Abstract: Embodiments that relate to pairing and finding a group of accessory devices are described. In an embodiment, a pairing status is received from a first accessory device, a request is sent to the first accessory device for information on a number of accessory devices in a device group and a number of accessory devices that are proximate to the first accessory device in the device group, information on a second accessory device in the device group is received, a continue pairing message is sent to the second accessory device if the second accessory device is proximate, and a device group profile is created with information on the number of parts and received information on the second accessory device.

Abstract: A blender tub for hydraulic fracturing operations and associated components are provided. A spinning proppant distributor located above the blender tub liquid level interrupts and redirects falling granular proppant material (e.g. sand) into the tub. A fluid intake channel wraps around at least part of the blender tub outside wall and introduces liquid (e.g. water) into the blender tub via a plurality of channels. The liquid is introduced with a force and angle which imparts a vortex within the blender tub. The above aspects facilitate blending of material within the tub.

Abstract: A blender tub for hydraulic fracturing operations and associated components are provided. A spinning proppant distributor located above the blender tub liquid level interrupts and redirects falling granular proppant material (e.g. sand) into the tub. A fluid intake channel wraps around at least part of the blender tub outside wall and introduces liquid (e.g. water) into the blender tub via a plurality of channels. The liquid is introduced with a force and angle which imparts a vortex within the blender tub. The above aspects facilitate blending of material within the tub.

Abstract: Embodiments that relate to pairing and finding a group of accessory devices are described. In an embodiment, a pairing status is received from a first accessory device, a request is sent to the first accessory device for information on a number of accessory devices in a device group and a number of accessory devices that are proximate to the first accessory device in the device group, information on a second accessory device in the device group is received, a continue pairing message is sent to the second accessory device if the second accessory device is proximate, and a device group profile is created with information on the number of parts and received information on the second accessory device.

Abstract: Devices for aligning furring are disclosed herein. The devices have an elongate body with a first face and an opposing second face spanning between a first end and a second end, an adjustment tab connected to the elongate body at the first end, and at least two alignment members extending from the first face, a first of the at least two alignment members being configured to abut and align a corresponding furring strip that is placed on the elongate body, wherein a second alignment member of the at least two alignment members extends from the first face at the second end. Methods of aligning a furring strip are also disclosed. The methods herein describe attaching a first device to a structure, abutting the furring strip to alignment members of the first device to align the furring strip, and fastening the furring strip to the first device and the structure.

Abstract: Cameras capture images of shelves/displays having items. The images are processed to identify real-time item counts on the shelves and/or empty or partially empty shelves with less than a configured number of items. Notifications or messages regarding item counts and/or empty shelving conditions are sent through an Application Programming Interface (API) to consuming services in accordance with custom defined rules. In an embodiment, real-time item counts and/or empty shelving conditions are dynamically reported through the API based on on-demand requests from the consuming services.

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: A polyaspartate composition comprising an asymmetric polyaspartate resin is disclosed. The asymmetric polyaspartate resin is the reaction product of an asymmetric aspartate composition and an isocyanate chain extender. The asymmetric aspartate composition is a reaction product of a multi-functional acrylate component, at least one dialkyl butenedioate, and a multi-functional primary amino compound. A multi-resin form of the polyaspartate composition is also disclosed. The multi-resin polyaspartate composition includes at least two different variants of the asymmetric polyaspartate resin. A method of preparing the polyaspartate composition is also disclosed, along with a coating composition including the polyaspartate composition, a method of preparing a coated article therewith, and coated articles so prepared.

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.