Abstract: A method of operating a robot includes electronically receiving images and augmenting the images by overlaying a representation of the robot on the images. The robot representation includes user-selectable portions. The method includes electronically displaying the augmented images and receiving an indication of a selection of at least one user-selectable portion of the robot representation. The method also includes electronically displaying an intent to command the selected at least one user-selectable portion of the robot representation, receiving an input representative of a user interaction with at least one user-selectable portion, and issuing a command to the robot based on the user interaction.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system has an emitter which produces a sequence of outgoing pulses of coherent collimated light that transmitted in a given direction, a mirror system having a scanning mirror that is positioned to deflect the outgoing pulse sequence towards a scene, and a detector collocated with the emitter and aimed to detect a sequence of incoming pulses being reflections of the outgoing pulses that are returning from said given direction and have been deflected by the scanning mirror. An electronic controller communicates with the emitter and the detector and controls the scanning mirror, so that the outgoing pulses scan the scene and the controller computes a radial distance or depth for each pair of outgoing and incoming pulses and uses the computed radial distance to provide a scanned 3D depth map of objects in the scene. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for modifying memory space allocation for inactive tasks. Information is maintained on computational resources consumed by tasks running in the computer system allocated memory space in the memory. The information on the computational resources consumed by the tasks is used to determine inactive tasks of the tasks. The allocation of the memory space allocated to at least one of the determined inactive tasks is modified.

Abstract: A coupling for joining plan end pipe having a housing made from a casting with a pocket disposed in the casting. The pockets holds an insert that engages the plain end pipe, and the insert is secured to the housing without the use of machined features on the housing or the use of additional components or adhesives to secure the insert to the housing. In a preferred embodiment, each insert is disposed in a pocket on the inner surface of the coupling assembly, with projections extending from the inner surface disposed within cavities on opposing sides of each insert to retain the insert within the pocket by obstructing the opening to the pocket. A preferred device and method of forming the projections is a press that deforms the projections to retain the inserts in the pockets.

Abstract: A cover has an aperture through which an accessory gains access to the interior side of the cover and a cavity. The accessory may be any kind of sensor or actuator. To secure the accessory to the cover, an adapter coupled to the cover is provided. In one example, the adapter has a cylindrical connection section that is spin welded into place in the cavity. In another example, the adapter has self-tapping threads that engage with the surface surrounding the cavity. The adapter also has tabs extending outwardly from the cover, the tabs having a proximate section and an engagement section. The accessory has a retaining orifice that couples with the tabs in a snap-fit relationship to secure the accessory to the cover.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems that involve monitoring presence of items based on context. An exemplary method involves: (i) determining a context for a given user; (ii) determining a proximity framework between a monitoring device and one or more items, based on the determined context, wherein the proximity framework comprises (a) one or more proximity requirements, each proximity requirement indicating a required proximity between the monitoring device and at least one of the items and (b) a notification process corresponding to each proximity requirement; (iii) monitoring proximity of each of the items relative to the monitoring device, based on a presence signal from each of the items, in order to determine when one of the proximity requirements is not met; and (iv) responsive to determining that one of the proximity requirements is not met, initiating the corresponding notification process.

Abstract: A system to clean a tubular member includes an apparatus to support a tubular member having a bore with a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and a fluid dispensing system disposed adjacent to an opening of the apparatus, the fluid dispensing system having a nozzle to dispense fluid therefrom.

Abstract: Vocal musical performances may be captured and continuously pitch-corrected at a mobile device for mixing and rendering with backing tracks in ways that create compelling user experiences. In some cases, the vocal performances of individual users are captured in the context of a karaoke-style presentation of lyrics in correspondence with audible renderings of a backing track. Such performances can be pitch-corrected in real-time at the mobile device in accord with pitch correction settings. In some cases, such pitch correction settings code a particular key or scale for the vocal performance or for portions thereof. In some cases, pitch correction settings include a score-coded melody sequence of note targets supplied with, or for association with, the lyrics and/or backing track. In some cases, pitch correction settings are dynamically variable based on gestures captured at a user interface.

Abstract: A solar cell includes polysilicon P-type and N-type doped regions on a backside of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. A trench structure separates the P-type doped region from the N-type doped region. Each of the P-type and N-type doped regions may be formed over a thin dielectric layer. The trench structure may include a textured surface for increased solar radiation collection. Among other advantages, the resulting structure increases efficiency by providing isolation between adjacent P-type and N-type doped regions, thereby preventing recombination in a space charge region where the doped regions would have touched.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of Formula (Ia): or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein all the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are selective factor XIa inhibitors or dual inhibitors of FXIa and plasma kallikrein. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of treating thromboembolic and/or inflammatory disorders using the same.

