Abstract: A method in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology relates to placing objects via end effectors of mobile robots using both coarse and fine manipulation processes. The method includes carrying an object while a portion of the object is disposed between opposable first and second fingers of the mobile robot. The method further includes moving the object to an intermediate placing state after carrying the object. The method also includes increasing a distance between the first and second fingers after moving the object to the intermediate placing state. The method still further includes nudging the object via contact between the object and the first finger after increasing the distance between the first and second fingers and while the second finger is out of contact with the object. This nudging urges the object from the intermediate placing state toward a subsequent placing state.

Abstract: A hybrid vector representation for speech resonances is defined using the modulation model and the sum of sinusoids model. An adaptive filter bank, whose channels utilize resonance localized modulation tracking, to robustly estimate temporal variations in these vectors, is then presented. The synchrony in modulations, within and across resonance channels, is subsequently used to derive acoustic symbols and codes that map fundamental units of languages, phonemes. Such an acoustic-phonetic mapping has never been demonstrated before. It has potential applications in speech recognition and voice analytics.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a combustion system providing ease of access to components of the combustion system and optimal placement of a burner such that efficient combustion and heat transfer can occur. The combustion system can include an inner tube having a first end and a second end, the second end having a flange with a sensor port, and an outer tube having a first end and a second end. The inner tube can be disposed within the outer tube. The inner tube can have an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the outer tube, creating a gap between the outer tube and inner tube. An ignitor assembly and a flame sensor assembly can extend through the sensor port and the gap and be positioned proximate a burner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a water heating system including a water heater having a tank, and a first temperature sensor disposed toward a top end of the tank to measure a first temperature and a second temperature sensor disposed toward a bottom end of the tank to measure a second temperature. The water heating system can further include a controller communicably coupled to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, where the controller determines an amount of heated water in the tank based on one or more algorithms and measurements made by the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing inventory items within a supply chain are disclosed. One method includes receiving, at a software tool, inputs related to a plurality of inventory items, the inputs including a cost of holding each of the plurality of inventory items at a location type. The method includes determining, individually for each inventory item of a plurality of inventory items, an optimal inventory balance across a plurality of locations, wherein the optimal inventory balance is a predetermined statistical availability level set based on a desired customer availability of the inventory item. The method further includes automatically generating one or more inventory adjustment requests to achieve the optimal inventory balance across each of the plurality of locations for each of the plurality of inventory items.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes carryover burner systems and methods for use with water heating system. The water heating system can include a burner unit having an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve. The water heating system can also include an ignitor. The outer sleeve can include a carryover region having a first plurality of apertures and a combustion region which can be adjacent to the carryover region, the combustion region including a second plurality of apertures. The inner sleeve can comprise a dispersion region having a third plurality of apertures. The inner sleeve can be located substantially within the outer sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a water heating system including a water heater having a tank, and a first temperature sensor disposed toward a top end of the tank to measure a first temperature and a second temperature sensor disposed toward a bottom end of the tank to measure a second temperature. The water heating system can further include a controller communicably coupled to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, where the controller determines an amount of heated water in the tank based on one or more algorithms and measurements made by the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: A conduit fitting for an exhaust duct includes a conduit and a condensate trap. The conduit fitting defines an interior space partitioned into an upper conduit and a lower condensate reservoir. The condensate reservoir can be configured to contain a neutralizing agent for neutralizing acidic condensate prior to it exiting the reservoir.

