Abstract: A polymer composition for molded products having antimicrobial and/or antiviral properties comprising from 50 wt. % to 99.9 wt. % of a polymer, from 0.01 wt % to 10 wt % zinc, optionally from a zinc compound, less than 1 wt % of a phosphorus compound, and from 0 wt % to 20 wt % molding additives, wherein a molded product formed from the polymer composition demonstrates a Staphylococcus aureus log reduction greater than 1.0, as determined via ISO 22196:2011.

Abstract: A counter including a housing disposed about a tubular creating a space therebetween, a piston disposed in the space and responsive to pressure up events in the tubular to compress a transfer chamber, a supply chamber fluidly attached to the transfer chamber; a trigger chamber fluidly attached to the transfer chamber wherein sequential pressure events cause the piston to move fluid from the supply chamber to the trigger chamber. A counter including a fluid incrementing configuration, an activation member in fluid force communication with the fluid incrementing configuration, the activation member having a first position where a fluid port is blocked and a second position where the fluid port is unblocked, the fluid port being fluid pressure connected to a tool to be actuated when the activation member is in the second position.

Abstract: A solar thermophotovoltaic system has a heat exchanger containing a heat exchange fluid, and a thin-film integrated spectrally-selective plasmonic absorber emitter (ISSAE) in direct contact with an outer surface of the heat exchanger, the ISSAE including an ultra-thin non-shiny metal layer that is strongly absorbing in a solar spectral range and strongly reflective in an infrared spectral range. The metal layer has an inner surface in direct contact with an outer surface of the heat exchanger. A photovoltaic cell support structure with an inner surface in a concentric configuration partially surrounds the ISSAE; and an airgap separates the support structure and the outer surface of the metal layer. Photovoltaic cells are arranged on a portion of the inner surface of the support structure to receive emissions from the ISSAE, and a solar energy collector/concentrator allows solar radiation to impinge a portion of the metal layer.

Abstract: A slip-resistant eyewear system comprising a nose pad comprising a securing member configured to couple to a portion of an eyewear frame and a flap pivotally coupled to the securing member, wherein an angle formed between the securing member and the flap is an acute angle. Implementations of a flap-style nose pad may comprise a pocket configured to house a preexisting eyewear nose pad therein. Other implementations of the nose pad may be configured to adhere to a preexisting eyewear frame. Use of a higher durometer and material and a lower durometer material to form the nose pads allows for a custom fit to accommodate wearers of varying facial topography avoid slippage of the eyewear system.

Abstract: An anode configured for fast charging a lithium-ion battery includes an anode substrate and a coating provided on a surface of the anode substrate for increasing an overpotential of Li metal to inhibit Li metal plating during extreme fast charging a lithium-ion battery fabricated with the anode. The anode is fabricated by a process of applying a coating to the anode substrate surface that comprises a nanolayer of Cu, or a nanolayer of Ni or a composite nanolayer of Cu and Ni.

Abstract: A method for training a speech recognition model includes receiving a set of training utterance pairs each including a non-synthetic speech representation and a synthetic speech representation of a same corresponding utterance. At each of a plurality of output steps for each training utterance pair in the set of training utterance pairs, the method also includes determining a consistent loss term for the corresponding training utterance pair based on a first probability distribution over possible non-synthetic speech recognition hypotheses generated for the corresponding non-synthetic speech representation and a second probability distribution over possible synthetic speech recognition hypotheses generated for the corresponding synthetic speech representation. The first and second probability distributions are generated for output by the speech recognition model.

Abstract: A high dynamic range image sensor may include a plurality of pixel groups. One or more pixel groups may include attenuated pixels in addition to unattenuated pixels. The unattenuated pixels may include a photosensitive area, a color filter element and a microlens of a first size. Each attenuated pixel may include a photosensitive area, a color filter element, a neutral density filter, and a microlens of a second size that is smaller than the first size. The color filter elements for each pixel in a given pixel group may be the same color. The neutral density filter may attenuate light for the attenuated pixels, increasing dynamic range of the image sensor. The microlenses of varying sizes may redirect light from attenuated pixels towards unattenuated pixels, further increasing the dynamic range.

Abstract: While operating a host vehicle in an area, a target vehicle is identified in a sub-area based on detecting a visual cue from the target vehicle. A future location of the target vehicle is predicted to intersect a path of the host vehicle. A stop position of the host vehicle is determined based on the future location of the target vehicle. At least one of the target vehicle is determined to have moved or the path of the host vehicle is updated. Then, the host vehicle is operated to the stop position or along the updated path.

Abstract: Audio devices that have microphones, and particularly to secure loudspeaker microphone systems and loudspeakers that have and use same. The device includes a loudspeaker, one or more microphones, a first mute switch for turning on and off the one or more microphones via software or electrical circuitry, and a second mute switch that is an electromechanical switch that removes all power to the one or more microphones.

