Abstract: An end effector for confined space manufacturing operations and methods of use are presented. The end effector comprises a pair of kinematic machines connected in series, and an operational head connected to a first platform of a first kinematic machine of the pair of kinematic machines, the operational head configured to perform number of manufacturing operations on a structure.

Abstract: Fastener storage is presented. The fastener storage comprises a disc with a plurality of apertures through a first face of the disc and arranged in a plurality of rings concentric with the disc, and a plurality of machine-readable identifiers on the first face of the disc.

Abstract: A fastening end effector is presented. The fastening end effector comprises a hammering insertion die translatable into and out of a housing of the fastening end effector along a longitudinal axis of the fastening end effector; and grippers positioned circumferentially around the hammering insertion die to hold a head of a fastener against the hammering insertion die, the grippers independently moveable relative to the hammering insertion die.

Abstract: An end effector is presented. The end effector comprises a torque wrench and a first vacuum source. The torque wrench is configured to hold a collar and apply a single-sided clamp-up to a structure. The first vacuum source is pneumatically connected to the torque wrench and configured to supply a vacuum for the single-sided clamp-up.

Abstract: An end effector is presented. The end effector comprises a housing, an actuated mechanical retainer, and a normalizing nosepiece assembly. The actuated mechanical retainer is connected to the housing and configured to selectively constrain and release the normalizing nosepiece assembly from the housing. The normalizing nosepiece assembly is moveable relative to the housing and having a nosepiece bushing configured to contact a workpiece.

Abstract: Multipurpose travel bags, travel bags systems, and related methods are provided herein. A multipurpose travel bag can include a top receptacle portion having a top wall, sidewalls, and an openable floor and a base having an open base cavity therein that faces upward. The multipurpose travel bag can include a collapsible chassis attached to the top receptacle portion and the base. The collapsible chassis has sidewalls that are extendable and retractable between an extended position and a retracted position such that the collapsible chassis fits into the cavity of the base when the collapsible chassis is collapsed into the retracted position. The top receptacle portion can be attached to the base. When collapsed, the collapsible chassis can fit in the base cavity to form a smaller travel bag when the collapsible chassis is in the retracted position. The top receptacle portion can detach from the base so that the collapsible chassis can be extended to the extended position to form a larger travel bag.

Abstract: An example method of classifying user content based on a set of standards is described herein. The method includes receiving the user content, generating numeric representations of the user content, and identifying one or more standards of the set of standards applying to the user content based on a comparison of the numeric representation of the user content and numeric representations of the one or more standards.

Abstract: An item generation interface may generate knowledge assessment items directed a subject area based on a set of model items collectively directed to the subject area. The item generation interface may group the set of model assessment items into a plurality of similar item groups using numeric features corresponding to the model assessment items. Similar item groups may include model assessment items covering conceptually similar concepts within the subject area. A conditioning input may be generated for each of the item groups based on the numeric features corresponding to the model assessment items in the item group. Responsive to providing the conditioning inputs to a transformer-based natural language generation model, the item generation interface may receive raw assessment items from the transformer-based natural language generation model. Knowledge assessment items may be identified from the raw assessment items.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device and system which uses printed circuit board metrology to accurately measure relative motion between surfaces in one or more dimensions. The invention comprises a system on a chip (SOC) to periodically measure, log, and transmit relative motion data in an automated fashion either wired or wirelessly, allowing long term measurement of moving surfaces such as foundation movement, bridge movement, concrete movement, structural system movement, excavation movement, slope monitoring or tree growth monitoring.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device and system which uses printed circuit board metrology to accurately measure relative motion between surfaces in one or more dimensions. The invention comprises a system on a chip (SOC) to periodically measure, log, and transmit relative motion data in an automated fashion either wired or wirelessly, allowing long term measurement of moving surfaces such as foundation movement, bridge movement, concrete movement, structural system movement, excavation movement, slope monitoring or tree growth monitoring.

Abstract: A method of communicating data between a network device and a data network to which the device is connected via an optical fiber data link in which the device is connected to the optical fiber data link and the connection is monitored to detect data communication at a first standard. If data communication is detected at the first standard, data communication is established using the first standard. If not, the connection is monitored at the second standard. If data communication is detected at the second standard, data communication is established using the second standard.

Abstract: A method of communicating data between a network device and a data network to which the device is connected via an optical fiber data link in which the device is connected to the optical fiber data link and the connection is monitored to detect data communication at a first standard. If data communication is detected at the first standard, data communication is established using the first standard. If not, the connection is monitored at the second standard. If data communication is detected at the second standard, data communication is established using the second standard.

Abstract: A drop-hammer apparatus that can repeatedly lift and release a weighted hammer over a specified vertical distance by using a gear with teeth along less than its entire perimeter.

Abstract: Liquid coating compositions are disclosed having improved whiteness. The compositions may comprise a polyester or alkyd polymer having copolymerized therein a toning amount of (A) a two-component colorant system comprising a blue toner dye and either a red or violet toner dye, or both; or (B) a single-component colorant system comprising a reddish-blue toner dye, optionally including one or more of the red or violet toner dyes. This toner polymer can act as a surfactant or a stabilizer, and may be added prior to an emulsion polymerization, or may be used as an additive in water-borne or solvent-borne coating compositions.

Abstract: A one-piece tubular ferrule affixed to a first rod section end with a first rod section end fit and bonded into a tubular opening coaxial with the rod section. A wrap such as a thread may also tighten the ferrule around the first rod section end. A second ferrule tubular opening coaxial with the first opening removably receives a second rod section end therein. The second ferrule tubular opening is uniformly lined with a pliant, mildly adhesive liner secured to the opening inner wall. The liner then engages the second rod section end in retaining it in the ferrule until withdrawn under pulling force of removal. The second rod section end typically is prepared with a thread wrap around its circumference to provide a nonsmooth surface that provides an improved engaging surface for the mildly adhesive liner to grasp.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated production of ophthalmic lenses, particularly compound lenses having a plastic coating on a plastic lens is described. A mold, after rotational orientation, is placed in a gimbal assembly to provide for the proper tilt. This gimbal assembly forms part of a fixture attached to an indexing means which moves for complete assembly of a molding fixture and then moves the molding fixture through a chamber to cure the resin. A preform, after rotational orientation, is held, by a preform gripper placed above the mold, and with sufficient clearance between the mold and the preform to allow the correct resin thickness during the curing portion of the process. The fixture is also provided with members to firmly grip the preform gripper so as to maintain its orientation throughout the curing process.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing ophthalmic lens by casting resin layers onto an optical preform. Resin containment in the mold assembly is achieved by the use of a high viscosity resin bead.

Abstract: A cable lock storage structure adapted for selective mounting as upon a bicycle frame and having a locking cable stored on a spring loaded reel retractor assembly provided therein. The cable is selectively extendable from the housing so as to be wound through the bicycle frame and around an adjacent fixed structure so as to shackle the two together. The free end of the cable is adapted for selective locking engagement with a cable lock mechanism integrally provided in the housing so that the cable forms a closed loop locking assembly with the housing. A pawl lock mechanism is integrally provided in the housing to selectively and lockably engage the reel retractor so as to prevent retraction of the extended cable. The pawl lock mechanism is adapted to selectively be disengaged to permit retraction of the cable into the housing for storage when not in use.