Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to determine a range of a sling load from a vehicle. In one embodiment, an FMCW RADAR altimeter generates an altitude history image that is used to determine the range of the sling load from the vehicle and an altitude of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of measuring thyroid function comprising identifying a subject in need of measuring thyroid function or structure; providing the subject with an amount of an organified iodine sufficient to cause thyroid follicular cell uptake; and obtaining sufficient spectral computed tomography images of the iodine uptake in thyroid cells over an amount of time sufficient to determine thyroid cellular function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for putting a drain into place in ground, machine comprising: a drive tube presenting a longitudinal axis and having a bottom end; a movement device for moving the drive tube in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; a drain extending inside the drive tube and having a bottom end extending outside the drive tube; at least one anchor; a fastener device (70) for fastening the anchor to the drain; and a cutter member for cutting the drain (18) and arranged under the fastener device. The machine of the invention further comprises a cutter device (60) for cutting the anchor from a strip (54).

Abstract: In various implementations, a first computing device (such as a cloud-based server) receives, from a second computing device (e.g., a notebook computer, tablet computer, or smartphone) a graphical annotation for a document displayed on the second computing device. The first computing device stores the graphical annotation in a database in a graphical annotation data entity and creates an association between an entity containing the portion of the document to which the graphical annotation is to be anchored and the graphical annotation entity.

Abstract: The trackpad assemblies described herein maintain minimum overall stiffness, weight, and cost requirements of a trackpad assembly, while permitting a decrease in trackpad assembly thickness as compared to conventional trackpad assemblies. The trackpad assemblies may include one or more of a four-layer PCB, structural adhesives, a structural PCB stiffener, and a structural shield assembly. These stiffening features permit increasingly thinner trackpad assemblies and associated computing devices.

Abstract: A gas flow volume control apparatus for firearm that includes an adjustable gas block, an adjustment member, and a securing member. The adjustable gas block efficiently redirects a flow of high-pressure gas from inside the gun barrel of the firearm into the gas tube of the firearm drive the gas-operated reloading mechanism of the firearm. The adjustable gas block that includes a gas-flow channel, a gas-tube channel, a flow-adjustment channel is adjacently connected to the securing member. The gas-flow channel collects high-pressure gas from the gun barrel and discharges into the gas-tube channel through the flow-adjustment channel as all three channels are in fluid communication with each other within the adjustable gas block. The adjustment member allows a user selectively controls the amount of high-pressure gas that is collected within the flow-adjustment channel.

Abstract: A high pressure fluid system including enhanced safety, maintenance and servicing features. The system can include a CAM assembly module, having a valve seat assembly, seal cartridge assembly and inlet manifold, that is easily installed in and removed from a frame and/discharge manifold as a single unit. A discharge manifold can isolate different pressure rated passageways of the system, and multiple rupture discs associated with the same. A discharge manifold end plate can be included to provide ease of repair of discharge outlets and to establish a plumbing system for the rupture discs. A quick coupler can facilitate connection between a plunger of the seal cartridge assembly and a cross head stub connected to a power frame. A lubrication valve assembly can provide and meter lubrication from a high pressure inlet source to a plunger and packing of the seal cartridge assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for the renewal of cardiomyocytes by targeting the Hippo pathway. In particular embodiments, an individual with a need for cardiomyocyte renewal is provided an effective amount of a shRNA molecule that targets the Sav1 gene. Particular shRNA sequences are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of valve quantification are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of mitral valve quantification is provided. The method includes generating a 3-D heart model, defining a 3-D mitral valve annulus, fitting a plane through the 3-D mitral valve annulus, measuring the distance between at least two papillary muscle heads, defining an average diameter of at least one cross section around the micro valve annulus, and determining a size of an implant to be implanted.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to golf club having a crown a sole and a face and a primary alignment feature including a paint or masking line which delineates the transition between at least a first portion of the crown having an area of contrasting shade or color with the shade or color of the face. In some embodiments the golf club has a primary alignment feature comprising a paint or masking line which delineates the transition between at least a first portion of the crown having an area of contrasting shade or color and the area of shade or color of the face and the club head also includes a secondary alignment feature including a paint or masking line which delineates the transition between the first portion of the crown having an area of contrasting shade or color with the shade or color of the face; and a second portion of the crown having an area of contrasting shade or color with the shade or color of the first portion.

