Abstract: A method and device for easily installing and removing an airport light on a runway using a fixture ring having a base ring; an annular lip operatively connected to and extending radially inwardly from the base ring; a lift bar operatively connected to the annular lip and extending from one side to the diametrically opposite side of the annular lip; and an extractor, operatively connecting the lift bar to the annular lip to cause the lift bar to move up and down relative to the annular lip.

Abstract: An autofocus actuator for camera modules and control method thereof, the autofocus actuator incorporating a shape memory alloy wire as actuating element, at least 4 spheres as sliding aids, and including a return elastic element mounted between an autofocus housing and a lens carrier and exerting a force only in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A first thermal management approach involves an air flow through cooling mechanism with multiple airflow channels for dissipating heat generated in a PCA. The air flow direction through at least one of the channels is different from the air flow direction through at least another of the channels. Alternatively or additionally, the airflow inlet of at least one channel is off-axis with respect to the airflow outlet. A second thermal management approach involves the fabrication of a PCB with enhanced durability by mitigating via cracking or PTH fatigue. At least one PCB layer is composed of a base material formed from a 3D woven fiberglass fabric, and conductive material deposited onto the base material surface. A conductive PTH extends through the base material of multiple PCB layers, where the CTE of the base material along the z-axis direction substantially matches the CTE of the conductive material along the x-axis direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic system including a temperature controller and a thermoplastic microfluidic chip that enables rapid PCR in a PCR chamber of the microfluidic chip. Thermal control of the PCR chamber is achieved by applying voltage to heater electrodes patterned directly onto one layer of the microfluidic chip. The temperature controller adjusts the voltage applied to the heater electrodes by changing temperature controller parameters selected to minimize duration of each PCR cycle. Furthermore, simple operation of the microfluidic chip is provided through using an integrated passive capillary valve, requiring minimum operator intervention and eliminating the need for fluidic interfacing, pumping, or metering during chip loading.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for facilitating code filters for coded light depth acquisition in depth images at computing devices according to one embodiment. A method of embodiments, as described herein, includes detecting a code image of an object comprising pixels of code values and pixels of metadata values including confidence and code transition locations, and computing a vertical filter to be applied to the code image to smooth out the code transitions along vertical directions. The method further include computing a horizontal filter to be applied to the code image to smooth out the code transitions along horizontal directions, and computing a consistency filter to be applied to the code image to increase an accuracy of the code values and mark inconsistent pixels as invalid.

Abstract: An on-line course system involves an On-Line Course Content Serving Web Server (OCCSWS). The OCCSWS serves, or otherwise enables the providing of, on-line course materials such as textual materials and/or a video to a large number of remotely located students. The students view the course materials and take part in the classes remotely via the internet. The OCCSWS performs volunteered user data collection, thereby obtaining for each student items of first classification information. The OCCSWS performs behavioral user data collection, thereby obtaining for each student items of second classification information. The items of first and second classification information are used to group the students into groups. The OCCSWS then communicates, to each student, an indication of the group to which the student has been assigned. The OCCSWS facilitates the students engaging in group activities, monitors the students, and if necessary prompts the students to perform certain group activity tasks.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for treating high-P fluid involving (1) providing a high-P containing stream; (2) chemically treating the high-P stream such that a majority of dissolved P in the stream is transformed into a solid form via sorption of P onto particles placed or precipitated within the stream; and (3) removing the solid form containing P from the chemically treated fine solids stream, such that >about 90% of the total P is removed from the high-P fluid. Also disclosed are systems for treating a high-P stream, the systems involving (1) a chemical treatment station operable to chemically treat and transform equal to or greater than about 90% of dissolved P in a high-P stream into a solid form; and (2) a liquid-solid separator station operable to remove the solid form containing P from the chemically treated high-P stream.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for facilitating management of image noise in digital images using a smart noise management filter according to one embodiment. A method of embodiments, as described herein, includes detecting a digital image of an object, where detecting further includes detecting a pattern signal associated with the digital image. The method may further include measuring a spread function relating to at least one of the digital image and an imaging system of a computing device, where measuring further includes determining deconvolution of the spread function, and where measuring further includes computing a pre-shaping filter based on the deconvolution of the spread function. The method may further include executing the pre-shaping filter to apply the pattern signal to the deconvolution of the spread function to obtain a pre-shaped projection pattern of the digital image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an induction hob with a number of induction coils (12) on a cooking surface (10) and an apparatus for determining the temperatures on the induction coils (12). The induction coils (12) are arranged on the cooking surface (10) according to a predetermined scheme. At least one temperature sensor (14, 16, 18, 20; 24, 26) is arranged within an intermediate space between two or more induction coils (12). The at least one temperature sensor (14, 16, 18, 20; 24, 26) and the central portions of at least two adjacent induction coils (12) are thermally connected by heat conductor elements (22). The temperature sensors (14, 16, 18, 20; 24, 26) are electrically connected to at least one evaluation circuit for determining the temperatures of the adjacent induction coils (12).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for electronically providing each of a plurality of content distributors with access to a library of content items, facilitating the selection of a combination of the content items, creating a unique set of links for each recipient-distributor combination, and distributing the selected content and unique links via one or more distribution channels to a plurality of recipients. As each link is associated with both a recipient and a distributor, conversion actions stemming from the selection of a link by a recipient are attributed to the proper distributor. Distributors can create content distribution approaches that can be shared with other distributors.

