Abstract: A method and system for energy-based (e.g., ultrasound treatment and/or other modalities) of skin glands are provided. An exemplary method and system for targeted treatment of skin glands, such as sweat and/or sebaceous glands, can be configured in various manners, such as through use of therapy only, therapy and monitoring, imaging and therapy, or therapy, imaging, and monitoring, and/or through use of focused, unfocused, or defocused ultrasound (or other energy) through control of various spatial and temporal parameters. As a result, ablative energy can be deposited at the particular depth at which the skin gland population is located below the skin surface.

Abstract: A method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening are disclosed. An exemplary method and treatment system are configured for the imaging, monitoring, and thermal injury to treat the SMAS region. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary method and system are configured for treating the SMAS region by first, imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area and surrounding structures, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, timing, and energy level to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, and third to monitor the treatment area before, during, and after therapy to plan and assess the results and/or provide feedback.

Abstract: A keyless puck lock apparatus with wireless communications and power interfaces. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a keyless puck lock system enabling a low cost and high security solution that is difficult to tamper with and defeat. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system uses a keyless puck lock assembly that includes a hasp assembly and a keyless lock mechanism that does not require any physical mechanical keys so that it does not have a mechanical cylinder inserted therein to lock or unlock the puck lock. Accordingly, the keyless puck lock system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention does not have a physical keyway which is a security attack point that is included in conventional hockey puck-type locks.

Abstract: Systems, processes and articles of manufacture provide for a player identity verification system that allows a gaming establishment (e.g., a casino) to determine or verify a player's identity upon certain qualifying activities being determined (e.g., when a player is initiating a wagering session at a table game or placing a wager). In accordance with one embodiment, a live image of a player participating in a qualifying activity (e.g., placement of a wager) is compared to a stored image of a player that is associated with one or more casino chips being used as the wager; a verification of the identity of the player placing the wager is performed by matching the live image to the stored image.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to syndesmosis reinforcement. Embodiments include a clamp having two jaws that extend toward each other to clamp two bone portions therebetween. The clamp may include an angle gauge and an adjustment mechanism having a force gauge that combine to enable the compression of the two bone portions in an optimal direction or angle and at an optimal, measurable compression force. Embodiments also include a tension instrument configured to knotlessly lock a flexible strand construct between two anchors at the same optimal direction and tension applied by the clamp. Further embodiments include an exemplary syndesmosis reinforcement procedure that employs the clamp and the tension instrument to construct a ligament reinforcement construct that achieves optimal anatomic positioning in both directional alignment and the reduction force applied by the construct. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A turf management system for a multi-climate environment including respective micro-climates at different green surfaces that are remote from one another includes a plurality of local control circuits including respective communication interfaces that are configured to receive sensor data from environmental sensors that are locally positioned at the different green surfaces, and a central control circuit that is configured to be communicatively coupled to the local control circuits. The central control circuit includes a network interface that is configured to receive data indicating differing local conditions at the respective micro-climates from the local control circuits, and a processor that is configured to aggregate the data indicating the differing local conditions at the respective micro-climates for output to a user interface. Related circuits, methods of operation, and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A firearm has a trigger shield that is a protective loop surrounding a first and second switch of the firearm and the switches actuate the function of the firearm when activated by a finger to start the firing process. The first switch is on a first side of the protective loop and the second switch is on a second side of the protective loop. The protective loop is vertically aligned having the first and second switches on respective shorter sides of the protective loop. The firearm further has a first emitter mounted on the trigger shield that propagates a first light beam to a first receiver mounted on an opposite side of the trigger shield and a second emitter mounted on the trigger shield that propagates a second light beam to a second receiver mounted on an opposite side of the trigger shield. When a finger depresses one of the switches, his/her finger is blocking the light beam and the firearm will not activate and when the finger is moved away from the light beam, the firearm discharges.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a game table such as a smart baccarat table may be equipped with one or more detecting components (e.g., an RFID antenna, an NFC antenna or an optical reader) to identify gaming elements placed in a certain area of the smart table that a dealer of the table places gaming elements into when conducting a transaction. A specific type of transaction may be automatically inferred by the game table, without a dealer specifically requesting an initiation of a mode or process for the type of transaction, based on statuses of the gaming elements detected within the area. For example, a Change Transaction may be inferred upon the game table determining that both inventory and non-inventory game elements are present within the area of the table at the same time.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a clamp for connecting a ledger to a shoring post. The clamp includes a base member, a ledger-connecting member, and a first jaw, which are fixed connected to each other. The clamp includes a rotatable member inserted into the base member, which is rotatable and slidable in the base member along a longitudinal axis. A portion of the rotatable member is accessible via the slot of the base member. The clamp includes a second jaw fixedly connected to the rotatable member. The clamp further includes a wedge, and when the wedge is inserted into the slot of the base member to engage the rotatable member in a lock position, the first and second jaws are locked to capture two sides of a shoring post.

Abstract: A system for electronic gaming is described which includes a plurality of individual game stations each of which is constructed and arranged with a user interface. Upstream from each game station is a third party subsystem which includes a corresponding database. This third party subsystem is in data communication with each game station. Also upstream from the plurality of game stations is a gaming server subsystem which includes a database. A central determinate translator system is constructed and arranged in communication either directly or indirectly with each game station and provides a communication link and interface between the gaming server subsystem and each game station.

