Abstract: A method of thermally processing a material with a thermal processing system includes providing a material for treating in an in-line thermal process to a heating system, providing a force to the material at a portion of the material configured to be heated by the heating system, adjusting the heating system to a specified temperature value, and heating the portion of the material to the specified temperature value while the portion of the material is under the force to change a magnetic property in the portion of the material. The heating system is moveable from a first position that is away from a path of the material through the in-line thermal process to a second position in which the heating system is configured to heat the portion of the material to the specified temperature value. The heating system can include induction-based heating.

Abstract: A metasurface includes a dielectric material, a ground plane on a back side of the dielectric material; and at least one conductive element on a top surface of the dielectric material, wherein the at least one conductive element includes at least one of a ground-backed dipole or a slot array.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device has a processing unit and a health sensor included in a housing, a band operable to couple the housing to a body part of a user, and a tightness sensor coupled to the band. The tightness sensor is operable to produce a signal indicative of a tightness of the band on the user's body part. The processing unit determines a tightness of the band based on the signal and perform one or more actions based thereon. Such actions may include evaluating the signal for changes in the tightness of the band according to operational tolerances of the health sensor, providing output directing the user to adjust the band to improve operation of the health sensor, monitoring changes in the tightness of the band and adjusting a measurement obtained by the health sensor, and so on.

Abstract: Techniques are described for component design based on sensor data. Sensor data is collected by sensors in, or proximal to, a system under diagnosis (e.g., a vehicle), the sensor data describing use of one or more components of the system by one or more individuals. The sensor data from various instances of the component may be aggregated and analyzed to determine update(s) to the design of the component. For example, the aggregate sensor data may be analyzed to identify portions of the component frequently associated with movements by users (e.g., fidgeting, adjustments). The identified portion(s) can be presented graphically in a design view used to specify design modification(s) for the component. In some implementations, the aggregate sensor data is provided as input to a model that is trained, using machine learning, to output design modification(s) for the component based on the input aggregate sensor data.

Abstract: A clear or generally transparent cover or enclosure for plumbing tools is described. The clear cover enables viewing of interior regions of the plumbing tools. In particular versions, the covers are used with drum type drain cleaning devices and enable visual inspection of the drum and/or a flexible drain cleaning cable associated with the device.

Abstract: Techniques are described for component configuration based on sensor data. Sensor data is collected by sensors in, or proximal to, a system under diagnosis (e.g., a vehicle), the sensor data describing the use of component(s) of the system by individual(s). The sensor data is analyzed (e.g., in real time) to determine an updated configuration for component(s) (e.g., an adjustment to the seat back, lumbar support of a car seat, etc.). The updated configuration may be communicated to the individual as a recommended configuration. In some implementations, the updated configuration may be communicated directly to the component which, on receiving and processing the configuration update, sends signals to various actuators to move the subcomponents of the component into the updated configuration. In some implementations, the sensor data is used to train, through machine learning, a model that provides configuration update(s) for component(s) based on the input sensor data.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for providing user feedback to an action selection model. In an aspect, a method includes displaying interaction elements for recommendations selected by a selection model. Each interaction element may be selected by one of a first interaction mode or a second interaction mode. Selection by the first interaction mode indicates an acceptance of the recommendation described the interaction element. Selection by the second interaction mode causes the user device to display the decision data that caused the selection model to select the recommendation described by the interaction element. In some implementations, the recommendations are actions that a user device may perform. In other implementations, each recommendation may be one of an action that the user device may perform or content that a user may consume.

Abstract: Fluid jet systems, components and related methods are provided which are well adapted for processing workpieces under particularly work-friendly conditions. Embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods that reduce, minimize or eliminate a gap between a workpiece being processed and jet receiving devices that receive and dissipate the energy of a fluid jet passing through the workpiece. Other embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving fluid jet processing of workpieces in a submerged condition. Still further embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving position and orientation adjustment of a fluid jet receptacle to coordinate the path of an incoming fluid jet with a central axis or other feature of the fluid jet receptacle.

Abstract: A user is authenticated to a defined space, by entering identification data and phone data that respectively identify the user and the user's phone to a server, by sending an application from the server along a wireless connection to the user's phone after entry of the identification data and the phone data by executing the application received by the user's phone to create a virtual symbol of virtual characters in the user's phone, by posting a security symbol in the defined space, by capturing a security image of security characters from the security symbol with the user's phone, by comparing the security characters with the virtual characters, and by authenticating the user to the defined space when the virtual characters match the security characters.

Abstract: A spray dust compression system and method includes a nozzle holder for affixing a spray nozzle to a percussive tool. The nozzle holder includes an arcuate wall having a first surface engageable with the percussive tool, and a second surface opposing the first surface. A protruding body protrudes radially outwardly from the second surface relative to a longitudinal axis of the arcuate wall and a concave recess is formed in the protruding body and receives the spray nozzle. The concave recess is angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the arcuate wall.

