Abstract: A pipetting device (100) for an apparatus for processing a sample or reagent is disclosed. The pipetting device (100) comprises a coupling mechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises at least a first coupling unit (104) adapted to be coupled to a first pipetting tip (108) and a second coupling unit (106) adapted to be coupled to a second pipetting tip (110), and a selection element (138) for selectively allowing a coupling of the first coupling unit (104) to or releasing the first coupling unit (104) from the first pipetting tip (108) and for selectively allowing a coupling of the second coupling unit to or releasing the second coupling unit (106) from the second pipetting tip (110). The selection element (138) is mechanically coupled to the first coupling unit (104) and the second coupling unit (106). Further, an apparatus (198) for processing a sample or reagent and a method for pipetting a sample or reagent are disclosed.

Abstract: A voltage regulator has a switching circuit and a control circuit. The switching circuit provides an output voltage and an output current. The control circuit provides a switching control signal to the switching circuit to adjust the output voltage, such that the output voltage decreases with a first slope as the output current increases when the output current is less than a first current level, the output voltage decreases with a second slope as the output current increases when the output current is larger than the first current level and is less than a second current level, and the output voltage decreases with a third slope as the output current increases when the output current is larger than the second current level.

Abstract: A system for performing computer network service chain analytics includes network-connected devices containing a plurality of virtual network functions having elements and a data model for storing a plurality of metrics related to the plurality of virtual network functions and a service chain intelligence engine in communication with the one or more network-connected devices and the data model. The memory device contains a set of instructions that causes a processor to analyze the plurality of virtual network functions to automatically identify one or more service chains, to automatically determine, using the data model, performance behavior characteristics of each element for each of the identified service chains and to automatically generate an alarm, in response to determining that the performance behavior characteristics of one or more elements of at least one of the identified one or more service chains does not meet a predefined set of the performance behavior characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing and storing acquired data relating to one or more dental conditions. The methods can include acquiring a first oral feature in a first data acquisition using a data acquisition device, determining a first oral feature first reference point from the first data acquisition, diagnosing a first dental condition upon confirming that the first oral feature first reference point is associated with the first dental condition, acquiring the first oral feature in a second data acquisition using the data acquisition device, determining a first oral feature second reference point from the second data acquisition, and tracking the progression of the first dental condition by determining a discrepancy between the first oral feature first and second reference points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning the settled solids in the bottom of a wastewater filtration tank to reduce the acidification of the sludge and prevent the excessive growth of undesirable biological growth.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for automatic signal detection in a radio-frequency (RF) environment are disclosed. At least one node device is in a fixed nodal network. The at least one node device is operable to measure and learn the RF environment in a predetermined period based on statistical learning techniques, thereby creating learning data. The at least one node device is operable to create a spectrum map based on the learning data. The at least one node device is operable to calculate a power distribution by frequency of the RF environment in real time or near real time, including a first derivative and a second derivative of fast Fourier transform (FFT) data of the RF environment. The at least one node device is operable to identify at least one signal based on the first derivative and the second derivative of FFT data.

Abstract: A vibration data collection system performs an integration or differentiation process on incoming digitized vibration data in real time. The system uses a digital Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filter running at the input data rate to provide the integration or differentiation function. With this approach, the system reduces hardware complexity and data storage requirements. Also, the system provides the ability to directly integrate or differentiate stored time waveforms without resorting to FFT processing methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for assigning agents using updated criteria tables. In one example, an assignment system maintains an assets table including properties of assets, a recovery agent criteria table including values for a location and a capacity of recovery agents, and a requester criteria preferences table including agent preference factors received from requesters. A requester requests a recovery agent to recover an asset. The agents are scored and weighted using the tables and the asset is assigned to a selected agent. The agent capacity criteria is adjusted in response to the assignment and the agent capacity criteria is adjusted in response to receiving recovery status information about the asset.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for a camera wash system of an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. The manifold assembly includes a fluid inlet; a plurality of fluid injectors, each fluid injector configured to switch between an open state in which fluid passes through the fluid injector and a closed state in which fluid does not pass through the fluid injector; a block member configured to hold the fluid injectors in a fixed position; and a rail member including a fluid passage in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and each fluid injector for providing a cleaning fluid to each of the fluid injectors.

