Abstract: A method includes: processing a request to execute a purchase transaction for a virtual asset of a video game, to transfer ownership of the virtual asset from a first user account to a second user account, to transfer an amount of virtual currency from the second user account to the first user account; responsive to the request, accessing a blockchain to perform an anti-fraud verification, including analyzing data of a prior transaction involving the virtual asset that is stored to the blockchain; responsive to the anti-fraud verification providing a result that does not indicate fraudulent activity, then generating transaction data based on an identifier for the first user account, an identifier for the second user account, an identifier for the virtual asset, and the amount of virtual currency, and submitting the transaction data to a node network, to write the transaction data to a block of the blockchain.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for generating and sending messages are described. messages are autonomously generated by at least one processor by identifying environmental context of a device, system, or user, such that minimal input is required from the user. Environmental context can include at least time, date, calendar entries, user activity, location, physical environment, message history, and relationship between users. Messages can also be generated by generating a first portion of a message, and having the user select a second portion to complete the message. Recipients for a message can be autonomously determined based on environmental context and content of a message to be sent.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a window installed in a door of a vehicle, comprising a control module, a vehicle door configured to move upwardly from a closed position to a fully open position, a window configured to move between a first up position and a second down position in which the window is stored in the vehicle door, and a mechanism to move the window between the first up position and the second down position. The control module is configured to direct the mechanism to move the window into the second down position when the control module has received a signal indicating that action has been taken to move the vehicle door towards the fully open position.

Abstract: Enteric elastomers and related methods are generally provided. In some embodiments, the enteric elastomer is a polymer composite. Certain embodiments comprise a polymer composite in which hydrogen bonds within two carboxyl group-containing polymers cross-link the polymer networks into an elastic and pH-responsive polymer composite. Advantageously, this polymer composite has the capacity of being stable and elastic in an acidic environment such as that of the stomach but can be dissolved in a neutral pH environment such as that of the small and large intestines. In some embodiments, the polymer composites described herein comprise a mixture of two or more polymers with carboxyl functionality such that the two or more polymers form hydrogen bonds. In certain embodiments, the polymer composite has both enteric and elastic properties.

Abstract: A user registers for an account with an account management system, configures account settings to permit the account management system to receive user computing device data from a user computing device associated with the user, and logs into the account via the user computing device. The account management system receives a user voice purchase command and determines a purchase command context based on the received user computing device data. The account management system identifies a product that the user desires to purchase based on the purchase command context and directs the user computing device web browser to a merchant website to set up a transaction for the identified product.

Abstract: An alternating stack of insulating layers and spacer material layers is formed located over a substrate. The spacer material layers are formed as, or are subsequently replaced with, electrically conductive layers. Memory openings are formed through the alternating stack. A memory stack structure is formed within each memory opening. Each memory stack structure includes a memory film and a vertical semiconductor channel. A silicon nitride layer is formed over a sidewall of each memory opening as a component of the memory film. A silicon carbon nitride interfacial layer is formed on the silicon nitride layer, and a tunneling dielectric layer is formed on the silicon carbon nitride interfacial layer.

Abstract: A method of installing a fastener into a surface without defacement of the surface utilizes an annular washer of a viscoelastic material placed about the shank of the fastener such that, upon driving the fastener into the surface via a driving tool, the fastener head clamps against the washer to cause it to viscoelastically expand radially outwardly from the fastener shank until the inner opening of the washer expands to approximately the diametric dimension of the enlarged head of the fastener, whereupon the washer can be removed from the fastener. The interposition of the washer between the driving tool and the surface protects the surface against defacement.

Abstract: A method and system for streaming data from portable storage devices. Specifically, the disclosed method and system implement iterative data streaming from a portable storage device for remote storage operations, while requiring zero over-provisioning storage space for buffering incoming write operations to the portable storage device.

Abstract: A submersible pump electrical motor has a stator with a stator bore, a shaft with rotor sections in the stator bore, and a shaft bearing between rotor sections. The bearing has a bearing body having a hub and centralizing arms circumferentially spaced around the hub. Each of the arms curves and is biased against the stator bore wall. A tab on at least one of the arms engages a slot in the stator bore wall. The bearing body, the hub, and the arms are formed of a single-piece monolithic metal that undergoes elastic deflection of the arms when the bearing body is installed in the stator bore.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided having a smart communication device having a processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about sensed data from a multiplicity of data collectors each associated with a respective piece of equipment and configured to collect the sensed data related to the respective piece of equipment when the smart communication device is moved within a predefined proximity to automatically connect with each data collector to receive the signaling during movement of the smart communication device on a programmed route having multiple pieces of equipment; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about prioritized sensed data related to each of the multiplicity of data collectors for operating an app in the processor, based upon the signaling received. The smart communication device includes an iPad, a smart phone, a laptop or a subsystem of a vehicle/robot. The apparatus may include the vehicle/robot having the subsystem.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes method comprising: receiving audio data generated by a microphone of a current computing device; identifying, based on the audio data, one or more computing devices that each emitted a respective audio signal in response to speech reception being activated at the current computing device; and selecting either the current computing device or a particular computing device from the identified one or more computing devices to satisfy a spoken utterance determined based on the audio data.