Abstract: A device for use with a container containing liquid and having an opening for the consecutive consumption of the liquid and of smoke that has been drawn into the container. The device comprises a body, a combustion receptacle, and a tubular structure. An inlet end of the body engages the container, and an outlet end can be placed at the mouth of a user. The tubular structure connects the combustion receptacle with the interior of the liquid container. When smoking material is combusted and the container is inverted, outflow of liquid from the container through the body, in most instances into a user's mouth, creates negative pressure within the container, drawing in smoke from the combustion receptacle. Once most or all of the liquid has flowed out of the container, the user may then inhale the smoke in the container through the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, optionally mounted on a stand up paddle board, or surfboard, to lift the board above the water surface and support the board in a stable position above the water surface while a rider standing on the board and maintaining a speed in the water via paddling. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a strut; a fuselage connected to said strut; a back foil portion connected to an aft end of said fuselage wherein the back foil portion includes two back wings extending outwardly from said aft end of said fuselage; and a forward foil portion connected to a fore end of said fuselage wherein the forward foil portion includes two front wings extending outwardly from said fore end of said fuselage and wherein the forward foil portion has a maximum thickness located at first distance from the fore edge of the forward foil portion.

Abstract: A tool for providing access control for an application. The tool registers, by one or more computer processors, an application. The tool determines, by one or more computer processors, a social platform receives an access request. The tool determines, by one or more computer processors, an access determination for the access request. The tool sends, by one or more computer processors, the access determination for the access request.

Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing pimelic acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine or 1,7-heptanediol by forming two terminal functional groups, comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl group, in a C7 aliphatic backbone substrate. These pathways, metabolic engineering and cultivation strategies described herein rely on the CoA-dependent elongation enzymes or analog enzymes associated with the carbon storage pathways from polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulating bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides for systems and methods for inhaled CO therapy to prevent, attenuate, or delay processes that accelerate the loss of organ or tissue function, thereby increasing the lifespan of transplanted organs or tissues, or slowing the decline of native organs or tissues, or delaying the need for replacement of diseased native organs with organ transplants. Such biological processes that are prevented, attenuated, or delayed include chronic persistent inflammation, fibrosis, scarring, as well as immunologic or autoimmune attack.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for providing an enhanced media presentation. In one embodiment, an enhanced media presentation is provided. To provide the enhanced media presentation, one or more content items associated with subject matter associated with a segment of an enhanced media presentation are identified. Each content item may be associated with at least one uniform resource identifier. Then, a content object based at least in part on at least one content item is created. The content object is an abstract representation of the content item. The content object can be associated with the segment and provided for simultaneous displayed simultaneously with at least a portion of the segment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for allocating tasks to computing nodes using multiple resource allocators. One of the methods includes providing, by each resource allocator of a plurality of resource allocators, a first request to compute a first score to each computing node of a plurality of computing nodes, the first score representing a measure of availability for the computing node to take a particular task. A first score is received from each of the plurality of computing nodes and the nodes are ranked according to the first scores. A second request is provided to a highest-ranked computing node to compute a second score. If the difference between the first score and the second score satisfies a threshold, assigning the task to the highest-ranked computing node if and only if the difference between the first score and the second score satisfies the threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a single view depth and texture calibration are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a calibration unit operable to perform a single view calibration process using a captured single view a target having a plurality of plane geometries having detectable features and being at a single orientation and to generate calibration parameters to calibrate one or more of the projector and multiple cameras using the single view of the target.

Abstract: Gas sensors are provided. The gas sensors include a gas sensing element having metal oxide nanoparticles and a thin-film heating element. Systems that include the gas sensors, as well as methods of using the gas sensors, are also provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure find use in a variety of different applications, including detecting whether an analyte is present in a gaseous sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for priming genetically modified T cells suitable for administration to a patient having a tumor. The invention is also directed to the composition obtained by the method and uses thereof.