Abstract: Thin tin oxide films can be used in semiconductor device manufacturing. In one implementation, a method of processing a semiconductor substrate includes: providing a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of protruding features residing on an etch stop layer material, and an exposed tin oxide layer in contact with both the protruding features and the etch stop layer material, where the tin oxide layer covers both sidewalls and horizontal surfaces of the protruding features; and then completely removing the tin oxide layer from horizontal surfaces of the semiconductor substrate without completely removing the tin oxide layer residing at the sidewalls of the protruding features. Next, the protruding features can be removed without completely removing the tin oxide layer that resided at the sidewalls of the protruding features, thereby forming tin oxide spacers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating a dynamic lighting scenario over a scenario timeline using solid-state light emitters. The method can include a step of providing a plurality of lighting reference points in the dynamic lighting scenario, each lighting reference point having an associated reference illumination state to be achieved at a corresponding reference moment of the scenario timeline. The method can also include a step of determining a plurality of sets of reference control parameters for the solid-state light emitters, each set of reference control parameters for producing the reference illumination state associated to a corresponding one of the plurality of lighting reference points. The method can also include driving the solid-state light emitters based on the plurality of reference control parameters to generate the dynamic lighting scenario.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for securing a luminaire to a niche formed in a wall of a pool or spa. The assembly comprises a mounting bracket having a rear portion shaped and sized to fit within the niche and a front portion comprising a peripheral flange sized to engage the wall surrounding the niche. The mounting bracket enables the luminaire to be secured thereto and be visible from a front side thereof. The assembly includes at least one clamping device attached to the rear portion of the mounting bracket and configured to secure the mounting bracket to the niche. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device comprises a clamping arm and drive member. The clamping arm is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket such that the mounting bracket is drawn into the niche and the peripheral flange of the mounting bracket is drawn towards the wall surrounding the niche.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments for a media device upgrading system with a native user interface. An embodiment operates by displaying a native user interface of a media device configured to operate in both a normal mode without an upgrader device and an upgrader mode when an upgrader device is connected to an input port of the media device. It is determined that the upgrader device is connected a command is received via the native user interface. It is determined that the command operates a software component, and the command is provided to the upgrader device. A response to executing the command is received from the upgrader device, and a response is displayed on the native user interface.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for managing horticultural lighting scenarios including the steps of receiving lighting scenarios and storing lighting scenario attributes thereof in a data storage; transmitting the lighting scenarios to a horticultural structure for deployment on at least one horticultural lighting apparatus; acquiring runtime data generated during the execution of the lighting scenarios and storing the runtime data on the data storage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are extraction chromatographic supports comprising a porous support, an inert filler, and metal ion binding extractant that may be used for chromatographic separation of metal ions. Also disclosed herein are methods for preparing and using the extraction chromatographic supports.

Abstract: Introduced here is an approach to dynamically authenticating the identity of an individual in a computationally efficient manner. For example, the identity of the individual may be authenticated for the purpose of establishing whether the individual should be permitted to participate in a peer-to-peer transaction. Likelihood of the peer-to-peer transaction being completed successfully could also be determined through weighted analysis of contextual information related to one party involved in the peer-to-peer transaction or both parties involved in the peer-to-peer transaction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments for a media device upgrading system with a native user interface. An embodiment operates by displaying a native user interface of a media device configured to operate in both a normal mode without an upgrader device and an upgrader mode when an upgrader device is connected to an input port of the media device. It is determined that the upgrader device is connected a command is received via the native user interface. It is determined that the command operates a software component, and the command is provided to the upgrader device. A response to executing the command is received from the upgrader device, and a response is displayed on the native user interface.

Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The method includes forming a corner wall by folding a first pair of a plurality of reinforcing panels inwardly towards a respective side panel and into face-to-face contact with a second pair of the plurality of reinforcing panels, rotating the side panels and end panels to be substantially perpendicular to a bottom panel such that an interior surface of at least one reinforcing panel of the plurality of reinforcing panels is in contact with an interior surface of the first side panel, and coupling at least one other reinforcing panel of the plurality of reinforcing panels to one of the end panels to form the container.

Abstract: This application relates to systems and methods for generating desired or optimized event schedules. An example computer-implemented method of dynamically generating an event schedule includes: receiving one or more parameters for a series of live events to be held in a plurality of geographic regions; generating a schedule for the series of live events based on the one or more parameters; and automatically updating the schedule based on a change to the one or more parameters.

