Abstract: A method of forming a fin field effect transistor (finFET) having fin(s) with reduced dimensional variations, including forming a dummy fin trench within a perimeter of a fin pattern region on a substrate, forming a dummy fin fill in the dummy fin trench, forming a plurality of vertical fins within the perimeter of the fin pattern region, including border fins at the perimeter of the fin pattern region and interior fins located within the perimeter and inside the bounds of the border fins, wherein the border fins are formed from the dummy fin fill, and removing the border fins, wherein the border fins are dummy fins and the interior fins are active vertical fins.

Abstract: A decoder includes circuitry configured to receive a bitstream; construct, for a current block, a motion vector candidate list including adding a global motion vector candidate to the motion vector candidate list; and reconstruct pixel data of the current block and using the motion vector candidate list. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: An electronic transaction verification system for use with transaction tokens such as checks, credit cards, debit cards, and smart cards that gathers and transmits information about the transaction token and biometric data. Customers can be enrolled in the system by receiving customer information that includes at least a biometric datum, associating the received customer information with a transaction instrument issued to the customers and storing the received customer information and the issued transaction instrument information in a database for future reference.

Abstract: A multi-source ground-to-air heat transfer system is configured to store thermal energy during a cooling/dehumidifcation mode of operation for future use during a heating mode of operation. The multi-source ground-to-air heat transfer system utilizes a ground loop that is configured under an enclosure, such as a greenhouse, and is in thermal communication with a thermal reservoir medium to conduct and store heat. A thermal exchange fluid is pumped through the ground loop and ground heat exchanger and may receive heat from a condenser during a cooling/dehumidification mode of operation and may liberate heat to the evaporator during a heating mode. The enclosure air may receive heat from the heat pump during a heating mode and may liberate heat to the evaporator during a cooling/dehumidification mode. The heat exchange system may employ a heat pump having a reversing valve to change the mode of operation.

Abstract: A seating assembly for a passenger aircraft. The seat system may include at least one passenger seat and a seat back tray assembly mounted onto the back of the passenger seat and movable between a first storage position and a second deployed position. The tray assembly may include (i) a tray having a first and second attachment arm mounted onto the tray for installing the tray onto the back of a seat system; (ii) a sliding mechanism installed on the first and second attachment arms adapted for providing movement between a first forward position and a second aft position to a seated passenger parallel to the first and second attachment arms; and (iii) an alignment mechanism attached to the sliding mechanism for maintaining the tray in a horizontally aligned relationship during the movement. The seat system may further include a PED holder adapted to hold a personal electronic device.

Abstract: A decoder includes circuitry configured to receive a bitstream, extract a header associated with a current frame and including a signal characterizing that global motion is enabled and further characterizing parameters of a global motion model, and decoding the current frame, the decoding including using a motion model for each current block having a complexity that is less than or equal to a complexity of the global motion model. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for secure storage and management of transitory data using a blockchain, comprising at least a callback manager, a context analysis engine, a vault manager, and a blockchain manager, which allows a user to create a data container to store data preferences, which encrypts the data stored within a data container, and which stores the encrypted data container in a blockchain. For each block, block reference data may is generated comprising the location of the block and its associated decryption key, and the block reference data is then encrypted with a second encryption key and stored off the blockchain in a separate database. The second key is distributed to involved parties to permit access to and reading of the block reference data. The block reference data is deleted based on self-destruct event triggers or when the involved parties are finished accessing the block reference data.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a drill and implant device and method for using the same. The device is configured to drill a hole into an object, such as a bone; stop once a desired depth has been reached; and subsequently insert an implant, such as a screw or pin, into the hole. The device drills the hole and inserts the implant under its own power. The device may perform desired actions automatically or manually.

Abstract: An activity management system is configured to allow users to access multimedia content where the multimedia content is divided into segments. While a user is viewing or interacting with the multimedia content, the user can submit one or more activities (e.g., comments, questions, replies, or reactions) using an interface. The system is operable to electronically link the activity provided by the user with the particular segment of multimedia content in which the activity was captured by the system. The system is also configured to throttle the number of activities that are displayed to a user for any given segment based on (1) viewers linked to the user (e.g., groups, social media groups, etc.), (2) viewers that influence the user, (3) viewers selected by the user, (4) viewers that cause the user to be engaged with the multimedia content, and (5) a threshold number of activities set by the viewer or the system.

Abstract: A transformer economizer automatically disconnects a main electric power transformer from a grid power line during low-load periods, and automatically reconnects the main transformer to the grid power line during high-load periods, to reduce low-power electricity losses incurred by the main transformer. The main transformer is therefore deenergized and a much smaller auxiliary transformer is energized during low-load periods to reduce the low-power electricity losses incurred by the main transformer. The main transformer is then automatically switched back into service during high-load periods, while the auxiliary transformer is switched out of service. This provides long-term energy, cost, and carbon footprint savings by automatically switching the large transformer's loads to a much smaller auxiliary transformer, and therefore proportionally lower losses, during light-load conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to encasements for protection of central lines, arterial lines, and/or intravenous (IV) lines from contaminants, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, an encasement device can include a flexible sleeve that fits over a central line and protects the central line from contaminants. The flexible sleeve has a first open end and a second open end. A first closing element secures the first open end to a medical dressing and a second closing element secures the second open end in a closed position at a location distal to the first closing element. In some embodiments, the central line can include an intravenous (IV) catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and/or a hemodialysis line. In some embodiments, the device can include a flap coupled to the flexible sleeve.

