Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer-accessible storage media for restoring data from a snapshot to a data volume. The blocks in the volume may be treated as an implicit tree structure, for example a binary tree; each local block corresponds to a block on the snapshot. A local block on the volume may be marked, for example fingerprinted with metadata, to indicate that the local block has not been restored. Initially, the local block at the root node is marked. To restore a local block, the restore process may generate a list indicating all local blocks on a path from the root node of the tree to the target node that have not been restored. The marks in the local blocks are used in generating the list. For each block indicated in the list, children of the block are fingerprinted, and the block is restored from the snapshot.

Abstract: Delivering bags, for example, for delivering items and products purchased bye-commerce in so-called “grocery” tote bags to the respective purchasing customers is described. In one embodiment, a system includes a box and a plurality of bag protectors, each made of material having sufficient rigidity to protect a bag contained therein. In one embodiment, the bag protector has a bottom panel configured to support a bottom of the bag, and two side panels that are configured to extend from two opposing edges of the boom panel away from the bottom panel to form a generally tapering profile so as to meet each other adjacent an opening portion of the bag. The box is configured to receive a plurality of bag protectors, each protectively containing a bag therein. For example, given the generally tapering profile of the bag protectors, they may be placed alternately facing opposite directions in the box.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system includes a plurality of liquid desiccant in-ceiling units, each installed in a building for treating air in a space in the building. Dedicated outside air systems (DOAS) for providing a stream of treated outside air to the building are also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging device formed as an active pixel array combining a CMOS fabrication process and a nanowire fabrication process. The pixels in the array may include a single or multiple photogates surrounding the nanowire. The photogates control the potential profile in the nanowire, allowing accumulation of photo-generated charges in the nanowire and transfer of the charges for signal readout. Each pixel may include a readout circuit which may include a reset transistor, charge transfer switch transistor, source follower amplifier, and pixel select transistor. A nanowire is generally structured as a vertical rod on the bulk semiconductor substrate to receive light energy impinging onto the tip of the nanowire. The nanowire may be configured to function as either a photodetector or a waveguide configured to guild the light to the substrate. Light of different wavelengths can be detected using the imaging device.

Abstract: A method of preparing and rapidly curing a composite material having a thin cross section. The composite material includes a mixture of solid particles, at least some of which are a material that reacts with CO2, such as a silicate, for example Wollastonite. The green material is prepared by mixing the solid components with a liquid such as water to form a slurry, and forming green bodies by placing the slurry in forms. The green bodies are reacted with CO2 to form cured composite materials having thin sections, in the range of 10 to 15 mm. Curing in periods of 6 hours has been demonstrated.

Abstract: A computer system obtains an image or video of a person, such as a shopper. The image or video includes the face of the person. The system extracts low level features from the image or video. The low level features may be Gabor features. The system examines the low level features to designate stimuli that are likely to result in preferred behaviors associated with the person. The system analyzes the plurality of designated stimuli based on predetermined criteria to select one or more selected stimuli, and then causes the selected stimuli to be rendered to the person. The predetermined criteria may be economic criteria, such as a requirement to select the stimulus with the highest expected economic benefit from among the various designated stimuli.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for determining stowability based on item-size categories are described. Embodiments may select a storage module for a stow operation based on accessing stowability information. Stowability information, in various embodiments may include stowability information for each storage module in a materials handling system. Stowability information may indicate a capacity to hold additional items in a storage module. The capacity may be determined according an item-size category descriptor, describing the quantity of items in each category of a storage module, and a storage module capacity module characterizing item descriptors of fully-stowed storage modules. In some embodiments the storage module capacity model is a function fitted to data points representing the values of item-size descriptors of fully-stowed storage modules. Embodiments may update the stowability information for a storage module in response to the removal of an item from the storage module.

Abstract: A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system further includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw.

Abstract: One or more computers is configured to run an end-to-end test including at least a plurality of independent tests of multiple stages of an asynchronous multi-stage data processing system. One of the set of independent tests is configured to send a request for test input data from a test data repository service for a particular stage. A converted version of the test input data is obtained. A comparison of the converted version to the output of the particular stage to verify operation of the particular stage is obtained. The output of the particular stage is transmitted to the test data repository service. One or more computers is configured to provide the test data repository service. The test data repository service is configured to store in the test data storage the output of the particular stage as test input data for a next stage of the asynchronous multi-stage data processing system.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable a user to upgrade a stack of resources by providing a template that reflects the desired end state of the stack. Upon receiving a new template, the system automatically detects changes that should be performed and determines the order in which the changes should be performed. The system can also detect if the desired changes to the stack are a result of direct modifications; because parameters to the resources have changed; or the changes are indirectly caused by other dependency/attribute changing. Additionally, the system determines whether the changes require creating new resources or if the changes can be made to the resources live. In case of replacement of resources, the system will first create the new resource, move that new resource into the stack and remove the old resource(s). In case of failures, the system ensures that the stack rolls back to the initial state.

Abstract: A system which may be implemented on an integrated circuit including a global supply bus, a gated supply bus, a functional circuit receiving voltage from the gated supply bus, and a digital power gating system. The digital power gating system includes gating devices, a power gating control system, and a global control adjuster. The gating devices are coupled between the global and gated supply buses and are controlled by a digital control value. The power gating control system performs power gating by successively adjusting the digital control value to reduce a voltage of the gated supply bus to a state retention voltage level. The global control adjuster performs a global adjustment of the digital control value to increase the voltage of the gated supply bus to prevent it from falling below the state retention voltage level in response to an impending change of a voltage of the global supply bus.