Abstract: Solar cells having emitter regions composed of wide bandgap semiconductor material are described. In an example, a method includes forming, in a process tool having a controlled atmosphere, a thin dielectric layer on a surface of a semiconductor substrate of the solar cell. The semiconductor substrate has a bandgap. Without removing the semiconductor substrate from the controlled atmosphere of the process tool, a semiconductor layer is formed on the thin dielectric layer. The semiconductor layer has a bandgap at least approximately 0.2 electron Volts (eV) above the bandgap of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A nickel and chromium alloy having a combined wt. % of nickel and chromium of at least 97 wt. %, wherein the chromium accounts for 33 to 50 wt. % of the alloy. The alloy may be provided in strip form and has adequate ductility for the manufacture of various products, such as sheaths for flux cored welding electrodes. A method of making the alloy strip includes forming a powder charge that is 97 to 100 wt. % of nickel and chromium combined and the chromium accounts for 33 to 50 wt. % of the charge, roll compacting the powder charge to form a green strip, sintering the green strip to form a sintered strip, and cold rolling and annealing the sintered strip to form the alloy strip.

Abstract: An ion manipulation method and device is disclosed. The device includes a pair of substantially parallel surfaces. An array of inner electrodes is contained within, and extends substantially along the length of, each parallel surface. The device includes a first outer array of electrodes and a second outer array of electrodes. Each outer array of electrodes is positioned on either side of the inner electrodes, and is contained within and extends substantially along the length of each parallel surface. A DC voltage is applied to the first and second outer array of electrodes. A RF voltage, with a superimposed electric field, is applied to the inner electrodes by applying the DC voltages to each electrode. Ions either move between the parallel surfaces within an ion confinement area or along paths in the direction of the electric field, or can be trapped in the ion confinement area.

Abstract: An enclosure and a method for forming an enclosure are disclosed. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include a non-metal portion allowing for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves. The non-metal portion may be interlocked to the enclosure and in particular, to a region within the enclosure including a first material having a relatively high strength and stiffness compared to the non-metal portion. Interlocking means may include forming dovetail cuts into the enclosure to receive the non-metal portion, a hole or cavity drilled into the enclosure which includes internal threads, and a rod inserted into the first material to provide a tension to the non-metal portion. Methods of assembling internal components using anodization are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a curable composition comprising: a crosslinkable epoxy resin; a curing agent; and a compound, wherein the compound comprises a pyrazine moiety but not a primary amine

Abstract: A device for passing a needle and suture longitudinally through a target tissue includes a proximal jaw including a proximal recess and a proximal retention mechanism for releasably engaging a first end of a needle received within the proximal recess and a distal jaw movably coupled to the proximal jaw such that the proximal and distal jaws are longitudinally movable relative to one another. The distal jaw includes a distal recess and a distal retention mechanism for releasably engaging a second end of the needle received within the distal recess. The proximal and distal jaws are movable between a first state, in which the proximal retention mechanism is in a locked configuration and the distal retention mechanism is in an unlocked configuration, and a second state, in which the proximal retention mechanism is in an unlocked configuration and the distal retention mechanism is in a locked configuration.

Abstract: A dual-function heat indicator for monitoring two or more modes of heat exposure is described. A manufacturing process for the dual-function heat indicator is also described. Dual-function heat indicators as described may be useful for monitoring the exposure of host products, with which the dual-function heat indicators may be associated, to cumulative ambient heat exposure and to a peak ambient heat exposure, and for other purposes.

Abstract: A strap band including a flexible wire bus having electrodes and wires coupled with the electrodes is described. The strap band may be coupled with a device that includes circuitry configured to drive signals on some of the electrodes and receive signals from non-driven electrodes. The signal frequency applied to driven electrodes may be varied to increase/decrease signal penetration depth to sense different body structures positioned at different depths in the body portion. Different frequencies for different types of measurements may be selected to optimize sensing of bio-impedance, galvanic skin response, hear rate, respiration, heart rate variability, hydration, inflammation, stress, and arousal in sympathetic nervous system. A system clock frequency may be one of the frequencies used. A magnitude of the drive signal, a gain on the received signal or both, may be adjusted based on the frequency selected and/or to sense signals from the body structure(s) of interest.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The cartridge may include a base, a reservoir substrate, and an atomizer. The reservoir substrate may define a cavity therethrough. The atomizer may comprise a liquid transport element and a heating element extending at least partially about the liquid transport element. The atomizer may extend through the cavity through the reservoir substrate such that the heating element is positioned proximate an end of the reservoir substrate. Ends of the liquid transport element may extend to an opposing end of the reservoir substrate. A related method for assembling a cartridge for a smoking article is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preconditioning unwashed pretreated cellulosic material using a combination of phenol oxidizing enzyme and hemicellulase. The invention also relates to processes of producing sugars and fermentation products including a preconditioning method of the invention.