Abstract: A hard drive casing for accommodating a hard drive includes a case body and a cover body. The cover body has a base wall and a peripheral wall surrounding the base wall. The case body accommodates the hard drive therein. The peripheral wall has a handle arranged on an outer surface thereof. The cover body is adapted to cover the case body. The cover body is pivotally coupled to the case body. The cover body has a plurality of ribs arranged thereon. The ribs protrude towards the case body. The ribs and the base wall define a gap therebetween, and the gap has a width smaller than a thickness of the hard drive.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer assembly includes a wheeled carriage, a chassis, and a spray delivery system. The wheeled carriage has a number of adjustable support legs (e.g., four), each formed of hydraulically coupled and actuated upper and lower leg sections or members. The chassis is supported on the wheeled carriage, at an adjustable clearance height defined by the operational height of the support legs. The spray delivery system includes a spray boom coupled to a boom support, and an actuator coupled to the boom support and the chassis. The actuator is configured to adjust the height of the spray boom with respect to the clearance height of the chassis.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to robotic systems and is specifically designed for a robotic system that can navigate vertical pipes within a waste tank or similar environment. The robotic system allows a process for sampling, cleaning, inspecting and removing waste around vertical pipes by supplying a robotic platform that uses the vertical pipes to support and navigate the platform above waste material contained in the tank.

Abstract: A novel hydrogen absorption material is provided comprising a mixture of a lithium hydride with a fullerene. The subsequent reaction product provides for a hydrogen storage material which reversibly stores and releases hydrogen at temperatures of about 270° C.

Abstract: A seed research plot planter includes a rotating seed plate for picking up and transporting seeds from a seed chamber to a release point, and a sensor that detects the rotational position of the seed plate. A distance measuring device measures a distance traveled by the planter. A controller uses a first signal from the sensor and a second signal from the distance measuring device to control a sequence of operations of the planter based on the rotational position of the seed plate and the location of the planter within the field. A field layout system is provided for creating a plot field layout having a desired number of ranges, a desired number of planter passes, and desired parameters for each plot within the field. The field layout system allows different plot lengths and seed populations to be input for individual plots within the same planter pass through the field.

Abstract: Methods and devices for orally administering fluids and medical instrumentation to individuals for the promotion of health are disclosed. An apparatus is described comprising a pacifier configured to hold fluid and configured for sucking. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a balloon positioned within a cavity of the pacifier. The balloon is configured to facilitate expulsion of the fluid from the cavity and to limit a user's ingestion of air. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a cartridge or ampoule configured to store a fluid and expel the fluid through the pacifier. Systems are disclosed which include the pacifier apparatus, a known quantity of fluid or powder, and sterile packaging. Other systems are disclosed whereby various attachments, both medical and non-medical, couple to the apparatus. Methods of using and methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus that harvests crops as the apparatus moves in a direction of travel across a field. The apparatus includes a crop harvesting assembly configured as a line of implements, the line being transverse to the direction of travel. First and second devices for adjusting a vertical position of left and right sides of the apparatus, respectively, are independently operable. Adjustment of a vertical position of at least one of the left and right sides of the apparatus results in tilting the line of implements relative to a horizontal plane defined at a ground surface under left and right ground contacting elements. In other aspects, a method and system are disclosed for automatically positioning a line of implements of an apparatus to follow a ground surface proximate the line of implements.

Abstract: A vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression system configured to accommodate a change in an underlying tubular diameter. The system including an encircling member dimensioned to at least partially encircle an underlying tubular. The encircling member may be, for example, a collar or a VIV suppression device such as a strake, or any other type of VIV suppression device. The system further including a band member dimensioned to encircle the encircling member and hold the encircling member around the underlying tubular at a desired axial position. A spring member may further be provided. The spring member may be positioned between the encircling member and the band member and dimensioned to contract in response to an increase in a diameter of the underlying tubular and expand in response to a decrease in a diameter of the underlying tubular such that the encircling member remains at the desired axial position.

Abstract: A tool for providing a user with information on a particular object related to a position and an orientation of the tool with respect to the object includes an image capturing device configured to capture an image of the object. The tool further includes a position and orientation sensor configured to determine the position of the tool with respect to the object, a processor configured to determine from the image the type of object, a display configured to display the image of the object, the display further configured to display additional information in addition to the image of the object in response to the determination of the type of object, and the processor further configured to determine a change in one of the position and the orientation of the sensor and the tool and further configured to modify the display.