Abstract: The present teachings include a method and computing apparatus for triggering synchronization of a satellite modem to a carrier frequency of a beam of a satellite, retrieving ephemeris information for the satellite and beam configuration information for the beam, calculating a velocity of the satellite per the ephemeris information, and adjusting the carrier frequency of the satellite modem when communicating via the beam to compensate for a doppler offset induced in the carrier frequency by the velocity. In the method, the satellite has a satellite type selected from a Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) type of satellite, and the satellite type is different than a satellite type of an immediately preceding synchronization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for bandwidth-limited video transport are configured to receive (or otherwise discern) a selection of video parameter limits that correspond to a bandwidth limit and apply the video parameter limits to an input video stream to enforce the bandwidth limit while preserving video quality. Methods may include adjusting the video stream one parameter at a time until the adjusted video stream meets the bandwidth limit. Parameters to be adjusted may include image resolution, frame rate, image compression, color depth, bits per pixel, and/or color encoding. In some embodiments, the image resolution is reduced first, the frame rate is reduced next, and the image compression is increased last. The extent and/or order of the adjustments of the parameters may be selected by the user, based on the content of the video stream, and/or based on the bandwidth limit.

Abstract: A photocontrol circuit includes a set of light level detection circuitry which is powered by a 0 to 10V dimming input. In response to a determination that light sensed in ambient environment is at or below the light level threshold, the light level detection circuitry switches a 0 to 10V dimming input line to approximately 10V, controlling a luminaire to emit maximum light. In response to a determination that light sensed in ambient environment is above the light level threshold, the light level detection circuitry switches the 0 to 10V dimming input line to less than approximately 1 Volt, thereby controlling the luminaire to emit minimum or no light. The photocontrols embodiments described herein advantageously employ the 0 to 10V dimming line as the luminaire control line, and photocontrol power source, unlike previous photocontrols which typically switch the power input to the luminaire. The photocontrol circuit may be housed in a photocontrol module comprising a base and a cover.

Abstract: One example may include a method that includes receiving, at a server, a data set from one or more mobile devices located in a presentation space, combining the received data set with additional data to create a combined data set, creating a presentation signal based on the combined data set, subtracting a portion of one or more of the data set and the additional data set from the combined data set to create a modified presentation signal, forwarding the modified presentation signal to one or more of a display and a loudspeaker located in the presentation space, and playing the modified presentation signal via one or more of the loudspeaker and the display device.

Abstract: A digital data communications network that supports efficient, scalable routing of data and use of network resources by combining a recursive division of the network into hierarchical sub-networks with repeating parameterized general purpose link communication protocols and an addressing methodology that reflects the physical structure of the underlying network hardware. The sub-division of the network enhances security by reducing the amount of the network visible to an attack and by insulating the network hardware itself from attack. The fixed bandwidth range at each sub-network level allows quality of service to be assured and controlled. The routing of data is aided by a topological addressing scheme that allows data packets to be forwarded towards their destination based on only local knowledge of the network structure, with automatic support for mobility and multicasting.

Abstract: A urodynamic investigation apparatus for receipt of urine from a bladder is provided. The apparatus is characterized by a tubular element, first and second fittings, and a sleeve element, for select passage of urine there through, within the tubular element. The tubular element is characterized by opposing first and second end portions, and a port. The fittings are adapted to be received by the opposing end portions of the tubular element so as to delimit an apparatus chamber. The sleeve element, suspended between the fittings within the chamber, has collapsed and open configurations. The collapsed configuration is indicative of a no urine flow condition, and the open configuration indicative of a urine flow condition, with the sleeve element urine flow condition being a function of pressure applied to the chamber via the port of the tubular element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus facilitate the construction of a building using prefabricated building units, each having a horizontal upper exterior surface and a plurality of vertical wall surfaces, wherein at least some of the prefabricated building units have at least one hollow column formwork structure. The prefabricated building units are lowered onto a pre-existing base at a construction site. A first story of the building is created by arranging a plurality of the prefabricated building units adjacent to each other on the base. Structural bearing material is applied to fill the hollow column formwork structures to create structural columns connected to the structural deck. Structural bearing material is applied to the horizontal upper exterior surfaces of the adjacent prefabricated building units to create a single structural deck over the prefabricated building units.

Abstract: A receiver and a method for receiving a radio communication is disclosed. The method includes receiving a burst encoded with a robust modulation coding scheme (MCS) as RX signals; generating, for each of the RX signals, a burst SNR, soft decision symbols and a packet; weighing, each of soft decision symbols with a respective burst SNR, to calculate soft combined symbols that are used to generate a Maximal-Ratio Combining (MRC) packet; and selecting, from the packets and the MRC packet, a CRC passed packet as an output. An adaptive dual burst transmitter is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for improving communication throughput despite periodic blockages. In some implementations, a method includes receiving, by a receiver and from a transmitter, code blocks transmitted according to a first set of communication parameters that includes one or more first interleaver parameters used to interleave information in the code blocks prior to transmission. Corrupted portions of at least some of the received code blocks are identified. A blockage duration and a blockage interval of a blockage of communication channel between the transmitter and the receiver are determined based on the corrupted portions of the received code blocks. A second set of communication parameters that includes one or more second interleaver parameters are determined based on the blockage duration and blockage interval.

Abstract: Disclosed cyclonic flow-inducing pumps overcome drawbacks associated with known adverse flow conditions that arise from flow of certain types of materials through a material flow conduit. Such cyclonic flow-inducing pumps provide for flow of flowable material within a flow passage of a material flow conduit (e.g., a portion of a pipeline, tubing or the like) to have a cyclonic flow (i.e., vortex or swirling) profile. Advantageously, the cyclonic flow profile centralizes flow toward the central portion of the flow passage, thereby reducing magnitude of laminar flow. Such cyclonic flow profile provides a variety of other advantages as compared to a parabolic flow profile such as, for example, increased flow rate, reduce inner pipeline wear, more uniform inner pipe wear, reduction in energy consumption, reduced or eliminated adverse considerations such as slugging.