Abstract: An encoder is configured to generate an encoded bitstream that can be decoded by a decoder that is configured to receive a bitstream. The bitstream includes a picture comprising a first contiguous region of a first plurality of coding blocks and a second contiguous region comprising a second plurality of coding blocks. The first plurality of blocks having a common motion model used to decode each of the blocks of the first region and the second plurality of blocks having local motion.

Abstract: A video encoder is configured to encode a bit stream including a coded picture having a first contiguous region and a second contiguous region, the first contiguous region containing common motion, the second contiguous region containing local motion. The encoded bitstream is provided to a decoder which is configured to decode the first contiguous region of the coded picture to reconstruct the common motion by utilizing a motion model common to all of the coding blocks in the first region. A merge candidate list is selectively created and a merge candidate is selected to decode the first region based on the common motion model. The second contiguous region is decoded using individual motion information for each coding block in the second contiguous region.

Abstract: A revetment block includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a first pair of parallel, opposing sidewalls extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a second pair of parallel, opposing sidewalls extending between the top surface and the bottom surface and each extending between a first sidewall of the first pair of parallel and a second sidewall of the first pair of parallel, opposing sidewalls. The revetment block further includes a horizontal duct extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, wherein the horizontal duct is parallel with the bottom surface. The top surface has a non-parallel relationship with the bottom surface, wherein the top surface includes a leveling pad adjacent the first sidewall. The leveling pad is configured to cause a second horizontal duct of a second revetment block stacked on the top surface to be parallel with the first horizontal duct.

Abstract: A method to reduce bag rupture in a spray dispensed from a nozzle involves detecting one or more bags rupturing from an initial spray pattern of the spray dispensed from the nozzle, the one or more bags comprising a thin membraned semi-spherical protrusion extending from the spray, where the initial spray pattern is a region of the spray initially exiting the nozzle that forms a continuous sheet-like portion. The spray includes an agricultural spray including water, at least one polymer, and at least one perforation-aid type adjuvant. The agricultural spray exhibits fewer fine droplets exhibiting a diameter less than about 150 ?m formed via the bag rupture approach to droplet formation.

Abstract: Embodiments of system and methods for supplying fuel, enabling communications, and conveying electric power associated with operation of a hydraulic fracturing unit of a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units are disclosed and may include a fuel line connection assembly configured to be connected to the first hydraulic fracturing unit and to supply fuel from a fuel source to a gas turbine engine connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit. A system also may include a communications cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to enable data communications between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a data center or another hydraulic fracturing unit. A system further may include a power cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to convey electric power between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a remote electrical power source or the plurality of hydraulic fracturing units.

Abstract: A palletizing system includes one or more palletizers. A database is configured to maintain a stacking pattern library containing multiple stacking patterns for the palletizers. A computer is operatively connected to the database. The computer is configured to automatically select a stacking pattern for a selected one of the palletizers. In other words, the computer is configured to change the stacking pattern of one of the palletizers without changing the other palletizers. The database is configured to maintain unique palletizer identifiers used for identifying individual palletizers to promote expandability.

Abstract: A system includes a controller and a system of valves connected to pipes collecting the well casing gas produced from a casing annulus of the producing well. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the well casing gas in the casing annulus. The system determines a well casing gas flow rate by measuring a build-up pressure of the well casing gas in a casing annulus when a valve from the casing annulus is closed. A fluid level in the casing of the well is determined using a pressure wave created in the well casing gas using the controller and the one or more valves. A fluid gradient correction factor is found using an actual fluid level in the casing. The controller calculates the pressure using the gas flow rate, the fluid level and the fluid gradient correction factor.

Abstract: A decoder includes circuitry configured to receive a bitstream, determine whether a merge mode is enabled for a block, construct a merge candidate list including adding a non-adjacent diagonal spatial candidate to the merge candidate list, and reconstruct pixel data of the block and using the merge candidate list. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: Sensing technology methods related thereto for determining cut through of bone and a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., an oscillating saw blade in a cut). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the cutting edge of the saw blade in the cut. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the cutting edge of the saw blade. As such, monitoring the first and/or second sensor may allow for the saw to be stopped upon completion of a cut (e.g., when the saw passes completely through a medium to be cut or upon reaching a predetermined depth for the cut).

Abstract: Surveillance systems and methods for collecting electronic signatures and visual identifiers of targets to help create identifications or records of targets associated with one or more particular electronic signatures. The surveillance systems and methods can include an event analysis system and methodologies to facilitate classification and association of the collected visual identifiers of the targets with the collected electronic signatures of such targets, and can generate alarms or “hits” indicating presence of a known target across subsets of locations and times of occurrence of such hits or alarms for enhancing tracking and movement of targets throughout selected geographic areas or locations.