Abstract: A fluid cartridge for an inkjet printer includes an inner reservoir containing a printing fluid. The reservoir includes walls enclosing an internal space having a variable volume for storage of the printing fluid and a port for dispensing the printing liquid. The reservoir includes a rigid framework and one or more elastically deformable sections. The cartridge further includes an outlet for connection to the printer, an outer housing in which the reservoir is housed, an electronic storage device configured to store data relating to the contents of the cartridge, and at least one electrical contact associated with the electronic storage device and provided on a substrate. The reservoir provides a reduction in pressure of the internal space whereby the equilibrium pressure difference between the internal space and the surrounding atmosphere increases substantially monotonically in magnitude as liquid is dispensed.

Abstract: A system and method for agile wireless access network is provided. A method embodiment for agile radio access network management includes determining, by a network controller, capabilities and neighborhood relations of radio nodes in the radio access network. The network controller then configures a backhaul network infrastructure for the radio access network in accordance with the capabilities and the neighborhood relations of the radio nodes.

Abstract: An integrated circuit including a global supply bus, a gated supply bus, a functional circuit coupled to the gated supply bus, a programmable device that stores a programmed control parameter, and a digital power gating system. The digital power gating system includes gating devices and a power gating control system. Each gating device is coupled between the global and gated supply buses and each has a control terminal. The power gating control system controls a digital control value to control activation of the gating devices. The power gating control system is configured to perform a power gating operation by adjusting the digital control value to control a voltage of the gated supply bus relative to the voltage of the global supply bus. The power gating operation may be adjusted using the programmed control parameter. The programmable device may be a fuse array or a memory programmed with programmed control parameter.

Abstract: An integrated circuit including a global supply bus, a gated supply bus, and a digital power gating system with controlled resume. The digital power gating system includes gating devices and a power gating control system. Each gating device has a pair of current terminals coupled between the global supply bus and the gated supply bus and each has a control terminal. The power gating control system controls a digital control value which controls activation of the gating devices. The power gating control system is configured to successively adjust the digital control value to increase a voltage of the gated supply bus from a reduced voltage level to a normal operating voltage level in response to a resume indication. The reduced voltage level may be a state retention level or full power gating. Successive adjustment may be with constant or adjusted gain using a constant clock or a dynamically adjusted clock.

Abstract: An improved method refines cellulose to produce a highly refined cellulosic material in combination with a hydrocolloid. The method comprises soaking raw material from primarily parenchymal cell wall structures in an aqueous solution which need not contain an agent to modify the fiber (e.g., a mild alkalizing or alkaline agent and/or solution) using reduced temperatures and pressures, and refining the material with a plate refiner so that a waste water stream is reduced in volume. The mass of fiber is combined with a hydrocolloid and the combined mass is then sheared is dried to produce the Highly Refined Cellulose in an intimately associated or bound structure with the hydrocolloid. The highly refined fiber/hydrocolloid product can also provide excellent thickening properties to a degree unexpected from simple additive effects of the materials. The unique methodology in the combining of the ingredients surprisingly affects the final properties of the combined materials.

Abstract: An odor and moisture controller is provided as a means of reducing or limiting unwanted moisture and odors within a refrigerator or food storage container. The odor and moisture controller is particularly suited for the removal of gaseous ethylene from a refrigerator or food storage container. The odor and moisture controller is able to remove ethylene gas through the use of a naturally active absorbent formulation. The absorbent formulation is retained within a pouch to allow aeration and positioned within a cross-ventilated container. The cross ventilated container is placed within a refrigerator or food storage container and prevents the pouch from directly contacting damp surfaces. The cross ventilated container permits airflow to reach to the absorbent formulation facilitating the removal of unwanted gases from the air within the refrigerator or food storage container.

Abstract: A method for controlling a portable power system, comprising: using a processor, selecting an engine efficiency range for a engine of a generator set of the portable power system, the engine efficiency range corresponding to a power output range of the generator set and to a power demand of a load coupled to the portable power system; when the power demand of the load is less than the power output of the generator set, storing excess power from the generator set in a first battery bank of the portable power system; when the power demand of the load is greater than the power output of the generator set, providing additional power to the load from a second battery bank of the portable power system; and, when at least one of a predetermined depth of discharge threshold is reached by the second battery bank and a predetermined state of charge threshold is reached by the first battery bank, switching between the second battery bank and the first battery bank.

Abstract: A graphical user interface method is disclosed. A first interface panel including a first graphical content for a first menu item is generated. The first interface panel is displayed in a primary display area, and a first descriptor is displayed in a menu display area that is segregated from the primary display area. The first descriptor is associated with the first menu item. An input command is received on the menu display area, and in response thereto, a second interface panel with a second set of graphic content for a second menu item is generated. An input command transition relationship is defined between the first interface panel and the second interface panel, and the received input command corresponds thereto. The second interface panel is displayed in the primary display area, and a second descriptor associated with the second menu item is displayed in the menu display area.

Abstract: A method for locating a Cospas-Sarsat emergency beacon comprises transmitting a Cospas-Sarsat compliant transmission from an emergency beacon and receiving the transmission at a plurality of receivers wherein the plurality of receivers comprises at least one terrestrial receiver operable to receive the transmission directly from the emergency beacon. The method further comprises measuring, utilizing a processing circuit, at the at least one terrestrial receiver a frequency of arrival and time of arrival of the transmission and transmitting the frequency of arrival and the time of arrival of the transmission to a central processing terminal operable to determine the location of the emergency beacon.