Abstract: Systems and processes are described below relating to evaluating a dependency graph to render three-dimensional (3D) graphics using constraints. Two virtual 3D objects are accessed in a virtual 3D space. A constraint relationship request is received, which identifies the first object as a parent and the second object as a child. The technique verifies whether the graphs of the objects are compatible for being constrained to one another. The first object is evaluated to determine its translation, rotation, and scale. The second object is similarly evaluated based on the translation, rotation, and scale of the first object. An image is rendered depicting at least a portion of the first virtual 3D object and at least a portion of the second virtual 3D object.

Abstract: Systems and processes are described below relating to evaluating a dependency graph having one or more temporally dependent variables. The temporally dependent variables may include variables that may be used to evaluate the dependency graph at a frame other than that at which the temporally dependent variable was evaluated. One example process may include tracking the temporal dirty state for each temporally dependent variable using a temporal dependency list. This list may be used to determine which frames, if any, should be reevaluated when a request to evaluate a dependency graph for a particular frame is received. This advantageously reduces the amount of time and computing resources needed to reevaluate a dependency graph.

Abstract: Computer based methods, systems, and techniques for planning and generating machining paths for a tool that manufactures a three dimensional object having beveled or “compound” contours from a workpiece. A computer aided design (CAD)/computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system creates intermediate machining path surfaces that extend based on a CAD solid model representing the geometry of the object to be manufactured. The intermediate machining path surfaces extend to a shape that simulates a cutting beam (e.g., a waterjet, a laser beam, etc.) of the tool. For a flat workpiece, the machining path surfaces may extend from a top surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam entrance surface, to a bottom surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam exit surface. An operator is able to visualize the cuts to be made and the actual finished object geometry, without requiring the creation of multiple CAD solid models.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided including a signal processor or signal processing module configured at least to: respond to signaling containing information about particle sizes of solids forming part of a slurry stream being fed with a common feed flow into a battery of cyclones; and determine which combinations of cyclones in the battery produce overflow that has undesirable particle size characteristics using a statistical algorithm or technique, based upon the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module provides corresponding signaling containing about which combinations of cyclones in the battery produce overflow that has undesirable particle size characteristics, including control signaling to control the operation of the battery, including information about certain combinations of cyclones to avoid, or preferentially to use, to minimize the total amount of coarse material having the undesirable particle size characteristics produced by the battery.

Abstract: Computer based methods, systems, and techniques for planning and generating machining paths for a tool that manufactures a three dimensional object having beveled or “compound” contours from a workpiece. A computer aided design (CAD)/computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system creates intermediate machining path surfaces that extend based on a CAD solid model representing the geometry of the object to be manufactured. The intermediate machining path surfaces extend to a shape that simulates a cutting beam (e.g., a waterjet, a laser beam, etc.) of the tool. For a flat workpiece, the machining path surfaces may extend from a top surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam entrance surface, to a bottom surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam exit surface. An operator is able to visualize the cuts to be made and the actual finished object geometry, without requiring the creation of multiple CAD solid models.

Abstract: A container assembly configured to maintain a predetermined humidity for storing a product therein. The container assembly includes a container having a body with a body wall and a mouth opening into a storage cavity and a cap having a top wall. The cap is selectively mountable over the mouth of the container to substantially enclose the storage cavity in a mounted configuration. A sidewall extends substantially perpendicularly from one of the body wall and the top wall. The sidewall defines an opening and a compartment and has an opening edge adjacent the opening. A moisture control material is positioned within the compartment. A sealing membrane has a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion is secured to the sidewall proximate the opening edge. The sealing membrane is configured to allow moisture flow therethrough to maintain the predetermined humidity in the storage cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sun protection for an occupant of a vehicle having at least one window. The method includes receiving, by a processor, an input from a source that identifies a selected location for sun protection on the at least one window; determining, by the processor, a coordinate location on the at least one window associated with the selected location; and outputting, by the processor, one or more control signals to a first image output system of a first projector to output a first image onto the at least one window at the coordinate location to provide sun protection for the occupant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method and apparatus for receiving signals containing information about a plurality of velocity profiles of a flow in a pipe and about a pressure gradient of the flow over a length of the pipe; and determining information about an injection of a chemical into the flow in the pipe based at least partly on the information contained in the signals.

Abstract: A mechanism for securing multiple apparatus to a drain cleaning machine is described. The mechanism includes a bracket arranged on a frame of the drain cleaning machine. The bracket allows a drum and a feed mechanism to be removably secured to the frame. The bracket includes a base and pivotable latch. A drum bearing from the drum can be secured between the base and the latch when the latch is in a closed position. Mounting pins from the feed mechanism can be inserted into two bores in the bracket, and secured therein by plunger pins. One plunger pin is manually operated, to selectively lock the latch in the closed position, and to selectively secure one of the mounting pins in one of the bores. Another plunger pin is operated by pivoting of the latch, and functions to selectively secure the other mounting pin in the other bore.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying one or more points of interest in pipes or drain lines are described. Examples of points of interest include blockages caused by debris in the pipe or drain line. The systems are incorporated into drain cleaning machines. Also described are drain cleaning machines utilizing the systems.