Abstract: A conduit fitting for an exhaust duct includes a conduit and a condensate trap. The conduit fitting defines an interior space partitioned into an upper conduit and a lower condensate reservoir. The condensate reservoir can be configured to contain a neutralizing agent for neutralizing acidic condensate prior to it exiting the reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a water heating system including a water heater having a tank, and a first temperature sensor disposed toward a top end of the tank to measure a first temperature and a second temperature sensor disposed toward a bottom end of the tank to measure a second temperature. The water heating system can further include a controller communicably coupled to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, where the controller determines an amount of heated water in the tank based on one or more algorithms and measurements made by the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a water heating system including a water heater having a tank, and a first temperature sensor disposed toward a top end of the tank to measure a first temperature and a second temperature sensor disposed toward a bottom end of the tank to measure a second temperature. The water heating system can further include a controller communicably coupled to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, where the controller determines an amount of heated water in the tank based on one or more algorithms and measurements made by the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a combustion system providing ease of access to components of the combustion system and optimal placement of a burner such that efficient combustion and heat transfer can occur. The combustion system can include an inner tube having a first end and a second end, the second end having a flange with a sensor port, and an outer tube having a first end and a second end. The inner tube can be disposed within the outer tube. The inner tube can have an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the outer tube, creating a gap between the outer tube and inner tube. An ignitor assembly and a flame sensor assembly can extend through the sensor port and the gap and be positioned proximate a burner.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes carryover burner systems and methods for use with water heating system. The water heating system can include a burner unit having an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve. The water heating system can also include an ignitor. The outer sleeve can include a carryover region having a first plurality of apertures and a combustion region which can be adjacent to the carryover region, the combustion region including a second plurality of apertures. The inner sleeve can comprise a dispersion region having a third plurality of apertures. The inner sleeve can be located substantially within the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A combustion tube assembly of a water heater includes a combustion tube having an open end, a closed end, and an outflow opening between the open end and the closed end. A cavity of the combustion tube provides a chamber for a combustion of a water heater fuel, where the outflow opening provides an outlet for an exhaust gas resulting from the combustion of the water heater fuel to exit the combustion tube. The combustion tube assembly further includes a spring positioned in the cavity of the combustion tube at the closed end of the combustion tube.

Abstract: A combustion tube assembly of a water heater includes a combustion tube having an open end, a closed end, and an outflow opening located between the open end and the closed end. A cavity of the combustion tube provides a chamber for a combustion of a water heater fuel that produces an exhaust gas that flows down toward the closed end. The combustion tube assembly further includes a diverter structure positioned inside the combustion tube to divert the exhaust gas such that the exhaust gas flows toward the closed end on a first side of the diverter structure and flows from the first side of the diverter structure to the second side of the diverter structure through a flow opening proximal to the closed end. The outflow opening provides an outlet for the exhaust gas that flows to the second side of the diverter structure to exit the combustion tube.

Abstract: A combustion tube assembly of a water heater includes a combustion tube having an open end, a closed end, and an outflow opening located between the open end and the closed end. A cavity of the combustion tube provides a chamber for a combustion of a water heater fuel that produces an exhaust gas that flows down toward the closed end. The combustion tube assembly further includes a diverter structure positioned inside the combustion tube to divert the exhaust gas such that the exhaust gas flows toward the closed end on a first side of the diverter structure and flows from the first side of the diverter structure to the second side of the diverter structure through a flow opening proximal to the closed end. The outflow opening provides an outlet for the exhaust gas that flows to the second side of the diverter structure to exit the combustion tube.

Abstract: A combustion tube assembly of a water heater includes a combustion tube having an open end, a closed end, and an outflow opening between the open end and the closed end. A cavity of the combustion tube provides a chamber for a combustion of a water heater fuel, where the outflow opening provides an outlet for an exhaust gas resulting from the combustion of the water heater fuel to exit the combustion tube. The combustion tube assembly further includes a spring positioned in the cavity of the combustion tube at the closed end of the combustion tube.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing inventory items within a supply chain are disclosed. One method includes receiving, at a software tool, inputs related to a plurality of inventory items, the inputs including a cost of holding each of the plurality of inventory items at a location type. The method includes determining, individually for each inventory item of a plurality of inventory items, an optimal inventory balance across a plurality of locations, wherein the optimal inventory balance is a predetermined statistical availability level set based on a desired customer availability of the inventory item. The method further includes automatically generating one or more inventory adjustment requests to achieve the optimal inventory balance across each of the plurality of locations for each of the plurality of inventory items.

Abstract: A motor/damper assembly installable on the top end of a fuel-fired water heater includes a support plate structure upon which a flue collar with a pivotally supported flue damper, a drive motor, and a drive shaft interconnecting the motor damper are mounted. The assembly is installed by placing the collar over the upper end of the water heater flue, securing the support plate structure to the top end of the water heater, and positioning a top cover housing on the support plate structure. Using the assembly provides improved support rigidity and alignment for the motor and shaft relative to the damper, improved repeatable precise manufacturing placement of the motor and shaft, improved construction aesthetics, with the cover also protecting the shaft from shipping and handling damages.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds of Formula I act as Cyp8b1 inhibitors and can be useful in preventing, treating or acting as a remedial agent for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.