Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a method includes selecting a cemented carbide substrate from a plurality of cemented carbide substrates in a substrate inventory. Each of the plurality of cemented carbide substrates have a substantially planar top surface. The method also includes emitting a plurality of laser pulses from a laser towards at least the substantially planar top surface of the cemented carbide substrate to ablate selected regions of the cemented carbide substrate thereby forming the cemented carbide substrate into a selected shape.

Abstract: A vison-based self-checkout terminal is provided. Purchased items are placed on a base and multiple cameras take multiple images of each item placed on the base. A location for each item placed on the base is determined along with a depth and the dimensions of each item at its given location on the base. Each item's images are then cropped, and item recognition is performed for each item on that item's cropped images with that item's corresponding depth and dimension attributes. An item identifier for each item is obtained along with a corresponding price and a transaction associated with items are completed.

Abstract: A horizontal boring rig that may be used for the excavation of horizontal bores in soil or other substrates without the use of tracks or other supporting equipment. The boring rig may include a hydraulic motor or other powered device for turning an auger or other excavation tool. The hydraulic motor may be pivotally mounted to the boring rig and drive the bore string through an intermediate shaft including a universal joint. The degree of freedom provided by the universal joint and motor mounting prevents breakage of the boring string from deflection or kickback. A front guide may be used to prevent excessive deflection of the universal joint. The boring rig may ride on skids that allow the rig to follow a working grade and may incorporate spoil channels for directing excavated material around or away from the skid feet for improved accuracy in following the working grade.

Abstract: MEMS-based sensors can experience undesirable signal frequencies caused by vibrations, shocks, and accelerations, among other phenomena. A microisolation system can isolate individual MEMS-based sensors from undesirable signal frequencies and shocks. An embodiment of a system for microisolation of a MEMS-based sensor can include an isolation platform connected to one or more folded springs. Another embodiment of a system for microisolation can include an isolation platform and/or a frame connected to a mesh damping mechanism. In at least one embodiment, a mesh damping mechanism can be a microfibrous metal mesh damper. In one or more embodiments, a system for microisolation can include an isolation platform connected to one or more L-shaped springs, and a thickness of the one or more L-shaped springs can be less than a thickness of the isolation platform.

Abstract: A modular fluid-carrying manifold apparatus is provided for use in hydraulic fracturing blenders and other devices. A manifold can include one or more interchangeable sections. Each section may have a flat front face with ports cut into the front face. Components such as valves and hammer unions are directly removably connected to the ports via bolts. This eliminates the need for welded-on piping. Removable, wear-resistant inserts can be located in the ports. The removable components may be considered consumable and replaced when worn out.

Abstract: MEMS-based sensors can experience undesirable signal frequencies caused by vibrations, shocks, and accelerations, among other phenomena. A microisolation system can isolate individual MEMS-based sensors from undesirable signal frequencies and shocks. An embodiment of a system for microisolation of a MEMS-based sensor can include an isolation platform connected to one or more folded springs. Another embodiment of a system for microisolation can include an isolation platform and/or a frame connected to a mesh damping mechanism. In at least one embodiment, a mesh damping mechanism can be a microfibrous metal mesh damper. In one or more embodiments, a system for microisolation can include an isolation platform connected to one or more L-shaped springs, and a thickness of the one or more L-shaped springs can be less than a thickness of the isolation platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container includes a frame on top of the container. The frame surrounds an aperture for flow of material into the container. The apparatus also includes an arm pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The arm holds a rotatable roller for dispensing and receiving a flexible cover. The flexible cover is wrapped around the roller when the arm is in the open position. The flexible cover is unrolled from the roller to cover the aperture due to motion of the arm from the open position to the closed position. The frame includes a side portion having an inwardly and upwardly tapered outer surface. The roller contacts the outer surface when the arm is in the closed position.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for educating a patient about a medical condition. A healthcare provider (HCP) may collect information about a medical condition of the patient and may transmit the information to a server. The HCP may also take one or more specimens, such as hard or soft tissue, and send them to a medical laboratory. The medical laboratory may retrieve the information from the server, create a medical report based on the information and the one or more specimens, and transmit the medical report to the server. The HCP may retrieve the medical report from the server and deliver it to the patient. Based on the medical report, the HCP or the medical laboratory may recommend one or more educational videos for the patient to view which may educate the patient on the medical condition.