Abstract: A plug for use in wellbore operations includes a plug body extending from a top end to a bottom end; a sealing member as part of the plug body and positioned at the bottom end; and a non-rotating profile positioned at the bottom end of the plug body; the sealing member protrudes past the non-rotating profile such that the sealing member comes into contact with a surface when the plug is dropped into a well before the non-rotating profile.

Abstract: A process for recovery of one or more elements, selected from precious metals and chalcophile metals as herein defined, from materials containing precious and/or chalcophile metal/s, said process including: (i) a leaching step comprising contacting the material with an acidic solution containing a lixiviant comprising an aqueous amino acid-thiourea compound formed from an amino acid (as herein defined) and thiourea (as herein defined), in order to form a leachate containing the precious metal and/or chalcophile metal; and (ii) a recovery step comprising recovering the precious metal and/or chalcophile metal from the leachate.

Abstract: A disposable, sterile guide constructed of medically-acceptable plastic used for compartmentalizing and therefore protecting the ligament or fascia during three different orthopedic surgical procedures: ECTR, ECuTR, and EPFR. This device reduces the risk of damage to any other part of the surrounding anatomy. The device is disposable and packaged so as to be sterile and therefore readily usable by the surgeon means that it can reduce the risk of infection and is a less expensive alternative to traditional non-disposable, metal instruments that must be sterilized prior to each procedure.

Abstract: A sonar system mounted to a platform is disclosed. The sonar system includes a positioning shaft rotatably connected to the platform; a motor operably connected to the positioning shaft, wherein operation of the motor causes the positioning shaft to rotate; a transducer connected to a distal end of the positioning shaft such that rotation of the positioning shaft causes the transducer to rotate, the transducer defining an axis aligned with a sonar field projected by the transducer; and a position indicator connected to and extending from the positioning shaft to a position viewable by a user, the position indicator being aligned with the axis of the transducer to provide a visual indication to the user of a direction of the sonar field projected by the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to semiconductors, and more particularly, to a structure and method of minimizing shorting between epitaxial regions in small pitch fin field effect transistors (FinFETs). In an embodiment, a dielectric region may be formed in a middle portion of a gate structure. The gate structure be formed using a gate replacement process, and may cover a middle portion of a first fin group, a middle portion of a second fin group and an intermediate region of the substrate between the first fin group and the second fin group. The dielectric region may be surrounded by the gate structure in the intermediate region. The gate structure and the dielectric region may physically separate epitaxial regions formed on the first fin group and the second fin group from one another.

Abstract: A method of connecting a pipe to a cast fitting, the method can include casting a body including a first body end and a second body end disposed opposite from the first body end, wherein the body defines an axis extending from the first body end to the second body end, wherein the body includes a first neck disposed proximate to the first body end wherein the body further includes an inner body surface defining a bore extending through the body from the first body end to the second body end, and wherein the body further includes an outer body surface spaced from the inner body surface a predetermined wall thickness.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a first middle-of-line (MOL) oxide layer and a second MOL oxide layer in the semiconductor structure. The first MOL oxide layer including multiple gate stacks formed on a substrate, and each gate stack of the gate stacks including a source/drain junction. A first nitride layer is formed over a silicide in the first MOL oxide layer. A second nitride layer is formed. Trenches are formed through the second nitride layer down to the source/drain junctions. A nitride cap of the plurality of gate stacks is selectively recessed. At least one self-aligned contact area (CA) element is formed within the first nitride layer. The first MOL oxide layer is selectively recessed. An air-gap oxide layer is deposited. The air gap oxide layer is reduced to the at least one self-aligned CA element and the first nitride layer.

Abstract: A system for coding and decoding of signals, such as pictures and video, intended for machine use is disclosed. An encoder implements a method for kernel-based transformation of the signal samples that reduces and preferably minimizes entropy of the input signal yet is equivalent to the input signal for the intended machine operation. As a result, the transformed signal sample can be compressed using fewer bits than the original. The encoded signal is received by a complimentary decoder and decoded for machine use.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the making safe of a handgun. A safety system includes a lock mechanism coupled to an engagement member and a user interface. The engagement member is movably coupled to the handgun and includes a contact face that is in contact with the slide of the handgun. The engagement member transfers a portion of a force to the slide and moves between a lock position and an unlock position. The lock position corresponds to a separation distance between a distal end of a primer actuator of the handgun and a primer activation plane. The engagement member is configured to transition between the lock position and the unlock position while remaining movably coupled to the handgun. Movement of the engagement member from the lock position is restricted by the lock mechanism until disengaged via the user interface.