Abstract: Provided are DNA polymerases having increased reverse transcriptase efficiency relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The polymerases are useful in a variety of primer extension methods. Also provided are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the DNA polymerases.

Abstract: A method for long range communications using sensors with bidirectional communication capability includes installing a plurality of sensors configured to communicate with a central node configured to send and receive packets in working slots on two frequencies; selecting a frequency with the strongest signal from each particular sensor; and avoiding collisions between the two-way sensors by changing working slots of the two-way sensors in each new frame by (a) creating a super-frame comprising multiple ordinary frames; (b) clocking all five multiple frames through; (c) returning the working slots to their initial positions; (d) creating a new super-frame; and (e) changing the working slot position throughout the new super-frame. Bidirectional communication guarantees that reception will be confirmed, or increases the chances that the signal will be received. Thus, it is possible to transfer information both ways, i.e., it is possible to write data (settings, etc.) into sensors.

Abstract: An integrated ocean water processing system including a vessel, an electro/hydraulic deployment and retrieval system, a desalination system, a disinfection system, a packaging system, a freezing system capable of freezing the pouches of potable water, a water storage and dissolution system, and a distribution system capable of pumping product drinking water through a buoyant surface hose to other vessels or onshore infrastructure.

Abstract: A method of disregarding unintended touches applied to a handheld electronic device includes dividing a display area of a touch display into a plurality of subareas. When a touch operation is detected, the location of touch in one of the plurality of subareas is determined. A function corresponding to the operation is performed according to the one of the plurality of subareas the operation is generated in, and the method allows for simultaneous or almost simultaneous touches on other subareas being disregarded where the touches do not meet certain conditions.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to facilitate electrostatic discharge mitigation for imaging devices. In one example, an imaging device includes an imager assembly. The imaging device further includes a lens holder. The lens holder includes a receiving interface configured to receive a lens assembly therein. The lens holder further includes an alignment pin including electrically conductive material and coupled to the imager assembly to provide an electrostatic discharge path via the imager assembly, where a first portion of the alignment pin has the electrically conductive material exposed and a second portion of the alignment pin has an insulating layer disposed thereon. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: The subject disclosure presents systems and computer-implemented methods for assessing a risk of cancer recurrence in a patient based on a holistic integration of large amounts of prognostic information for said patient into a single comparative prognostic dataset. A risk classification system may be trained using the large amounts of information from a cohort of training slides from several patients, along with survival data for said patients. For example, a machine-learning-based binary classifier in the risk classification system may be trained using a set of granular image features computed from a plurality of slides corresponding to several cancer patients whose survival information is known and input into the system. The trained classifier may be used to classify image features from one or more test patients into a low-risk or high-risk group.

Abstract: A process chamber system adapted for both vacuum process steps and steps at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure. The chamber door may utilize a double door seal which allows for high vacuum in the gap between the seals such that the sealing force provided by the high vacuum in the seal gap is higher than the opposing forces due to the pressure inside the chamber and the weight of the components.

Abstract: In one aspect, inks for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an ink described herein comprises a cyclic carbonate monomer and an amine monomer. Further, in some instances, an ink described herein also comprises an ethylenically unsaturated monomer such as a (meth)acrylate. Additionally, an ink described herein, in some cases, further comprises a colorant, such as a molecular dye, a particulate inorganic pigment, or a particulate organic colorant. An ink described herein may also comprise one or more additives selected from the group consisting of inhibitors, stabilizing agents, photoinitiators, and photosensitizers.

Abstract: Spiral forming devices, systems, and methods can be used to join edges of a of a stock material, in a curved configuration, along one or more joints to form tubular structures, such as conical and/or cylindrical structures (e.g., frusto-conical structures). A planar form of the stock material can be formed from a plurality planar sheets coupled to one another in an abutting relationship. By controlling relative orientation and shapes of the plurality of planar sheets forming the stock material and/or by controlling a position of a roll bender used to curve the planar form of the stock material into the curved configuration, the curved configuration of the stock material can be controlled through transitions between sheets to facilitate rolling the sheets to a desired diameter with a reduced likelihood of dimples or other errors and to facilitate fit up between adjacent sheets in the curved configuration.

Abstract: Described is an improved approach to implement routing for electrical designs. A structural routing solution is provided, where an automatic routing mechanism is implemented to generate a complete routing tree, and specific portions of the design are routed individually from other portions of the design.