Abstract: Flush systems for flushing an object and flush toilets are disclosed. The flush system includes a first enclosed container for storing liquid to flush the object; a second container for filling liquid from a source; and a third enclosed container at least partially below each of the first enclosed container and the second container, the third enclosed container configured to contain liquid and gas and to be in fluid communication with each of the first enclosed container and the second container, and the first enclosed container and the second container configured to be in liquid communication via the third enclosed container. The gas in the third enclosed container is configured to exert a head pressure, via one or more conduits, to the liquid in the first enclosed container to flush the object.

Abstract: A thin type lock and unlock connector include a first shell, a second shell and a first insulator, which are buckled and combined with each other by the respective provided first fixing members to form a connector that can be connected to a flexible printed circuit board. The second shell provides a first locking member and a first elastic member to lock the flexible printed circuit board to the connector. When an external force is applied to the first pressing part of the first shell, it acts on the locking member to unlock the flexible printed circuit board that the flexible printed circuit board can be detached from the connector. The first insulator provides an action portion with a slope to be arranged corresponding to the first locking member, to determine the deformation stroke of the first locking member.

Abstract: A method of assembling a pipeline at a seabed location comprises landing a connection tool on the seabed over a free end portion of a first pipeline section already placed on the seabed. The connection tool is locked to the free end portion of the first pipeline section, a lower end of a second pipeline section is connected to the connection tool via an initiation line. While applying tension to the initiation line against reaction force of the connection tool, at least a lower end portion of the second pipeline section is landed on the seabed with the lower end facing a free end of the first pipeline section. The lower end of the second pipeline section is then pulled into mechanical engagement with the free end of the first pipeline section.

Abstract: A processing system including at least one processor may obtain a machine learning model, serialize the machine learning model into a serialized format, and embed a delimiter indicator into a documentation file comprising information regarding the use of the machine learning model, where the delimiter indicator is in a file position that is after an end-of-file indicator of the documentation file. The processing system may further embed the machine learning model in the serialized format into the documentation file in a file position that is after the delimiter indicator. The processing system may then store the documentation file with the delimiter indicator and the machine learning model in the serialized format that are embedded.

Abstract: Devices, computer-readable media, and methods for changing the state of a network-connected device in response to at least one facial gesture of a user are disclosed. For example, a processing system including at least one processor captures images of a face of a user, detects at least one facial gesture of the user from the images, determines an intention to change a state of a network-connected device from the at least one facial gesture, generates a command for the network-connected device in accordance with the intention, and outputs the command to cause the state of the network-connected device to change.

Abstract: This invention relates to forming unique nanohybrid structures through selective integration of inorganic antimicrobial nanoparticles with other inorganic and organic materials and then, chemically bonding the nanohybrid structures to organic polymers for application as surface coatings, antimicrobial surfacing, food packaging, biomedical, agricultural, air-filtration/cleaning and water filtration/cleaning applications to kill, inhibit, and/or reduce the growth of pathogenic/infectious/contaminating microorganisms and their biofilms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a fractured bone. The method includes positioning an elongate rod in the medullary canal of the fractured bone and forming a passageway through the cortex of the bone. The passageway extends from the exterior surface of the bone to the medullary canal of the bone. The method also includes creating a bonding region on the elongate rod. The bonding region is generally aligned with the passageway of the cortex. Furthermore, the method includes positioning a fastener in the passageway of the cortex and on the bonding region of the elongate rod and thermally bonding the fastener to the bonding region of the elongate rod while the fastener is positioned in the passageway of the cortex.

Abstract: An object may include at least one microtransponder (MTP) configured with an identifier. The identifier of the MTP may be indexed to the object. Indexing information associated with the MTP and the object may be stored in a database of a security system. The MTP may be read, and data reported by the MTP may be processed to determine authenticity of the object.

Abstract: A method of textual data analysis is provided. The method comprises parsing text data extracted from transcripts related to a number of companies. Intermediate metrics are created comprising numerical representations of the parsed text data and derivations. The intermediate metrics are then combined into different combinations comprising headline analytics. A machine learning model tests each headline analytic for standalone predictive efficacy. Headline analytics with standalone predictive efficacies above a first threshold are selected and then tested for additive predictive efficacy to determine if the selected headline analytic incrementally increases the predictive efficacy of a preexisting economic analytic above a second threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a wheelchair configured to reposition an occupant between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair can include a frame, a seat moveable relative to the frame, a drive wheel, one or more pairs of arm assemblies, and one or more sensors. The arm assembly includes a wheel configured to move from a first spatial location when the wheelchair is operating on flat, level ground to a second spatial location that is different than the first spatial location. Arm limiters can selectively engage the arm assembly based on at least one of a seat position, position of the arm assembly, and surface conditions of ground surface. The arm limiters can limit the range of motion of the arm assembly and sometimes other operational aspects of the chair.

