Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus that provide for perceptual, cognitive, and motor behaviors in an integrated system implemented using neural architectures. Components of the system communicate using artificial neurons that implement neural networks. The connections between these networks form representations—referred to as semantic pointers—which model the various firing patterns of biological neural network connections. Semantic pointers can be thought of as elements of a neural vector space, and can implement a form of abstraction level filtering or compression, in which high-dimensional structures can be abstracted one or more times thereby reducing the number of dimensions needed to represent a particular structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waterborne dispersion comprising (A) amphiphilic block copolymer obtained with a controlled radical polymerization process and comprising at least blocks [A] and [B], whereby block [A] comprises ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) bearing water-soluble and/or water-dispersible functional groups (monomer(s) (i)), and block [B] comprises ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) different from monomer(s) (i) (monomer(s) (ii)); and (B) polymer P comprising ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) different from (i) (monomer(s) (ii)), characterized in that the amount of block copolymer is higher than 1 and lower than 30 wt. %, based on the total weight of monomers used to prepare the block copolymer and polymer P; the acid value of the composition consisting of block copolymer and polymer P is higher than 1 and at most 35 mg KOH per g of the block copolymer-polymer P composition; the block copolymer has a calculated glass transition temperature of higher than 10° C.

Abstract: The present invention further relates to a waterborne dispersion comprising (A) polymer P; (B) amphiphilic block copolymer obtained with a controlled radical polymerization process and comprising at least blocks [A] and [B], whereby block [A] comprises ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) bearing water-soluble and/or water-dispersible functional groups (monomer(s) (i)), and block [B] comprises ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) different from monomer(s) (i) (monomer(s) (ii)); and (C) crosslinker, characterized in that the polymer P is crosslinkable and comprises ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) bearing crosslinkable functional groups different from monomer(s) (i) and monomer(s) (ii) (monomer(s) (iii)) in an amount of from 1 to 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of monomers used to prepare the polymer P, the amount of lock copolymer is higher than 1 wt. % and lower than 30 wt.

Abstract: A standoff assembly for an appliance includes a trim breaker that defines a channel. A standoff feature is disposed on a bottom surface within the channel. The standoff feature includes a base with at least one horizontal flange and at least one vertical tapered projection extending therefrom. An adhesive is disposed within the channel that is defined by the trim breaker. An outer wrapper has an outer edge. The outer edge is disposed within the channel that is defined by the trim breaker.

Abstract: Low primary amine (LPA) polyaspartic esters are provided which comprise a reaction product of an aliphatic diamine and an excess of a Michael addition receptor optionally, in the presence of a C1-C10 alcohol, wherein the low primary amine (LPA) polyaspartic ester has a monoaspartate content of less than 10%. The low primary amine (LPA) polyaspartic esters of the invention may find use in slow reactivity polyurea systems and react with polyisocyanates to produce polyurea coatings, adhesives, sealants, films, composites, castings, and paints.

Abstract: Textile compositions comprising at least one filamentous fungus are disclosed, as are methods for making and using such textile compositions. Embodiments of the textile compositions generally include at least one of a plasticizer, a polymer, and a crosslinker, in addition to the filamentous fungus. The disclosed textile compositions are particularly useful as analogs or substitutes for conventional textile compositions, including but not limited to leather.

Abstract: Textile compositions comprising at least one filamentous fungus are disclosed, as are methods for making and using such textile compositions. Embodiments of the textile compositions generally include at least one of a plasticizer, a polymer, and a crosslinker, in addition to the filamentous fungus. The disclosed textile compositions are particularly useful as analogs or substitutes for conventional textile compositions, including but not limited to leather.

Abstract: A food processing system includes a container for receiving a food item processed by said food processing system. A configuration of said processing performed by said food processing system is determined by a position of the food item as it enters said container.

Abstract: A wellhead system includes a sequence valve in fluid communication with a wellhead device having a first hydraulic actuation device and a second hydraulic actuation device. The sequence valve includes a valve element configured to direct flow to the first hydraulic actuation device in a closed position and to direct flow to the second hydraulic actuation device in an open position. The sequence valve can actuate the second hydraulic actuation device after fully actuating the first hydraulic actuation device. Because the sequence valve can control the order of actuation of the actuation devices, the sequence valve can simplify the operation of the wellhead device and prevent incomplete or improper actuation of the wellhead device. The sequence valve can be utilized in remote and high pressure applications. Because of this, the sequence valve can provide reliable operation in various configurations.

Abstract: Various analyte sensing apparatuses and associated housings are provided. Some apparatuses comprise one or more caps. Some apparatuses comprise a two-part adhesive patch. Some apparatuses comprise one or more sensor bends configured to locate and/or hold a sensor in place during mounting. Some apparatuses utilize one or more dams and/or wells to retain epoxy for securing a sensor. Some apparatuses utilize a pocket and one or more adjacent areas and various transitions for preventing epoxy from wicking to undesired areas of the apparatus. Some apparatuses include heat-sealable thermoplastic elastomers for welding a cap to the apparatus. Related methods of fabricating such apparatuses and/or housings are also provided.

