Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer program products that can facilitate applying a reinforcement learning policy to available actions are described. According to an embodiment, a system can comprise a memory that stores computer executable components and a processor that executes the computer executable components stored in the memory. The computer executable components can comprise a state encoder that maps, based on one or more encoding parameters, a state of an environment on to one or more qubits of a quantum device. The system can further comprise a variational component that combines a reinforcement learning policy with a sampling of the one or more qubits, resulting, based on one or more variational parameters, in a probability distribution of a plurality of available actions at the state of the environment.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for bit flip aware latch placement in integrated circuit generation are provided. The method identifies a chip design for an integrated circuit. A set of chip design constraints, associated with the chip design, is identified. A set of checking groups, associated with a plurality of latches to be placed in the chip design, is determined. Based on the set of chip design constraints and the set of checking groups, a placement scheme for the plurality of latches is selected. The method places the plurality of latches within the chip design based on the placement scheme and the set of checking groups.

Abstract: Coating compositions including a binder agent are disclosed. The binder agent is formed of a fluorocopolymer and a non-fluorinated film-forming polymer. Methods of coating cables with the coating compositions are also described herein.

Abstract: A waterproof seal includes a flexible annular tube formed by an inner layer and an outer layer of a garment and surrounding a passage through which a human appendage is intended to protrude. A first cord is positioned in a cavity defined by the annular tube. The first cord has a first end, a second end and extends more than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees around the passage with the first end and the second end exiting the annular tube. A second cord is positioned in the cavity defined by the annular tube. The second cord has a first end, a second end and extends more than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees around the passage with the first end and the second end exiting the annular tube. The first cord and the second cord cumulatively cover more than 360 degrees around the passage to provide an effective water seal.

Abstract: A waterproof seal includes a flexible annular tube formed by an inner layer and an outer layer of a garment and surrounding a passage through which a human appendage is intended to protrude. A first cord is positioned in a cavity defined by the annular tube. The first cord has a first end, a second end and extends more than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees around the passage with the first end and the second end exiting the annular tube. A second cord is positioned in the cavity defined by the annular tube. The second cord has a first end, a second end and extends more than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees around the passage with the first end and the second end exiting the annular tube. The first cord and the second cord cumulatively cover more than 360 degrees around the passage to provide an effective water seal.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting spores includes a light source configured to emit a light pulse within a first wavelength range, and a light sensor configured to detect a resulting phosphorescence emitted from one or more desiccated spores phosphorescing within a second wavelength range in a vicinity of the light pulse. The spore detector also includes circuitry configured to trigger emission of the light pulse and record the emitted phosphorescence at a pre-determined time after the light pulse.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for regulating water flow to a structure. The apparatus generally comprises an electrically operated valve, sensors for temperature and flow-rate, and a module for communication. The remotely controllable shutoff valve contains a battery backup to provide power in case of an electrical outage. The apparatus is installed downstream from a structure's main water valve, shutting off the water supply according to a schedule that can be programmed into a controller, or smart-home hub.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for regulating water flow to a structure. The apparatus generally comprises an electrically operated valve, sensors for temperature and flow-rate, and a module for communication. The remotely controllable shutoff valve contains a battery backup to provide power in case of an electrical outage. The apparatus is installed downstream from a structure's main water valve, shutting off the water supply according to a schedule that can be programmed into a controller, or smart-home hub.

Abstract: Coating compositions including a binder agent are disclosed. The binder agent is formed of a fluorocopolymer and a non-fluorinated film-forming polymer. Methods of coating cables with the coating compositions are also described herein.

