Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide an apparatus and methods for assisting individuals in controlling respiratory rates. For example, a respiratory regulation apparatus is provided in the form of a plush animal toy that operates components to simulate the breathing rate of anxious individuals. The apparatus may include actuators that are controlled by a slotted cam that is dynamically rotated at varying speeds in a determined rotational direction. The actuators move inward and outward in relative directions to move a torso of the plush animal toy to simulate breathing. In certain aspects, actuators may expand outward while at the same time another actuator contracts inward to cause the torso to simulate realistic breathing movements. A processor controls the speed of the cam such that the simulated breathing of the animal toy apparatus can be reduced at a controlled rate to assist an individual in reducing their breathing rate to a calmer state.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to biosynthesis of cannabinoids and cannabinoid precursors in recombinant cells and in vitro. Specifically, the disclosure is directed to a prenyltransferase variant, a chimeric prenyltransferase comprising one or more portions of at least two different prenyltransferase proteins, and a fusion polypeptide comprising a CBG-type producing prenyltransferase and farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an article of footwear includes arranging a three-dimensional upper on a last and placing a plurality of elongated support structures on the three-dimensional upper arranged on the last using an automated placement assembly. The method further includes heating the plurality of elongated support structures to secure the plurality of elongated support structures to the upper.

Abstract: A robot for cleaning solar panels has a frame and a propulsion system for moving the robot on solar panels. The robot also has arms movably coupled to the frame, and a cleaning assembly coupled to each of the arms for cleaning the solar panels. The arms and cleaning assemblies further facilitate the transportation of the robot between solar panels that are discontinuous and spaced apart from each other. In addition, a water distribution system is included for distributing water during cleaning operations. A control system operates the robot and controls the propulsion system, arms, cleaning assemblies and water distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for profiling video output devices. A frameset is received from a video output device. A first characteristic of the frameset is profiled. A focus area within the frameset is identified based on the profile of the first characteristic. A second characteristic is profiled within the focus area. A baseline output profile for the video device is generated based at least on the profile of the second characteristic. The baseline output profile is stored in repository.

Abstract: Examples extend to methods, systems, and computer program products for disrupting object recognition functionality. Images can be altered in a manner that makes it difficult (if not impossible) for recognition algorithms to accurately recognize faces, vehicles, people, etc. in the images. Image alterations can be tailored to disrupt recognition algorithms while being imperceptible to the human eye and/or minimizing impact on other image processing systems. In some aspects, Machine Leaning (ML) frameworks and/or leaning-based generative/discriminative model techniques, such as, for example, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), are used to alter images.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for segmenting video stream frames. In one aspect, video stream frames are segmented into more relevant segments (e.g., including roadway) and less relevant segments (e.g., not including roadway). Different segments can be handled differently. For example, more relevant segments can be processed to identify vehicles, identify events, etc. and less relevant segments may be ignored. Accordingly, resources can be utilized more efficiently. In one aspect, a binary mask is generated from object data in one or more frames. The binary mask is applied to further frames blocking out less relevant frame segments in the further frames.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a structure by means of 3D printing, the method comprising the steps of extruding a polymer to form the structure on a platform (8), characterised in that the polymer is extruded, and the structure formed, in a liquid phase (12), and wherein the liquid phase is formulated to modify the structure being fabricated.

Abstract: A unitary, single-piece baking pan support clip for stacking one or more baking pans vertically to save space without contacting or damaging the contents of each stacked pan. Each clip is comprised of a thin, planar rigid bar having a vertical shaft, horizontal and vertical upper arms that contact and support the bottom surface and exterior sidewall of a baking pan and a base having a recess that secures the clips to the interior sidewall and lip bead of the lower pan. The base recess that is shaped as a cylindrical channel to securely snap or fit over the lip bead of the baking pan to which the clip is attached.