Abstract: A method includes creating a sample of the generated work, generating a unique identifier, associating the unique identifier with the registration, generating a physical copy of the unique identifier, attaching the physical copy to the sample, taking an image of the sample with the physical copy attached to the sample, and registering the image. The method may further include encrypting a representation of the generated work with a public key. The method may further include transmitting a licensed identifier to a remote data computer system, receiving an occurrence from the remote data computer system, and executing a compensation routine based on the occurrence.

Abstract: A “motorless” power electronic test device for testing adjustable speed motor drives without having to connect motors to the drive includes a bidirectional internal power converter, filtering, a charging switch for charging the capacitors of internal and external power converters, line switches for setting the test mode and operating the device, and a switch controller. The test device can be set to separately test an external power converter or an external rectifier, with the internal power converter operating in an AC-to-DC mode for testing the external power converter, and operating in a DC-to-AC mode for testing the external rectifier. The motorless test device recycles test power to reduce testing losses and carbon footprint. It is also much lighter and more convenient to handle than a full-load motor-absorber and, therefore, more amenable to deployment as a portable unit that can be readily transported to customer sites.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the generation and interactive display of three-dimensional (3D) building models, for the determination and simulation of risk associated with the underlying buildings, for the prediction of changes to the underlying buildings associated with the risk, for the generation and display of updated 3D building models factoring in the risk or predicted changes, and for the collection and display of relevant contextual information associated with the underlying building while presenting a 3D building model. The 3D building model can be displayed in an augmented reality (AR) view, and a user can interact with the 3D building model via controls present in the AR view and/or by moving within the real-world location in which the user is present.

Abstract: A suspension of a therapeutic substance (e.g., embolic beads) dispersed within a liquid can be delivered via a catheter by using a bidirectional pump to rapidly draw the mixture of the therapeutic substance and liquid from an external syringe into an internal reservoir, then rapidly push the mixture back out into the external syringe. The rapid operation of the bidirectional pump mixes the two constituents so that the therapeutic substance is temporarily suspended within the liquid. Then, a low-speed pump is used to inject the mixture out via the catheter. In some embodiments, the parameters of the low-speed pump are controlled so that the fluid exiting the catheter will experience laminar flow. When the therapeutic substance comprises embolic beads, this can advantageously prevent reflux of the embolic beads, which can be dangerous.

Abstract: UAV tether systems are provided that reliably deploy and retract cables capable of high-power and high-bandwidth data transmission. The tether system spools cables in a single layer to promote heat dissipation thereby allowing the use of lower-diameter cables. The tether systems further utilize a lightweight converter that achieves a high-voltage power transmission across a cable that is stepped down to a plurality of lower-voltage outputs usable by a UAV and accompanying payloads. The converter is constructed in a manner that promotes heat dissipation through the use of multi-layer PCBs and separate power modules PCBs mounted above main PCBs to create a cavity where forced air can reach heat sinks affixed to the power modules that extend into the cavity.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a beam defining a first side and a second side; a bracket bar; and a bracket assembly coupled to an end of the bracket bar, the bracket assembly comprising: a first plate defining a first vertical section oriented substantially perpendicular to the bracket bar, the first plate having a first end coupled to the bracket bar and a second end coupled to the beam, the first plate defining a first plate opening; a second plate actionable relative to the first plate, the second plate extending through the first plate opening in the first plate; and a fastener coupling the first plate to the second plate and operable to adjust a distance between the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: A sand bypass separator is provided for separating particulate matter from a fluid mixture in a production well and directing the separated particulate matter away from a pump intake. The separator includes an outer tube, an inner tube positioned within the outer tube. The outer tube has a plurality of slots to allow the fluid mixture to enter the separator between the outer tube and the inner tube. As the fluid mixture moves downward, the fluid mixture reaches a downward velocity sufficient to allow the particulate matter in the fluid mixture to continue downward as the fluid is drawn into the inner tube through the pump intake. A bypass that extends from above the pump intake to below the pump intake to collect and direct the separated particulate matter separated below the pump intake may also be included.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides various technical solutions to technical problems facing sensor-based vehicle safety technology. To address problems facing identification of safety features (e.g., safety sensors) for a particular vehicle, a vehicle safety feature identification system may be used to identify a vehicle and the safety features that are installed on that vehicle. To address problems facing identification of which safety sensors require maintenance, a vehicle safety feature maintenance system may be used to identify vehicle safety sensors based on information received about one or more vehicle repairs, such as structural repairs following a vehicle collision. The vehicle safety feature maintenance system may use image data or other inputs to identify a vehicle repair area, identify other vehicle components that must be removed or adjusted to complete the vehicle repair, and identify all vehicle safety sensors and other safety features that will need to be repaired, replaced, or recalibrated.

Abstract: An encoder configured to generate an encoded bitstream for decoding by a compatible decoder, wherein the decoder receives the encoded bitstream with a current picture including a current block having a first partition boundary partitioning the block into first and second non-rectangular regions and a second partition boundary, intersecting the first partition boundary, and partitioning the second non-rectangular region into three portions. Using the encoded bitstream, the decoder determines a first predictor for use within the first non-rectangular region using a first motion vector selected from a first list of motion vector candidates, determines a second predictor for use within the second non-rectangular region using a second motion vector selected from a second list of motion vector candidates; and decodes the current block using the first predictor and the second predictor. Decoding further includes smoothing the first predictor and the second predictor across the first partition boundary.