Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for determining mold designs, polymer formulations, and processing parameters for forming a thermoplastic foam with desired cellular structure and mechanical and physical properties. In one example, the system includes a plaque mold and a plurality of interchangeable mold cavities including one pair of mold cavities used to form a solid polymer sample and two or more pairs of mold cavities for forming thermoplastic foam samples. The mold cavities include a plurality of sensors to determine pressures and temperature at various locations within the mold cavities. Samples are compared and determinations are made based on the comparison and evaluation of data regarding mold designs, formulations, and/or processing parameters.

Abstract: A vehicle charger optimization system is disclosed. The system may include a transceiver configured to receive charging information from a vehicle. The charging information may include a real-time charging rate at which the vehicle may be getting charged using a charger. The system may further include a memory configured to store a projected charging rate associated with the charger. The system may further include a processor configured to obtain the projected charging rate and the real-time charging rate and calculate a first difference between the projected charging rate and the real-time charging rate. The processor may determine that the first difference is greater than a first predefined threshold, and perform a predetermined action based on a determination that the first difference is greater than the first predefined threshold. The predefined action may include transmitting a maintenance flag to a server or a third-party entity that manages the charger.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tandem permanent magnet motor includes the steps of using an external visual reference system to align the stator assembly of the upper permanent magnet motor with the stator assembly of the lower permanent magnet motor. The external visual reference system includes a series of external reference marks that provide a mechanism for quickly aligning the upper and lower permanent magnet motors in the field prior to installation in a well as part of an electric submersible pumping system.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums for video encoding/decoding. In a method, prediction information for a current block is decoded. The prediction information indicates a first intra prediction mode and a secondary transform index, based on which a secondary transform core is determined. A first transform coefficient block is de-quantized from the prediction information. A size of the first transform coefficient block is less than a size of the secondary transform core. A part of a second transform coefficient block is generated based on the first transform coefficient block and the secondary transform core. A size of the second transform coefficient block equals the size of the secondary transform core. A size of the part of the second transform coefficient equals the size of the first transform coefficient block. The current block is reconstructed based on the part of the second transform coefficient block.

Abstract: Techniques and tools for encoding enhancement layer video with quantization that varies spatially and/or between color channels are presented, along with corresponding decoding techniques and tools. For example, an encoding tool determines whether quantization varies spatially over a picture, and the tool also determines whether quantization varies between color channels in the picture. The tool signals quantization parameters for macroblocks in the picture in an encoded bit stream. In some implementations, to signal the quantization parameters, the tool predicts the quantization parameters, and the quantization parameters are signaled with reference to the predicted quantization parameters. A decoding tool receives the encoded bit stream, predicts the quantization parameters, and uses the signaled information to determine the quantization parameters for the macroblocks of the enhancement layer video. The decoding tool performs inverse quantization that can vary spatially and/or between color channels.

Abstract: Embodiments provide mechanisms for coupling rotor blade pitch to propulsion system tilt angle in an aircraft, and more specifically in electric aircrafts. A system may include a tiltable propulsion system configured to move between a first tilt angle and a second tilt angle, wherein the tiltable propulsion system includes a plurality of rotor blades each configured to move between a first pitch position and a second pitch position; a tilting mechanism coupled to the tiltable propulsion system and configured to move the tiltable propulsion system between the first tilt angle and the second tilt angle; a pitching mechanism coupled to one or more of the plurality of rotor blades and configured to move one or more of the plurality of rotor blades between the first pitch position and the second pitch position; and an actuator configured to operate both the tilting mechanism and the pitching mechanism simultaneously.

Abstract: A scope system may comprise an elongate tube having a lumen extending therethrough. The elongate tube may have a distal portion. The scope system may further comprise at least one accessory channel extending at least partially through the lumen. The accessory channel may comprise a tubular structure having an accessory lumen extending therethrough. The accessory channel may be moveable relative to the distal portion of the elongate tube and may be configured to direct fluid to an irrigation opening located at a distal end of the accessory channel.

Abstract: A downhole tool, such an interval control valve, for use in a well has multiple motors and two drive assemblies to displace a yoke. A member, such as a sliding sleeve, of the downhole tool is connected to the yoke and can be actuated in response to the displacement of the yoke. The drive assemblies include first and second rotatable screws, and the yoke is disposed on the screws. Each motor can produce drive to rotate a respective screw. A respective gear is rotatable in association with at least the rotation of its associated screw. An intermediate gear is engaged between these two gears. The intermediate gear interconnects the rotation of the two screws forcing them to rotate at the same speed. Likewise, the intermediate gear balances the drive of the motors forcing the two screws to rotate at the same speed.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a recurring charge that is unknown to the customer and/or the result of fraud or deceit is disclosed. A customer complaint initiates an analysis of a particular transaction. In response to the complaint, information relating to the transaction is extracted and used to identify additional information from a variety of different sources. Such information may include information relating to the customer, information relating to the merchant, as well as information relating to past transactions or related transactions. This information is provided to a machine learning algorithm, both for training purposes and for analysis purposes. The machine learning algorithm analyzes a transaction in order to determine the likelihood that the transaction is a recurring transaction, as well as the likelihood that it is a result of a bad actor, fraud or deceit.