Abstract: This application relates to systems and methods for generating desired or optimized event schedules. An example computer-implemented method of dynamically generating an event schedule includes: receiving one or more parameters for a series of live events to be held in a plurality of geographic regions; generating a schedule for the series of live events based on the one or more parameters; and automatically updating the schedule based on a change to the one or more parameters.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a method for virtual partitioning of data includes receiving a data stream comprising a plurality of traces, each trace comprising a plurality of spans from a plurality of users. The method also includes assigning the plurality of traces of the data stream to a plurality of virtual partitions based on each user of the plurality of users, each virtual partition of the plurality of virtual partitions comprising data of a user of the plurality of users. The method also includes scheduling at least a subset of the plurality of virtual partitions to at least one user partition of a shared topic, the at least one user partition comprising data from at least one virtual partition of at least one user of the plurality of users. The method also includes indexing each user partition of the shared topic based on each user and each virtual partition.

Abstract: A one-way valve is provided. The one-way valve may be, for example, a check valve, a relief valve, or the like, which may be in the form of a poppet valve. The valve provides a housing with a through hole. The through hole has an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The upstream portion has a reduced diameter compared to the downstream portion. The housing contains a valve seat, which typically has a taper. A poppet, or valve member, moves within the through hole from a valve closed position and a valve open position. The poppet has a high pressure facing side and a low pressure facing side opposite the high pressure facing side. The low pressure facing side of the poppet engages an elastic member of a compression member that biases the poppet in the valve closed position. The high pressure facing side of the poppet engages a resilient metal seal in the form of an annular disc. The annular disc has a generally wavy or undulating shape.

Abstract: This application relates to systems and methods for generating desired or optimized event schedules. An example computer-implemented method of dynamically generating an event schedule includes: receiving ogle or more parameters for a series of live events to be held in a plurality of geographic regions; generating a schedule for the series of live events based on the one or more parameters; and automatically updating the schedule based on a change to the one or more parameters.

Abstract: An improved system and method for the selection and dispensing of reagents onto a target testing medium in an automated laboratory environment. The system utilizes multiple carousels rotatably-mounted upon a central turntable. The position of the central turntable, as well as the rotation of each carousel is controlled by a microprocessor-based control system. Multiple dispensers, each capable of storing and dispensing a particular reagent, are mounted about the circumference of each carousel. This configuration provides much higher reagent density than previously available. The testing medium is positioned at one or more loading stations. The control system directs the central turntable to a position from which a selected one of the carousels can be rotated so as to position a selected dispenser above the testing medium. The selected dispenser is then actuated to release a predetermined reagent onto the testing medium.

Abstract: A method of generating metrics data associated with a microservices-based application comprises ingesting a plurality of spans and mapping an ingested span of the plurality of spans to a span identity, wherein the span identity comprises a tuple of information identifying a type of span associated with the span identity, wherein the tuple of information comprises user-configured dimensions. The method further comprises grouping the ingested span by the span identity, wherein the ingested span is grouped with other spans from the plurality of spans comprising a same span identity. The method also comprises computing metrics associated with the span identity and using the metrics to generate a stream of metric data associated with the span identity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides intelligent lighting control systems.

Abstract: This application relates to systems and methods for generating desired or optimized event schedules. An example computer-implemented method of dynamically generating an event schedule includes: receiving ogle or more parameters for a series of live events to be held in a plurality of geographic regions; generating a schedule for the series of live events based on the one or more parameters; and automatically updating the schedule based on a change to the one or more parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments for a media device upgrading system with a native user interface. An embodiment operates by displaying a native user interface of a media device configured to operate in both a normal mode without an upgrader device and an upgrader mode when an upgrader device is connected to an input port of the media device. It is determined that the upgrader device is connected a command is received via the native user interface. it is determined that the command operates a software component, and the command is provided to the upgrader device. A response to executing the command is received from the upgrader device, and a response is displayed on the native user interface.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for securing a luminaire to a niche formed in a wall of a pool or spa. The assembly comprises a mounting bracket having a rear portion shaped and sized to fit within the niche and a front portion comprising a peripheral flange sized to engage the wall surrounding the niche. The mounting bracket enables the luminaire to be secured thereto and be visible from a front side thereof. The assembly includes at least one clamping device attached to the rear portion of the mounting bracket and configured to secure the mounting bracket to the niche. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device comprises a clamping arm and drive member. The clamping arm is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket such that the mounting bracket is drawn into the niche and the peripheral flange of the mounting bracket is drawn towards the wall surrounding the niche.