Abstract: A method implemented by computer servers associated with a procurement services platform includes accessing data for a set of transactions associated with a potential procurement transaction between a purchaser entity and a plurality of supplier entities. The transactions include a line-item. The method includes inputting the data for the set of transactions into a machine-learning model trained to generate a prediction of a price quotation for each of the plurality of supplier entities based on the line-item. The prediction of the price quotation includes an estimated reasonable price for a supplier entity to supply a product or service to the purchaser entity. The method includes generating, by the machine-learning model, the prediction of the price quotation for each of the plurality of supplier entities and generating a recommendation for each of the plurality of supplier entities based on the prediction of the price quotation.

Abstract: A method implemented by computer servers associated with a procurement services platform includes accessing data for a set of transactions associated with a potential procurement transaction between a purchaser entity and a plurality of supplier entities. The transactions include line-items. The method includes inputting the data for the set of transactions into a machine-learning model trained to generate a preferential ranking for each of the plurality of supplier entities based on the line-items. The preferential ranking includes an estimated preference of the purchaser entity for a supplier entity of the plurality of supplier entities to supply a product or service to the purchaser entity. The method further includes generating, by the machine-learning model, the preferential ranking for each of the plurality of supplier entities, and providing, based on the preferential rankings, a recommendation of preferential supplier entities for supplying the product or service to the purchaser entity.

Abstract: A key updater for a first party operating on a network generates a mutually distilled key for communication between the first party and a second party. The key updater determines a set of verifying parties operating on the network needed to authenticate the mutually distilled key, wherein each verifying party of the set of verifying parties operates on the network. The key updater iteratively executes a key equivalency test for each verifying party in the set of verifying parties to determine a nonce sum until the key equivalency test has been executed for each of the verifying parties in the set of verifying parties or until it is determined that at least one node on the network has been compromised. The key updater generates a final key for communication between the first party and the second party based on the nonce sum and the mutually distilled key.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator (VOA) may include an input collimator with an input fiber connected on one side and an output collimator with an output fiber connected on one side, where the collimators are on a same surface of a VOA enclosure. A retroreflector may receive a light beam from the input collimator and reflect the light beam to the output collimator. The VOA may include an attenuation element positioned between the input collimator and the retroreflector and/or another attenuation element positioned between the retroreflector and the output collimator to provide variable attenuation to the light beam. The attenuation elements may be moved to set an attenuation level by one or more adjustment elements such as a miniature motor. The attenuation element may include a gradient index (GRIN) element, a polarizer, a neutral density filter, or a wavelength tunable filter.

Abstract: A method for generating personalized recommendations for procuring a product or service by a human entity is provided. The method includes accessing data for a set of transactions associated with a proposed procurement transaction between at least one of a plurality of purchaser entities and at least one of a plurality of supplier entities. The at least one of the transactions includes a line-item. The method includes identifying, based on the data for the set of transactions associated with the proposed procurement transaction, an identity or a behavioral pattern of the human entity associated with the proposed procurement transaction. The method includes generating a recommendation including a set of instructions for acting upon the proposed procurement transaction based on the identified identity or behavioral pattern of the at least one human entity, and providing the recommendation to the human entity associated with the proposed procurement transaction.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a first computing system, electrocardiogram (ECG) data and metadata associated with the ECG data. The metadata includes an initial cardiac event classification and an initial beat classification for beats occurring during a first event associated with the initial cardiac event classification. The method further includes displaying the ECG data in a user interface, receiving a command to change the initial cardiac event classification to a subsequent cardiac event classification, and automatically modifying the initial beat classifications to subsequent beat classifications based on the subsequent cardiac event classification.

Abstract: A pipe and cartridge for smokable media are disclosed. The pipe and cartridge can be used in combination as a pipe and cartridge system. The cartridge is configured to hold an amount of smokable medium, can be sealed on top and bottom to maintain freshness of the smokable medium prior to consumption, and has a side wall configured such that a space for heat convection is formed between the side wall and a side wall of a recess of a pipe. The pipe can include a body, a recess configured to hold the cartridge such that a space for heat convection is formed between the side wall of the recess and the side wall of the cartridge, a channel formed in the body and that extends from a bottom of the recess to a side wall of the body, and an optional lid.

Abstract: A sickle header has right and left cutter bar assemblies each having a knife assembly configured to move in a reciprocating motion. A first transfer plate connects the knife assembly of the right cutter bar assembly and a second transfer plate connects the knife assembly of the left cutter bar assembly. A center sickle drive assembly includes first and second epicyclic drives connected to the right cutter bar assembly translate rotational movement of a drive motor gear into linear oscillating motion of output cranks that are connected to the first transfer plate. Third and fourth epicyclic drives connected to the left cutter bar assembly translate rotational movement of the drive motor gear into linear oscillating motion of output cranks that are connected to the second transfer plate, such that the cranks of the epicyclic drives simultaneously drive the knife assembly of the respective cutter bar assembly in a reciprocating motion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described. In at least one embodiment, a premises monitoring system for monitoring a premises is provided. The premises monitoring system comprises a premises device and a power device comprising a rectifier in electrical communication with the premises device. The premises device comprises a video capture element configured to capture video and processing circuitry configured to, in response to a modular wireless transmitter not being removably connected to the premises device, cause transmission of the captured video to the power device via the at least one wired connection. When the modular wireless transmitter is removably connected to the power device, the power device is configured to cause, in response to receiving the captured video, transmission of the captured video via the modular wireless transmitter.