Abstract: An improved supercapacitor includes a first and second electrode with each electrode made at least in part from a highly-porous electrically conductive material, a insulative separator separating the electrodes; a first electrically conductive current collector in physical and electrical contact with the first electrode; and a second electrically conductive current collector in physical and electrical contact with the second electrode, wherein at least one current collector is configured to have multiple separate portions with each portion having a current capacity that varies as a function of current passing through during capacitive operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a mass spectrometer include an atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source, one or more low-pressure chemical ionization (LPCI) sources, a mass analyzer configured to separate ions of a sample flow from the APCI source and the one or more LPCI sources, a detector configured to identify and quantify the received separated ions, and a plurality of valves configured to open and close associated input lines to the APCI source and the one or more LPCI sources, via a computer-implemented controller, and configured to maintain a vacuum environment of the mass spectrometer during the opening and closing.

Abstract: An improved supercapacitor includes a first and second electrode with each electrode made at least in part from a highly-porous electrically conductive material, a insulative separator separating the electrodes; a first electrically conductive current collector in physical and electrical contact with the first electrode; and a second electrically conductive current collector in physical and electrical contact with the second electrode, wherein at least one current collector is configured to have multiple separate portions with each portion having a current capacity that varies as a function of current passing through during capacitive operation.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting spores includes a light source configured to emit a light pulse within a first wavelength range, and a light sensor configured to detect a resulting phosphorescence emitted from one or more desiccated spores phosphorescing within a second wavelength range in a vicinity of the light pulse. The spore detector also includes circuitry configured to trigger emission of the light pulse and record the emitted phosphorescence at a pre-determined time after the light pulse.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a mass spectrometer include an atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source, one or more low-pressure chemical ionization (LPCI) sources, a mass analyzer configured to separate ions of a sample flow from the APCI source and the one or more LPCI sources, a detector configured to identify and quantify the received separated ions, and a plurality of valves configured to open and close associated input lines to the APCI source and the one or more LPCI sources, via a computer-implemented controller, and configured to maintain a vacuum environment of the mass spectrometer during the opening and closing.

Abstract: A nanosensor and methods to manufacture are disclosed. For example, a detection system for detecting the presence of a target substance can include a nanosensor that includes a sensing layer, and a plurality of sockets embedded within the body of the sensing layer, each socket having a physical profile matching a shape of the target substance such that, when target substances occupy the sockets, at least one measurable physical characteristic of the sensing layer changes.

Abstract: A nanosensor and methods to manufacture are disclosed. For example, a detection system for detecting the presence of a target substance can include a nanosensor that includes a sensing layer, and a plurality of sockets embedded within the body of the sensing layer, each socket having a physical profile matching a shape of the target substance such that, when target substances occupy the sockets, at least one measurable physical characteristic of the sensing layer changes.

Abstract: Crankcase ventilation filter assemblies, features, components, and methods of assembly and use provide for convenient assembly; efficient space usage; and/or preferred operation.

Abstract: A mask fixture for etching an item includes: a top fixture disposed over the item, including a reservoir centered within the top fixture for containing an etchant; a bottom fixture underneath the item to be etched including a recessed surface area centered within the bottom fixture; and an etch-resistant window for holding the item to be etched, the etch-resistant window disposed entirely within the recessed surface area. In addttion, a small via centered within and intersecting both the top and bottom fixtures acts as a path for a high intensity light beam.

Abstract: A mask fixture for etching an item includes: a top fixture disposed over the item, including a reservoir centered within the top fixture for containing an etchant; a bottom fixture underneath the item to be etched including a recessed surface area centered within the bottom fixture; and an etch-resistant window for holding the item to be etched, the etch-resistant window disposed entirely within the recessed surface area. In addition, a small via centered within and intersecting both the top and bottom fixtures acts as a path for a high intensity light beam.

Abstract: A mask fixture for etching an item includes: a top fixture disposed over the item, including a reservoir centered within the top fixture for containing an etchant; a bottom fixture underneath the item to be etched including a recessed surface area centered within the bottom fixture; and an etch-resistant window for holding the item to be etched, the etch-resistant window disposed entirely within the recessed surface area. In addition, a small via centered within and intersecting both the top and bottom fixtures acts as a path for a high intensity light beam.