Abstract: A modular fluid-carrying manifold apparatus is provided for use in hydraulic fracturing blenders and other devices. A manifold can include one or more interchangeable sections. Each section may have a flat front face with ports cut into the front face. Components such as valves and hammer unions are directly removably connected to the ports via bolts. This eliminates the need for welded-on piping. Removable, wear-resistant inserts can be located in the ports. The removable components may be considered consumable and replaced when worn out.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container includes a frame on top of the container. The frame surrounds an aperture for flow of material into the container. The apparatus also includes an arm pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The arm holds a rotatable roller for dispensing and receiving a flexible cover. The flexible cover is wrapped around the roller when the arm is in the open position. The flexible cover is unrolled from the roller to cover the aperture due to motion of the arm from the open position to the closed position. The frame includes a side portion having an inwardly and upwardly tapered outer surface. The roller contacts the outer surface when the arm is in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container, such as a chip train carrying wood chips, is provided. A flexible cover (e.g., tarp) is deployed and retracted using a roller moved overtop of the container using pivotable arms. A recessed region houses the base of the arm and associated components. A secondary cover covers the recessed region and is biased toward a cover closed position. An actuating surface associated with the arm pushes the secondary cover to a cover open position. Other features include inwardly angled container sides, a foam sealing member integral with the flexible cover, the secondary cover closing when the flexible cover is both fully opened and fully closed, channels between the recessed region and the container, narrow and/or sloped surfaces, and a retaining hook for capturing a roller connected to the arm.

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed for permitting a user to manipulate a sensor. The apparatuses have a handle, an arm, and a sensor mounting head. The sensor may be removably affixed to the sensor mounting head by the user. The arm is permanently flexible so that the user may adjust the position of the affixed sensor to any arbitrary position with respect to the handle. The apparatuses are capable of using wired and wireless sensors. In one embodiment, the handle contains a power source which supplies energy to operate a wireless sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container, such as a chip train carrying wood chips, is provided. A flexible cover (e.g., tarp) is deployed and retracted using a roller moved overtop of the container using pivotable arms. A recessed region houses the base of the arm and associated components. A secondary cover covers the recessed region and is biased toward a cover closed position. An actuating surface associated with the arm pushes the secondary cover to a cover open position. Other features include inwardly angled container sides, a foam sealing member integral with the flexible cover, the secondary cover closing when the flexible cover is both fully opened and fully closed, channels between the recessed region and the container, narrow and/or sloped surfaces, and a retaining hook for capturing a roller connected to the arm.

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed for permitting a user to manipulate a sensor. The apparatuses have a handle, an arm, and a sensor mounting head. The sensor may be removably affixed to the sensor mounting head by the user. The arm is permanently flexible so that the user may adjust the position of the affixed sensor to any arbitrary position with respect to the handle. The apparatuses are capable of using wired and wireless sensors. In one embodiment, the handle contains a power source which supplies energy to operate a wireless sensor.

Abstract: A non-encircling comfort pad system that allows the user to selectively attach a pad to and detach the pad from the article of clothing is disclosed. The non-encircling comfort pad system includes a pad having a pad fastener part and a mount fastener part that is attached to the article of clothing. The pad fastener part is configured to engage the mount fastener part such that the pad is held to the article of clothing without requiring any encirclement of the protected body part.

Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the disclosure are directed to methods, computer-readable medium, servers, and systems for providing customized instructional content through an application using three-dimensional input and providing feedback from an interaction with the instructional content.

Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the disclosure are directed to methods, computer-readable medium, servers, and systems for providing customized instructional content through an application using three-dimensional input and providing feedback from an interaction with the instructional content.

Abstract: A non-encircling comfort pad system that allows the user to selectively attach a pad to and detach the pad from the article of clothing is disclosed. The non-encircling comfort pad system includes a pad having a pad fastener part and a mount fastener part that is attached to the article of clothing. The pad fastener part is configured to engage the mount fastener part such that the pad is held to the article of clothing without requiring any encirclement of the protected body part.

Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the disclosure are directed to methods, computer-readable medium, servers, and systems for providing customized instructional content through an application using three-dimensional input and providing feedback from an interaction with the instructional content.

Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the disclosure are directed to methods, computer-readable medium, servers, and systems for providing customized instructional content through an application using three-dimensional input and providing feedback from an interaction with the instructional content.