Abstract: A concealed amalgamated neutralizer covertly combines neutralizer material comprised of various combinations of inert materials such as calcium carbonate or silicates with common explosive material for the prevention of malicious use of the explosive material in improvised explosive devices. The concealed amalgamated neutralizer device may vary in shape, size, and color and is therefore adaptable to varying methods of containment typified by common pyrotechnic products. The neutralizer material mimics the explosive material of the pyrotechnic products without detection. Upon disassembly of a concealed amalgamated neutralizer device, the neutralizer material is mixed with and neutralizes the explosive material rendering the explosive material useless as a component for an improvised explosive device. A biodegradable container is also provided for the amalgamated neutralizer and the explosive material.

Abstract: An implant for repairing a joint between a first bone and a second bone includes a first section constructed of a substantially rigid material and a graft constructed of soft tissue having a first end and a second end. The first section has a first end surface configured for positioning against the first bone. The graft is configured for stabilizing the first section relative to the first bone. A first fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first section to anchor the graft to the first section. A second fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first bone to anchor the graft to the first bone.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to machine learning model understanding as-a-service. According to one aspect of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, a model understanding as-a-service system can receive, from a user system, a service request that includes a machine learning model created for a user associated with the user system. The model understanding as-a-service system can conduct an analysis of the machine learning model in accordance with the service request. The model understanding as-a-service system can compile, for the user, results of the analysis of the machine learning model in accordance with the service request. The model understanding as-a-service system can create a service response that includes the results of the analysis. The model understanding as-a-service system can provide the service response to the user system.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving a plurality of data request specifications from a plurality of user endpoint devices of requesting users, aggregating a subset of the plurality of data request specifications which share a similarity into a super request, retrieving a plurality of datasets, wherein the plurality of datasets is needed to fulfill the super request, aggregating the plurality of datasets into a single data superset, and delivering the single data superset to the plurality of user endpoint devices of the requesting users via a data pipeline, where the delivering includes segregating the single data superset so that each user endpoint device of the plurality of user endpoint devices of the requesting users receives a portion of the single data superset corresponding to one data request specification of the plurality of data request specifications that was submitted by the each user endpoint device.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method that includes providing, by a processing system including a processor, a controller function for a user plane function (UPF) of a communication network; the controller function facilitates automated procedures for authentication, deployment, configuration, testing, and/or controlling availability of the UPF, independent of a source of the UPF. The method also includes providing, by the processing system, an interface to facilitate communication between the controller function and the UPF; the controller function uses the interface to facilitate the procedures. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for coating carbide substrates using nanostructured and a non-nanostructured layers. The coatings can be produced by the addition of a refining agent flow, particular hydrogen chloride gas, during deposition, and can be produced as multiple individual titanium and titanium-based nanostructured layers varying functional materials. The combination of a nanostructured layers and non-nanostructured layers can produce a cutting tool insert that exhibits longer usage life. In addition, pre-treating the substrate with a mixture of compressed air and and abrasive medium prior to coating the substrate and post-treating the coated substrate with a mixture of water and an abrasive can further enhance the wear resistance and life of the cutting tool.

Abstract: A device for characterizing a fire comprises at least one stereovision system and at least one processing unit. The at least one stereovision system comprises a first and a second image capture unit. The at least one processing unit is configured to determine at least one geometric characteristic of the fire. The processing unit is also configured to determine a radiative flux of this fire on the basis of a calibrated linear relationship established between a radiative flux of a reference fire as a function of at least one of the geometric characteristics of the fire and of at least one fire category in order to be able to determine zones exposed to a radiative flux that exceeds a reference threshold. The present disclosure also relates to a method for determining radiative fluxes that implements such a fire characterizing device.

Abstract: Trona-accelerated composition for backfilling trenches are described. The compositions consist of aggregate (e.g., sand), Portland cement, Trona, water and sometimes air. The compositions may have a compressive strength of between 10 psi and 100 psi after 4 hours, a compressive strength of between 75 psi and 500 psi after 28 days, and a penetration resistance of between 4.5 tsf and 200 tsf after 4 hours. Also disclosed are methods of filling a trench with fast-setting flowable fill.

Abstract: A handle head and a carrier with the same are provided, wherein the handle head includes a shell, and a handle shaft axially provided inside the shell. A first isolation component, a second isolation component and a third isolation component are assembled on and provided at intervals along an axial direction of the handle shaft and divide an accommodation space in the shell into four mutually insulated functional areas arranged along the axial direction. The four functional areas comprise a wiring harness area, an electrical component area, a magnetic induction area, and a reset control area. The wiring harness area is configured to accommodate a wiring harness, several electrical components for realizing the control function are assembled in the electrical component area, magnetic induction components and reset components are assembled in the magnetic induction area, and reset control components are configured in the reset control area.