Abstract: An electrical combination. The electrical combination comprises a battery pack configured to be interfaced with a hand held power tool, a control component, and a semiconducting switch. The transfer of power from the battery pack to the hand held power tool is controlled by the control component and the switch based on one of a battery pack state of charge and a respective state of charge of one of a plurality of battery cells. A discharge current of the battery pack is regulated based on the switch being controlled into one of a first state and a second state by the control component to selectively enable the transfer power from the plurality of battery cells to the hand held power tool.

Abstract: In a method of playing and presenting a game, such as at a gaming table or an electronic gaming device, a player places a game wager to play a blackjack game. The player may also place an optional bonus bet. The blackjack game is presented by dealing at least an initial player hand of two cards and an initial dealer hand of two cards. If the player places the optional bonus bet, a determination is made whether the bonus bet is winning, wherein the bonus bet is winning if a bonus winning outcome has been received relative to the initial player hand and/or initial dealer hand.

Abstract: A building panel system is provided that includes a perimeter frame; a main beam attached to the perimeter frame; a carrier attached to the main beam, the carrier having a plurality of identical hook members, each of the hook members having a protruding hooking portion on only a first side of the hook member, and a non-hooking portion on a second side of the hook member, the second side being opposite the first side; and a plurality of panels removably attached to the carrier, each of the panels being attached to the carrier by engaging one of the hooking portions.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a vessel with an aperture positioned at the top end of the vessel. A gasket having an opening is provided and disposed at the top end of the vessel such that the gasket is between the first and second sidewalls of the vessel. A selectively operable lid permits the opening of the vessel. At least one agitator is provided within the vessel to mix a stored material therein with a fluid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an object by additive manufacturing is provided. The method includes lowering a build platform having a given layer of build material to powder provided on a window. The powder is irradiated to form a subsequent layer that corresponds to the given layer. The method then includes solidifying the subsequent layer, and raising the build platform and the subsequent layer away from the window. The steps are repeated until the desired object is formed.

Abstract: A method for providing wireless access to one or more wireless devices using an automation system control panel is described. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an automation system control panel and one or more automation components. Settings are applied to configure the automation system control panel for use as a wireless access point providing two-way communication with one or more electronic devices. Applying settings includes receiving input directly at a graphical user interface of the automation system control panel, the graphical user interface further providing access to control the one or more automation components. The automation system control panel is wirelessly connected to one or more electronic devices via a wireless access point interface using the settings applied at the graphical user interface.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems associated with expansion card design with a coherent connector to provide for coherent communication are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a circuit card may comprise an integrated circuit (IC), a first connector to couple the IC to a processor of a computer device, the first connector to provide for non-coherent communication between the IC and the processor, and a second connector to couple the IC to the processor, the second connector to provide for coherent communication between the IC and the processor. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: An access control device that at least assists in controlling the ingress/egress through an entryway. According to certain embodiments, the access control device is operably coupled to an entryway device so as to at least assist in controlling the ability to displace an entryway device from a closed position and/or from an open position. The access control device is structured for communication with a plurality of components of a security management system, and thus may be programmed by one or more modes, including, for example a manual program mode, an off-line managed mode, a wireless off-line management mode, a wireless real-time mode, and/or an off-line real-time mode.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for measuring non-uniformity noise produced in images or videos (e.g., infrared images or videos). Images or videos, such as infrared images or videos, are captured. A model of scene statistics (statistical model of pictures, images or videos representative of pictures, images or videos, respectively, that are captured of the physical world) is utilized to measure the non-uniformity noise in the captured images or videos by exploiting exhibited characteristics for non-uniformity noise in the captured images or videos. A number signifying a magnitude of non-uniformity for each image or video frame is then generated. In this manner, non-uniformity noise produced in images or videos is measured.

Abstract: A system and method for charging battery packs is provided. The system may include a charging pad comprising a power supply, a charging pad surface, and a microcontroller unit. The power supply may provide charging power. The charging pad surface may include a first charging region and a second charging region. The microcontroller unit may control delivery of charging power to the first charging region and the second charging region such that a device placed on the first charging region is given a higher charging priority than a device placed on the second charging region.