form and of treating a condition, disease or disorder that is therapeutically responsive to the drug.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes accessing a plurality of data records, each data record having a plurality of data fields. The method further includes analyzing values for one or more of the data fields for at least some of the plurality of data records and generating a profile of the plurality of data records based on the analyzing. The method further includes formulating at least one subsetting rule based on the profile; and selecting a subset of data records from the plurality of data records based on the at least one subsetting rule.

Abstract: The invention features multi-specific fusion protein complexes with one domain comprising IL-15 or a functional variant and a binding domain specific to IL-7 or IL-21.

Abstract: A container assembly is provided comprising a container body, a stopper member removably attachable to the container to seal a container aperture thereof, and a thermal insulation member removably attachable to an upper body portion of the container body. The thermal insulation member has a sidewall extending downwardly from an upper portion and defining a downwardly opening cavity within which the upper body portion and the stopper are positioned. The sidewall and the upper portion of the thermal insulation member each include an inner wall and an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall. An insulation chamber is disposed between the inner and outer walls. The thermal insulation member includes an engagement portion adapted to engage with a corresponding engagement portion of the upper body portion to removably attach the thermal insulation member thereto.