Abstract: Embolic protection devices and methods for capturing embolic debris. An embolic protection device includes a pigtail catheter having a lumen for housing a guidewire. The distal portion of the catheter has one or more apertures in fluid communication with the lumen and one or more radiopaque markers on the distal-most section. The device includes a self-expanding filter coupled to a side of the catheter and a movable outer sheath surrounding the catheter. The outer sheath holds the filter in a collapsed configuration when surrounding the filter. The outer sheath is proximally retracted to deploy the filter. A method of capturing embolic debris includes inserting a guidewire into a body lumen, tracking the device over the guidewire, retracting the guidewire, positioning the device using the radiopaque marker, retracting the outer sheath and deploying the filter, performing a procedure, and advancing the outer sheath to recapture the filter.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a housing having a first end and a vent located at the first end that is configured to deploy from the housing to allow the expulsion of gases from within the cell. The electrochemical cell also includes at least one projection extending outward from the first end adjacent the vent. The at least one projection is configured to prevent accidental deployment of the vent.

Abstract: A node for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a support frame such as a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A method for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A system for supporting solar reflectors includes a first support frame upon which the solar reflectors are disposed. A method for forming a support frame for solar reflectors. A system for constructing a support frame from parts, including chords, for solar reflectors. A method for constructing a support frame for solar reflectors. A support frame for solar reflectors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally related to a cooking device, such as an outdoor barbecue grill, having a lid that is partially transparent. The lid having a two-part construction, the first part comprising a substantially transparent material, such as a tempered glass material, and the second part comprising a substantially non-transparent material, such as a steel composition. The lid can be used as a cover for covering the contents placed on a cooking surface of the cooking device, such that when the lid covers the cooking surface of the cooking device the contents on the cooking surface are still visible through the first part of the lid. As such, a person using the lid as a cover for a barbecue grill or the like can see the foods placed on the barbecue grill even when covered by the lid.

Abstract: An earbud adapter or in-ear monitor includes an Ear Interface that fits the human ear and further permits the wearer of these devices to adjust parameters of the fit. In additional aspects, the Ear Interface portion of these devices permits the user to adjust the transmission of ambient sound. The Ear Interface portion also allows the user to change ornamentation.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a nerve within a subject includes a stimulator configured to provide a stimulus to a portion of the subject, a sensing device configured to be placed in communication with a muscle of the subject and to generate an output signal corresponding to a monitored parameter of the muscle, the sensing device including a mechanical sensor configured to monitor a mechanical parameter of the muscle, and a receiver configured to receive the output signal from the sensing device and to determine if the output signal corresponds to the stimulus provided by the stimulator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly. The assembly may be comprised of a device having a first engaging member, a second member having a second engaging member engaging the first engaging member, and a third member locked in place by the first engaging member and the second engaging member. The first and second members together can serve as an attachment device. The third member, held in place by the first and second engaging members, can serve as an attachment.

Abstract: A mobile moving system that faculties freight movement includes movable approach ramps and a mobile base. The mobile base includes material handling devices configured to move freight longitudinally between a loading position, a transport position, and an unloading position. Parallel pocket members having a hollow-box-like shape are positioned along a portion of the plurality of the material handling devices to increase the torsional strength and rigidity of the material handling devices. The parallel pocket members are spaced apart and dimensioned so that each of the plurality of parallel pocket members may receive one or more prongs of an industrial vehicle.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a flush valve filter assembly. The flush valve filter includes a support structure configured to be placed in a conduit between a flush valve and a fluid inlet line. The support structure includes at least one locking finger extending in a first axial direction and at least two axially extending upper aprons extending in the first axial direction with a locking lip on each upper apron. The at least one locking finger is located between the at least two upper aprons. The flush valve filter assembly also includes a primary filter medium having sieve openings secured to the support structure by the at least one locking finger and locking lip such that at least some particulate in a fluid passing through the flush valve filter is retained by the primary filter medium.

Abstract: Data analytics are provided in loan treatment. Various sources of data may be used to optimize or predict value for a loan. Using machine-learning and/or statistical analysis, loans or treatment best suited for a particular borrower may be determined. Due to the large amounts of data available, borrower behavior may be learned from previous behavior of others and mapped to a predictive model. Machine-learning indicates the most relevant factors in loan treatment, providing a matrix for predicting loan value or treatment success. A given borrower may be classified into one of many classes of borrower based on credit information, property information, desired loan information, real estate market information, and/or other data. Tens, hundreds, or even thousands of variables may be used to predict the optimum treatment.

Abstract: Computer-based systems and methods are disclosed for modeling and predicting flash flood risks for real estate properties. In some embodiments, the systems and methods can predict flash flood risks for real estate properties by considering a variety of factors, including watershed hydrology characteristics, land surface characteristics, meteorological characteristics, and/or property characteristics. In some embodiments, the systems and methods can improve determination of investment metrics or automated valuations by considering flash flood risks in determining the investment metrics or automated valuations.