Abstract: A smart ring device includes a ring band having a plurality of surfaces. The plurality of surfaces can include an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The inner surface can be configured to contact a user when the ring band is worn by the user. The smart ring device further can include a processor disposed within the ring band. The processor can be configured to determine an indication of one or more driving conditions. The smart ring device also can be communicatively coupled to the processor. The smart ring device also can be configured to receive an input from the user. The processor further can be configured to cause the smart ring device to provide, to the user of the smart ring device, an output including the indication of the one or more driving conditions. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A crossbow includes a frame, first and second limbs, first and second cams, a drawstring, and first and second power cables. The frame includes a first side and a second side. The frame defines a projectile axis. The first limb is coupled to the first side and the second limb coupled to the second side. The first cam is coupled to the first side and configured to rotate about a first cam axis that is substantially parallel to the projectile axis. The second cam is coupled to the second side and configured to rotate about a second cam axis that is substantially parallel to the projectile axis. The drawstring is engaged with the first cam and the second cam. The first power cable is engaged with the first cam and the first limb. The second power cable engaged with the second cam and the second limb.

Abstract: A high strength polymer-based cartridge casing inclosing a volume, with a first end having a mouth, a neck extending away from the mouth, a shoulder extending below the neck and away from the first end and a cartridge body formed below the shoulder. An insert is attached to the cartridge body opposite the shoulder and having a centerline. A projectile is disposed in the mouth having a particular caliber. The neck, the shoulder, and the cartridge body are formed from a polymer. The shoulder comprises a shoulder angle that is standard for the particular caliber. The neck has a neck thickness greater than a standard neck thickness for the particular caliber, and a neck length longer than a standard neck length for the particular caliber as detailed by a standards organization.

Abstract: A cell temperature measurement system for a battery includes a heat spreader and a temperature sensor. The heat spreader is configured to thermally conduct energy through a substrate from a cell contact to a sensor contact. The temperature sensor is configured to generate a measurement reflective of a cell or another component temperature of the battery. The temperature sensor may generate the temperature measurement according to readings taken with a probe positioned proximate the sensor contact.

Abstract: An animal puzzle bowl is disclosed having a plurality of sockets and a lid with a coupling joint configured to couple with those sockets in a plurality of orientations. The lid may include elements such as a lip or grip for an animal to interact with to allow for opening of the lid so the animal may reach the contents of the bowl. The lids may also include holes so the animal may be encouraged to interact with the bowl by the sight or smell of food or other items of interest. The bowl base can include more than one bowl to allow for a combination of lids to be used. By varying the combination and orientation of the lids an animal must problem solve to reach a desired item in the bowl each time, thus mentally stimulating the animal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a water storage system that can include a water storage unit and a water storage lid configured to be attached to the water storage unit. The water storage system can include an outer shell with a first side comprising a first plurality of openings and a second side adjacent the first side comprising a second plurality of openings; a first set of cross-bodies spanning a width of the outer shell; and a second set of cross-bodies spanning a length of the outer shell and intersecting the first set of cross-bodies.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing a speech-enabled interface of a host device via an electronic mobile device in a network are provided. The method includes establishing a communication session between the host device and the mobile device via a session service provider. According to some embodiments, a barcode can be adopted to enable the pairing of the host device and mobile device. Furthermore, the present method and system employ the voice interface in conjunction with speech recognition systems and natural language processing to interpret voice input for the hosting device, which can be used to perform one or more actions related to the hosting device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing computer-assisted surgery, including robot-assisted image-guided surgery. Embodiments include marker devices for an image guided surgery system, marker systems and arrays for tracking a robotic arm using a motion tracking system, and image guided surgery methods and systems using optical sensors.

Abstract: A method to reduce slack in a display layer of a flexible electronic-display device comprises arranging the display layer slidably relative to an electrically conductive support layer of the electronic-display device; arranging a dielectric layer between the electrically conductive support layer and an electrically conductive sublayer of the display layer; and charging the electrically conductive sublayer relative to the electrically conductive support layer to operatively urge the display layer toward the electrically conductive support layer.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a set of unlabeled test data samples and, for each respective initial training step, determining a first average output for each unlabeled test data sample using a deep ensemble. For each round of a plurality of rounds, the method includes selecting a subset of unlabeled test data samples based on the determined first average outputs, labeling each respective unlabeled in the subset of unlabeled test data samples, fine-tuning the deep ensemble model using the subset of labeled test data samples, and determining a second average output for each unlabeled test data sample using the fine-tuned deep ensemble model. The method also includes generating, using the set of unlabeled test data samples and the determined second average outputs, a pseudo-labeled set of training data samples. The method also includes training the deep ensemble model using the pseudo-labeled set of training data samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the quantitative determination of an individual's risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) is described. Risk stratification is accomplished (and may have a sensitivity and specificity of greater than about 90%) by determining the presence in any individual being tested for SCD risk of sequences identified herein to correlate quantitatively with SCD risk. Both the number of such sequences present and their alignment scores (similarity) with the SCD risk sequence ensemble are used to calculate quantitative SCD risk.