Abstract: Various embodiments provide a process roasting a metal bearing material under oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidized metal bearing material, roasting the oxidized metal bearing material under reducing conditions to produce a roasted metal bearing material, and leaching the roasted metal bearing material in a basic medium to yield a pregnant leach solution.

Abstract: Electronic natural language processing in a natural language processing (NLP) system, such as a Question-Answering (QA) system. A receives electronic text input, in question form, and determines a readability level indicator in the question. The readability level indicator includes at least a grammatical error, a slang term, and a misspelling type. The computer determines a readability level for the electronic text input based on the readability level indicator, and retrieves candidate answers based on the readability level.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first coupling member and the second coupling member are configured to flex toward each other from a first position to a second position. The first coupling member and the second coupling member define a pivot axis in the first position. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The clamp arm is configured to couple or decouple with the shaft assembly when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the second position. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away the ultrasonic blade about the pivot axis when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the first position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for screening are provided. Embodiments include a screen basket apparatus for screening material, comprising a grid frame having a plurality of openings arranged in a lattice and a plurality of screening cartridge assemblies affixed to the grid frame to cover the respective openings of the grid frame. The screening cartridge assembly includes a case and a screen assembly fitted into the case, and may be affixed to a set of transversal member of the grid frame. The case may be formed of a single injection molded piece integrally formed by injection molding one of a polyurethane or a thermoset polymer. The screening elements together form a generally continuous screening surface across the exterior of the grid frame, which reduces blinding and is resistant to wear and tear.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement and use an earpiece having an attachment mount. In one example, an earpiece includes an arcuate rib having a lobe disposed on an upper end thereof and configured to engage with a crus of a helix and an antihelix of a user's ear. The earpiece also includes a mount extending from the arcuate rib and comprising a snap clip configured to engage and position an audio device in contact with the user's ear. Other implementations and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: The flow cell includes first and second reservoirs having a selected volume containing a flowable redox electrode. A membrane separates charged and discharged material. An energy-extraction region includes electronically conductive porous current collectors through or adjacent to which the flowable redox electrodes flow and to which charge transfer occurs. Structure is provided for altering orientation of the flow cell whereby gravity induces flow of the flowable redox electrode between the first and second reservoirs to deliver power. By varying the angle of the cell, flow rate and power delivered on discharge or the charge rate on charge may be varied.

Abstract: A two piece, easy-to-assemble hutch for shipping and displaying items is provided. The hutch comprises two laterally opposing, hinged sidewalls, one or more elongated horizontal front panels, a rear wall and shelves made of two halves. The hutch is moveable between a first position in which each shelf is folded up against itself and a second position in which each shelf forms a substantially planar load supporting surface.

Abstract: A method for dynamically changing the master audio playback device of a set that includes at least two audio playback devices, wherein one audio playback device of the set is a set master audio playback device that controls the play of audio data by at least one other slave audio playback device of the set. A first slave audio playback device receives its selection as a new recipient of audio data and, in response, the first slave audio playback device is designated as a new set master audio playback device and the set master audio playback device is designated as a new slave audio playback device. The new set master audio playback device controls the play of audio by the new slave audio playback device.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting an antenna to a mounting structure, such as a street pole, is provided. The antenna assembly can include an tipper and a lower mounting bracket that can be attached to an antenna. Each mounting bracket has hooks designed to be inserted into pre-formed holes in the mounting structure. The antenna becomes secured to the mounting structure when the hooks latch into the pre-formed holes of the mounting structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing a contaminant present in a body of water that includes a collection media for capturing the contaminant and a structure. The collection media has a first end secured to the structure. The collection media has a second buoyant end disposed opposite the first end wherein buoyant end is a free end. The structure does not float at the water surface and holds the first end of the collection media below the buoyant second end in the water column. When the apparatus is deployed in a water column having a depth greater than the height of the apparatus, the apparatus is selectively positioned in the water column at a desired height. A method of employing the collection media is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for dynamically changing the master audio playback device of a set that includes at least two audio playback devices, wherein one audio playback device of the set is a set master audio playback device that controls the play of audio data by at least one other slave audio playback device of the set. A first slave audio playback device receives its selection as a new recipient of audio data and, in response, the first slave audio playback device is designated as a new set master audio playback device and the set master audio playback device is designated as a new slave audio playback device. The new set master audio playback device controls the play of audio by the new slave audio playback device.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices are described that include a microfluidic channel, a first array of one or more magnets above the microfluidic channel, each magnet in the first array having a magnetic pole orientation opposite to a magnetic pole orientation of an adjacent magnet in the first array, and a second array of one or more magnets beneath the microfluidic channel, each magnet in the second array having a magnetic pole orientation opposite to a magnetic pole orientation of an adjacent magnet in the second array. The first array is aligned with respect to the second array such that magnetic fields emitted by the first array and second array generate a magnetic flux gradient profile extending through the channel. An absolute value of the profile includes a first maximum and a second maximum that bound a local minimum. The local minimum is located within the microfluidic channel or less than 5 mm away from a wall of the microfluidic channel. Methods of using the new devices are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assessing whether an individual is at high risk or low risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) progression by determining the expression level of two or more genes in a whole blood sample. Also provided are methods for treating IBD in an individual who is determined to be at high risk or low risk for IBD progression, and kits for assessing whether an individual is at high risk or low risk for IBD progression. Arrays, and methods of providing arrays, of patient-identified selected gene expression products from a whole blood sample of a patient are also provided.

Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The frame includes a front frame portion, a mid-frame portion, and a rear frame portion. The utility vehicle further comprises an attachment supported at the front frame portion. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator area supported by the frame and including an operator seat and an adjacent passenger seat spaced apart from the operator seat. The operator seat and the passenger seat are in a side-by-side arrangement. The utility vehicle also comprises an auxiliary power assembly having an attachment shaft configured to be operably coupled to the attachment. The attachment shaft extends in a generally longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle and projects outwardly from the front frame portion.

Abstract: A compounded elastomer exhibiting excellent mechanical and heat transfer properties is described. The elastomer can include two or more different carbon blacks, and one of the carbon blacks is a partially crystallized carbon black.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and formulations for the microencapsulation of aminosiloxanes, for example for use as an additive in protective material formulations such as those used in the protection and/or joining of metal substrates. The additives may be used in conjunction with a second reactant that may or may not be similarly microencapsulated for self-healing (and associated corrosion resistance) or delayed cure applications, or they may be used alone or in conjunction with other corrosion inhibitors for protective formulations with improved corrosion resistance on appropriate substrates.

Abstract: An earpiece that substantially lacks a lower lobe is disclosed. In one example, the earpiece can have a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends. A lobe can be formed at the upper end of the arcuate rib. No lobe is formed at the lower end of the arcuate rib. An extension can extend from the earpiece and can be configured to extend into the ear canal. Eliminating the lower lobe mitigates discomfort during use and also reduces the likelihood of tissue damage and infection. The extension can enhance communication of desired sound, e.g., from a two-way radio, to an eardrum while mitigating communication of undesirable ambient noise to the eardrum. Other implementations and related methods are also disclosed.