Abstract: A fractured semiconductor die is disclosed, together with a semiconductor device including the fractured semiconductor die. During fabrication of the semiconductor dies in a wafer, the wafer may be scored in a series of parallel scribe lines through portions of each row of semiconductor dies. The scribe lines then propagate through the full thickness of the wafer to fracture off a portion of each of the semiconductor dies. It may happen that electrical traces such as bit lines in the memory cell arrays short together during the die fracture process. These electrical shorts may be cleared by running a current through each of the electrical traces.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for use with a chair having a supporting surface, and includes a bottom member adapted to be placed above the supporting surface of the chair. The bottom member includes a cushioning member in the form of a bladder. The bladder includes at least two internal chambers. A first of the at least two internal chambers extends from a rear edge disposed inwardly proximate a center of the bladder and a second of the at least two internal chambers extends peripherally around three inner sides of the first internal chamber. The apparatus further includes a top member having a bottom surface positioned in confronting relation to the bottom member and a top surface opposite the bottom surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods including one or more processors and one or more non-transitory storage devices storing computing instructions configured to run on the one or more processors and perform acts of receiving one or more processing requests; assigning each respective processing request of the one or more processing requests to a respective queue of one or more queues; assigning each respective queue of the one or more queues to a respective processing node of one or more processing nodes; calculating a respective processing request backlog for each respective processing node of the one or more processing nodes; and limiting a processing rate of the respective processing node for processing requests of the one or more processing requests of the respective queue based on the respective processing request backlog for the respective processing node. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An automated alert system, device and method designed to deliver crisis notifications within seconds to law enforcement personnel. The alert system and method is designed to enhance the response time to an active shooter scenario, thereby minimizing the number of causalities or victims associated with such dangerous scenarios. The system and method uses combination of various hardware components, cellular automation and partnership with first responders to provide an advanced alert system which ensures quick responses.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric ammunition having a generally cylindrical neck having a projectile aperture at a first end, a shoulder comprising a shoulder top connected to the generally cylindrical neck opposite a shoulder bottom, a side wall extending from the shoulder, a groove positioned around the side wall, a skirt connected circumferentially about the groove to extend away from the groove, wherein the groove and the skirt are adapted to mate to a polymer cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combining redundant signals to generate outputs signals with enhanced accuracy and/or risk level. In embodiments, first signals are generated by a first transducer and second signals are generated by a second transducer. In other embodiments, first signals are generated by a first die and second signals are generated by a second die. An amount of overlap between error distributions of the first and second signals can be used to detect failure and/or indicate risk of failure.

Abstract: The present principles are directed to systems and methods for providing a trading system cooperatively integrated with manufacturing control and distribution systems, and, more specifically, to provide a trading, clearance, settlement, and depository for securities, commodities, and their derivatives (collectively “securities”) that utilize asset-backed, virtualized data tokens and blockchain technology to facilitate price discovery and automated transactions at all stages of the asset development, manufacturing, and distribution of commodities.

Abstract: A system for closest in path vehicle following using surrounding vehicles motion flow is provided and includes a sensor device of a host vehicle generating data related to vehicles upon a drivable surface. The system further includes a navigation controller including a computerized processor operable to monitor the data from the sensor device, define a portion of the plurality of vehicles as a swarm of vehicles, identify one of the plurality of vehicles as a closest in path vehicle to be followed, evaluate the data to determine whether the closest in path vehicle to be followed is exhibiting good behavior in relation to the swarm of vehicles, and, when the closest in path vehicle to be followed is exhibiting the good behavior, generate a breadcrumbing navigation path based upon the data. The system further includes a vehicle controller controlling the host vehicle based upon the breadcrumbing navigation path.

Abstract: In various embodiments an appetite suppressant composition comprises at least one anorectic active ingredient (AAI); at least one of a nutritive substance, a controlled drug delivery agent (CDRA), and a cofactor; and optionally, an excipient. The AIA may comprise any one of phentermine, phendimetrazine, diethylpropion, naltrexone, and bupropion. The CDRA may comprise a cellulosic. The cofactor may comprise a chromium or selenium salt. In various embodiments, the compositions herein are provided in an oral capsule dosage form for GI-tract administration of the AAI. A method of suppressing appetite in individuals in need thereof are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method comprising, subsequent to arrival of a vehicle at a charging station, establishing communications between a vehicle side autonomous charging system associated with the vehicle and a charging station side autonomous charging system associated with the charging station; receiving by the charging station side autonomous charging system at least one signal from the vehicle side autonomous charging system, wherein the at least one signal is indicative of a location of a charging port of the vehicle; and using the received at least one signal to guide a robotic extension arm of the charging station to a location proximate the vehicle charging port.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a continuous process for preparing organic carbonate solvent of Formula (I) as described herein comprises contacting a first reactant (an alcohol) with a reactive carbonyl source (carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) or an alkylchloroformate) in the presence of a catalyst in reaction stream flowing through a continuous flow reactor at temperature 20° C. to about 160° C. and at a flow rate providing a residence time in the range of about 0.1 minute to about 24 hours; collecting a reactor effluent exiting from the continuous flow reactor; recovering a crude product from the reactor effluent; and distilling the crude product to obtain the organic carbonate compound of Formula (I). In another embodiment, the first reactant is an epoxide and the carbonyl source is carbon dioxide.