Abstract: The described technology is generally directed towards logging activity of a user interface in a web application. According to an embodiment, a system can comprise a processor, and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations, that include receiving user interface information describing a user interface of the web application. The operations can further include receiving activity information corresponding to operation of the user interface, and the activity information can comprise an indication of a user interface event comprising placement information for a user interface control of the user interface that triggered the user interface event. The operations can further include combining the user interface information with the activity information, resulting in a log of the operation of the user interface.

Abstract: Selection and serving of content items may include receiving data indicative of a status of an energy source of a device with a request for a content item. A first received content item may be associated with a first energy consumption level and a second received content item may be associated with a second energy consumption level. The accessed content items are responsive to the request for a content item. The first energy consumption level may be higher than the second energy consumption level. The first content item or the second content item may be selected based, at least in part, on the received data indicative of the status of the energy source of the device, and data to display the selected content item may be provided to the device.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for authoring and presenting 3D presentations. Generally, an augmented or virtual reality device for each author, presenter and audience member includes 3D presentation software. During authoring mode, one or more authors can use 3D and/or 2D interfaces to generate a 3D presentation that choreographs behaviors of 3D assets into scenes and beats. During presentation mode, the 3D presentation is loaded in each user device, and 3D images of the 3D assets and corresponding asset behaviors are rendered among the user devices in a coordinated manner. As such, one or more presenters can navigate the scenes and beats of the 3D presentation to deliver the 3D presentation to one or more audience members wearing augmented reality headsets.

Abstract: An example method of operation may include detecting an acoustic stimulus via active beams associated with at least one microphone disposed in a defined space, detecting loudspeaker characteristic information of at least one loudspeaker providing the acoustic stimulus, transmitting acoustic stimulus information based on the acoustic stimulus to a central controller, and modifying, via a central controller, at least one control function associated with the at least one microphone and the at least one loudspeaker to minimize acoustic feedback produced by the loudspeaker.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for optimizing an additive manufacturing (AM) process. The system may use a printing component for using a material to form a component in a layer-by-layer process. An electronic controller may control movement of one of the printing component or a substrate on which the component is being formed, in a manner to optimize a toolpath for the printing component as each layer of the component is formed. Optimization operations are performed using an optimization subsystem which enables manufacturability constraints, as well as optimized toolpaths for each layer of the component, to be defined using contours of a level-set function. The level-set function may be used to define the optimized toolpaths within a fixed, predetermined grid, and the optimized toolpaths then used to generate suitable code for controlling movement of the printing component relative to the substrate to create the part or structure in a layer-by-layer process, using the optimized toolpaths.

Abstract: A charge air cooler (CAC) condensation dispersion system including a compressor for generating a hot compressed air flow; a CAC having an inlet tank for receiving the hot compressed air flow and an outlet tank for discharging a cooled compressed air flow; a condensate pickup tube having an inlet disposed in a lower volume of space within the outlet tank and an opposite outlet; and a condensate conveyance tube having a first end connected to the outlet of the pickup tube and an opposite second in in fluid connection with the inlet of the compressor. A solenoid actuated control valve is disposed in-line with the condensate conveyance tube. A controller configured to send a signal to the solenoid valve to selectively cycle the control valve between an open state and a closed state. An in-line orifice plate is disposed adjacent the second end of the condensate conveyance tube.

Abstract: Liquid nutrients are applied to a first group of rows of standing crops by pulling a drag hose from a reel located at one end of a field and between two crop rows with the drag hose connected to an applicator pulled by a tractor or track units. The hose provides a liquid supply to the applicator. At the opposite end of the field, the applicator is turned 180°, and in one embodiment, a boom pivots to project from one end of the applicator to the drag hose. The applicator returns down adjacent crop rows back to the first end of the field with the applicator connected to the drag hose while the reel simultaneously retracts the drag hose between the two crop rows. The reel is moved axially to a third group of crop rows along with the applicator, and the steps are repeated.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle comprises a buoyant hull, a boat motor affixed to the hull to propel the amphibious vehicle in water, two or more powered wheel assemblies affixed to the hull to propel the amphibious vehicle on land, and two or more selectively rotatable arms affixing each wheel assembly to the hull. One or more of the wheel assemblies are affixed to opposing sides of the hull. Two or more selectively rotatable arms affix each wheel assembly to the hull. The arms affixing each respective wheel assembly are selectively rotatable in unison to move the respective wheel assembly between a lowered position and a raised position.

Abstract: An inflatable structure includes a top end cap, a bottom end cap, a bladder, a plurality of tethers, and an adjustment mechanism. The bladder is attached to the top and bottom end caps and configured to hold pressurized air therebetween. The plurality of tethers are disposed within the bladder. Each tether in the plurality of tethers has a first end coupled to the top end cap and a second end coupled to the bottom end cap. When the bladder is inflated, the plurality of tethers restrict a number of degrees of freedom of the inflatable structure and a type of the degrees of freedom. The adjustment mechanism is operable to move the second end of at least one tether in the plurality of tethers to adjust at least one of the number of the degrees of freedom and the type of the degrees of freedom.