Abstract: Various analyte sensing apparatuses and associated housings are provided. Some apparatuses comprise one or more caps. Some apparatuses comprise a two-part adhesive patch. Some apparatuses comprise one or more sensor bends configured to locate and/or hold a sensor in place during mounting. Some apparatuses utilize one or more dams and/or wells to retain epoxy for securing a sensor. Some apparatuses utilize a pocket and one or more adjacent areas and various transitions for preventing epoxy from wicking to undesired areas of the apparatus. Some apparatuses include heat-sealable thermoplastic elastomers for welding a cap to the apparatus. Related methods of fabricating such apparatuses and/or housings are also provided.

Abstract: Various analyte sensing apparatuses and associated housings are provided. Some apparatuses comprise one or more caps. Some apparatuses comprise a two-part adhesive patch. Some apparatuses comprise one or more sensor bends configured to locate and/or hold a sensor in place during mounting. Some apparatuses utilize one or more dams and/or wells to retain epoxy for securing a sensor. Some apparatuses utilize a pocket and one or more adjacent areas and various transitions for preventing epoxy from wicking to undesired areas of the apparatus. Some apparatuses include heat-sealable thermoplastic elastomers for welding a cap to the apparatus. Related methods of fabricating such apparatuses and/or housings are also provided.

Abstract: Various analyte sensing apparatuses and associated housings are provided. Some apparatuses comprise one or more caps. Some apparatuses comprise a two-part adhesive patch. Some apparatuses comprise one or more sensor bends configured to locate and/or hold a sensor in place during mounting. Some apparatuses utilize one or more dams and/or wells to retain epoxy for securing a sensor. Some apparatuses utilize a pocket and one or more adjacent areas and various transitions for preventing epoxy from wicking to undesired areas of the apparatus. Some apparatuses include heat-sealable thermoplastic elastomers for welding a cap to the apparatus. Related methods of fabricating such apparatuses and/or housings are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining natural colorants from plant material (e.g., tobacco material) and for using such natural colorants to dye various substrates are provided. Natural colorants are obtained using particular enzymes and particular conditions (e.g., time, temperature, and pH profiles). Such colorants can be used to dye substrates, for example, using conventional dyeing techniques or using unique in situ methods.

Abstract: A method of detecting and responding to a visitor to a smart home environment via an electronic greeting system of the smart home environment, including determining that a visitor is approaching an entryway of the smart home environment; initiating a facial recognition operation while the visitor is approaching the entryway; initiating an observation window in response to the determination that a visitor is approaching the entryway; obtaining context information from one or more sensors of the smart home environment during the observation window; and at the end of the time window, initiating a response to the detected approach of the visitor based on the context information and/or an outcome of the facial recognition operation.

Abstract: A food processing system includes a food processor wherein an initial operation of said food processor is configured to cut a food item in a first, generally vertical direction and a later operation of said food processor is configured to cut said food item in a second direction. The second direction is distinct from the vertical direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are telemetry systems and methods that employ a plurality of electromagnetic transceivers disposed outside a well casing string at a corresponding plurality of depths along the casing string. Each transceiver includes one or more toroidal inductors circumferentially surrounding the casing string and inductively coupled thereto to allow signal transmission between transceivers via currents induced in the casing. In some embodiments, signals are relayed via a chain of transceivers to facilitate indirect communication between a surface facility and other transceivers located too deep for direct communication to the surface.

Abstract: Techniques for live adaptive training in a production system are described. In an example, a training application executed on a workstation receives, based at least in part on an identifier of a user of the workstation, a training module and a trigger rule to present the training module. The training application exchanges, with a workstation application executed on the workstation, data about an event determined by the workstation application. The training application also determines a match between the trigger rule and the event. Based at least in part on the match, the training application initiates a presentation of the training module. In a further example, when the training module is presented, a transition rule may be used by the training application, based on an event from the workstation application, to determine a next training segment from the training module to present.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining natural colorants from plant material (e.g., tobacco material) and for using such natural colorants to dye various substrates are provided. Natural colorants are obtained using particular enzymes and particular conditions (e.g., time, temperature, and pH profiles). Such colorants can be used to dye substrates, for example, using conventional dyeing techniques or using unique in situ methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating haptic stimulations is provided. The apparatus includes one or more pods coupled to a garment, each pod including: (i) an internal structure, and (ii) an airtight bladder surrounding the internal structure, where the bladder is pneumatically coupled to a pneumatic device that is configured to control a pressurized state of the bladder. Each pod is configured to: (i) have a first degree of flexibility when the bladder of the pod is in a first pressurized state; and (ii) have a second degree of flexibility, less than the first degree of flexibility, when the bladder of the pod is in a second pressurized state different from the first pressurized state. Each pod provides a haptic stimulation to a wearer of the garment when the corresponding bladder is in the second pressurized state.