Abstract: A method includes receiving—by a first computing system—electrocardiogram (ECG) data and metadata associated with the ECG data, where the metadata includes an initial cardiac event classification and an initial beat classification for beats occurring during a first event associated with the initial cardiac event classification. The method further includes causing the ECG data to be displayed in a user interface (UI) and receiving a command, via the UI, to change the initial beat classifications to subsequent beat classifications. The method also includes automatically modifying, by the first computing system, the initial cardiac event classification to a subsequent cardiac event classification based on the subsequent beat classifications.

Abstract: A pipe and cartridge for smokable media are disclosed. The pipe and cartridge can be used in combination as a pipe and cartridge system. The cartridge is configured to hold an amount of smokable medium, can be sealed on top and bottom to maintain freshness of the smokable medium prior to consumption, and has a side wall configured such that a space for heat convection is formed between the side wall and a side wall of a recess of a pipe. The pipe can include a body, a recess configured to hold the cartridge such that a space for heat convection is formed between the side wall of the recess and the side wall of the cartridge, a channel formed in the body and that extends from a bottom of the recess to a side wall of the body, and an optional lid.

Abstract: A method includes identifying, using a machine learning model, beats and locations of peaks of the beats within electrocardiogram data. The method further includes determining heart rate over time based, at least in part, on the beats and the locations of the peaks. The method further includes displaying the heart rate over time and the locations of the peaks in single annotations on a graph.

Abstract: A forming tool including an additive manufactured polymer shell defining a first side and an opposite second side. The forming tool includes a support structure mechanically connected to the second side of the shell. The support structure may be formed by pouring a molten backfill material into the shell, and solidifying the backfill material. The backfill material includes a low melting temperature metal, fusible alloy, or other element. The solidified backfill material has a strength and rigidity greater than the polymer used to make the shell. The first surface of the shell includes a complex surface for bringing into contact with a material in a stamping process to form a stamped part.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a control system for a vehicle comprising an axle having a center pivoting axis and a frame coupled to the axle at the center pivoting axis, the control system comprising: one or more controllers; a control circuit; and one or more actuators located on one side or opposite sides, respectively, of the center pivoting axis and coupled to the axle and the frame of the vehicle, the one or more actuators configured by the one or more controllers and the control circuit to prevent tipping based on forces imposed on the vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system comprising: a memory; and one or more processors in communication with the memory. The one or more processors are configured to: receive, from a set of sensors, biometric data indicative of a muscle contraction of a patient over a period of time; and determine, based on the biometric data, a muscle contraction vector indicating a direction of the muscle contraction over the period of time. Additionally, the one or more processors are configured to determine, based on the biometric data, a likelihood that the muscle contraction comprises a true labor uterine contraction; and output, for display by a user device, the muscle contraction vector indicating the direction of the muscle contraction and the likelihood that the muscle contraction comprises a true labor uterine contraction.

Abstract: A fastening inclusion is provided and includes a hard point made of coalesced metal sheets, metal or fiber flanges extending from edges of the hard point, and a fastener arranged on the hard point. The fastening inclusion can be incorporated into a fiber reinforced polymer structure by interleaving the flanges with fiber reinforced resin plies, and then curing the fiber reinforced plies to form a composite structure. The fastener on the hard point may be used for mechanically connecting the composite structure to a separate component, such as a metal component on a vehicle.

Abstract: Method of aligning an imaging device with respect to an object, the imaging device comprising two or more optical channels, is disclosed. The method may include aiming the two or more optical channels at corresponding overlapping zones of the object such that the two or more optical channels are oriented at different angles relative to each other and off-axis relative to a central axis of the imaging device. The method may additionally include guiding or focusing the imaging device relative to the object using composite images created by combining separate images from the two or more optical channels.

Abstract: A key updater for a first party operating on a network generates a mutually distilled key for communication between the first party and a second party. The key updater determines a set of verifying parties operating on the network needed to authenticate the mutually distilled key, wherein each verifying party of the set of verifying parties operates on the network. The key updater iteratively executes a key equivalency test for each verifying party in the set of verifying parties to determine a nonce sum until the key equivalency test has been executed for each of the verifying parties in the set of verifying parties or until it is determined that at least one node on the network has been compromised. The key updater generates a final key for communication between the first party and the second party based on the nonce sum and the mutually distilled key.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a nickel-based alloy. In particular embodiments, the nickel-based alloy is configured for use in applications involving supercritical fluids. The disclosed nickel-based alloy embodiments are highly resistant to corrosion and exhibit high stability and thus are suited for use in vessels, boilers, piping, and other receptacles that contain or are used with supercritical fluids. Method embodiments of making the nickel-based alloy also are disclosed.

Abstract: A pipe and cartridge for smokable media are disclosed. The pipe and cartridge can be used in combination as a pipe and cartridge system. The cartridge is configured to hold an amount of smokable medium, can be sealed on top and bottom to maintain freshness of the smokable medium prior to consumption, and has a side wall configured such that a space for heat convection is formed between the side wall and a side wall of a recess of a pipe. The pipe can include a body, a recess configured to hold the cartridge such that a space for heat convection is formed between the side wall of the recess and the side wall of the cartridge, a channel formed in the body and that extends from a bottom of the recess to a side wall of the body, and an optional lid.