Abstract: In an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein an apparatus comprising a first terminal that comprises a first display, a first wireless interface, and a first cash interface, and a second terminal that comprises a second display, a second wireless interface, and a second cash interface. Control logic is coupled with the first user interface and the second user interface and operable to control the operation of the first and second displays, first and second wireless interfaces, and first and second cash interfaces. A safe is coupled with the control logic, and the first and second cash interfaces. The control logic is operable to have cash selectively delivered from the safe to the first cash interfaces responsive to cash withdrawal transactions conducted at the first terminal and to the second cash interface responsive to cash withdrawal transactions conducted at the second terminal.

Abstract: A sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body, a nozzle positioned within the sprinkler body, a fixed gear coupled with the sprinkler body, a wobbler cage supported on the sprinkler body, and a water deflector plate coupled with the wobbler cage and disposed downstream of the nozzle. A brake assembly is coupled with the water deflector plate for slowing a rotating and wobbling motion of the wobbler cage and the water deflector plate. The brake assembly includes a shaft extending through the water deflector plate and a brake gear disposed at an end of the shaft, where the brake gear is engageable with the fixed gear. Among other advantages, the design eliminates the use of large fixed strut framework that creates dry shadows in the water pattern.

Abstract: Interactive analysis of data based on progressive visualizations is disclosed. One example is a system including a data module, a visualization module, an interaction module, and an analytics module. The data module processes a plurality of data elements. The visualization module progressively displays, via an interactive graphical user interface, an overview visualization of a sub-plurality of the plurality of data elements, the overview visualization based on at least one of data resolution and display resolution, and a detailed visualization based on an interaction with the overview visualization. The interaction module processes the interaction with the overview visualization. The analytics module analyzes the interaction to generate a deployment rule.

Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.

Abstract: An imager module for a vehicle is disclosed. The imager module comprises an imager configured to capture image data over a plurality of image frames based on incoming light in a field of view and an optic device configured to control a transmission of the incoming light. The module comprises a controller configured to identify an exposure time for the imager based on environmental lighting conditions and adjust the exposure time by a flicker mitigation period. The adjustment of the exposure time mitigates an appearance of a periodic light source in the image data. The controller is further configured to control the transmission of the optic device to control the transmission of the incoming light.

Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity, hydrophobic cellulose. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and depositing lignin onto cellulose fibers to produce lignin-coated cellulose materials (such as dissolving pulp). The crystallinity of the cellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers. These polymers may be combined with the hydrophobic cellulose to form completely renewable composites.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to detect a wireless signature indicating an animal presence within a predefined proximity to a vehicle. The processor is also configured to issue an alert to vehicle occupants responsive to the wireless signature detection, the alert varying based on detected signal strength. The wireless signature may be transmitted from a BLE or RFID device provided to an animal affixed to a collar, for example, or from an RFID chip embedded in an animal.

Abstract: A two part airless adhesive spray system is provided herein. This system provides numerous enhancements to the prior art including limiting overspray “fog,” saving on sprayed material because of a more efficient spray pattern, and providing a stronger bond than that of the air-atomized spray guns of the prior art.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved obtaining induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. For example, methods and materials for increasing the efficiency for making iPS cells as well as methods and materials for selecting iPS cells are provided.

Abstract: A control valve for a gas turbine engine air starter. The control valve includes a spherical or ball valve element rotatable between a closed position and an open position to connect an internal flow passage to the air starter. A series of camming elements interconnecting a piston and a valve stem for the spherical valve element convert linear displacement of the piston into rotational movement of the valve for rapid opening.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some examples, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a cycloidally dependent manner. The patterning may allow for a polarization dependent lens in some examples. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some examples, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.

Abstract: A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an obstruction free upper respiratory passages. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and enlarging the airway.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for separating heavy hydrocarbons from a solvent stream are disclosed. The heavy hydrocarbons and solvent can be recovered and processed further.

Abstract: In applications that display a representation of a user, it may be reasonable to insert a pre-canned animation rather than animating a user's captured motion. For example, in a tennis swing, the ball toss and take back in a serve could be a pre-canned animation, whereas the actual forward swing may be mapped from the user's gestures. An animation of a user's gestures can be chained together into sequences with pre-canned animations, where animation blending techniques can provide for a smoother transition between the animation types. Techniques for blending animations, that may comprise determining boundaries and transition points between pre-canned animations and animations based on captured motion, may improve animation efficiency. Gesture history, including joint position, velocity, and acceleration, can be used to determine user intent, seed parameters for subsequent animations and game control, and determine the subsequent gestures to initiate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for discerning the intent of a device wearer primarily based on movements of the eyes. The system can be included within unobtrusive headwear that performs eye tracking and controls screen display. The system can also utilize remote eye tracking camera(s), remote displays and/or other ancillary inputs. Screen layout is optimized to facilitate the formation and reliable detection of rapid eye signals. The detection of eye signals is based on tracking physiological movements of the eye that are under voluntary control by the device wearer. The detection of eye signals results in actions that are compatible with wearable computing and a wide range of display devices.

Abstract: In some examples, a medical device delivers electrical stimulation to the external portion of the globus pallidus of a brain of a patient in order to treat a sleep impairment of the patient. In some examples, the electrical stimulation may be delivered via one or more electrodes implanted in the GPe of the brain. In some examples, an electrical stimulation device is configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to the GPe based on detection of a sleep state of a patient. The sleep state may include, for example, a state in which the patient is awake and intending on sleeping, is awake and attempting to sleep or has initiated sleep. In addition, in some examples, an electrical stimulation device is configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to the GPe based on detection of an awake state of a patient.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some examples, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a cycloidally dependent manner. The patterning may allow for a polarization dependent lens in some examples. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some examples, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some examples, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a cycloidally dependent manner. The patterning may allow for a polarization dependent lens in some examples. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some examples, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.

Abstract: Communication devices are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a communication device may include a communication module including an illumination source and a body element. The body element may be configured to allow illumination generated by the illumination source to propagate within and illuminate at least a portion of an outer surface of the body element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a PIN entry device (PED) for electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) transactions. The PED has enhanced user I/O functionality but retains the strict security and certification framework of such a device. In addition to the usual PED functionality, the PED disclosed herein allows feedback from a user to be obtained in response to a question. The PED comprises an alphanumeric display for displaying text to a user, a numeric keypad and one or more function keys. The PED is configured to operate to display text to the user on the alphanumeric display to prompt a response from the user. The displayed text corresponds to approved text and unapproved text. The PED is configured to accept responses entered on the numeric keypad or one or more function keys in response to approved text, and to accept only a single key press response when prompted by a display of unapproved text. A corresponding method is also disclosed.