Abstract: A method for cloud-based, control-plane-event monitoring includes receiving control-plane events from a cloud-based element associated with a first and a second cloud environment. The received control-plane events are ingested from the cloud-based elements associated with the first and second cloud environments to generate a multiple-source data set from the control-plane events from the cloud-based elements associated with the first and second cloud environments. The multiple-source data set is then evaluated based on attributes of the first and second cloud environments in order to generate a common event data set. The common event data set is then processed using a rule set to generate an outcome.

Abstract: A method for cloud-based, control-plane-event monitoring includes receiving control-plane events from a cloud-based element associated with a first and a second cloud environment. The received control-plane events are ingested from the cloud-based elements associated with the first and second cloud environments to generate a multiple-source data set from the control-plane events from the cloud-based elements associated with the first and second cloud environments. The multiple-source data set is then evaluated based on attributes of the first and second cloud environments in order to generate a common event data set. The common event data set is then processed using a rule set to generate an outcome.

Abstract: A method for cloud-based, control-plane-event monitoring includes receiving control-plane events from a cloud-based element associated with a first and a second cloud environment. The received control-plane events are ingested from the cloud-based elements associated with the first and second cloud environments to generate a multiple-source data set from the control-plane events from the cloud-based elements associated with the first and second cloud environments. The multiple-source data set is then evaluated based on attributes of the first and second cloud environments in order to generate a common event data set. The common event data set is then processed using a rule set to generate an outcome.

Abstract: A mat unit includes a plurality of gaps defined by a first layer that are in open communication with gaps defined by a second layer so as to permit debris to fall entirely through both gaps to pass completely through the mat unit. The mat unit is part of an omnidirectional mat cleaning system that includes a first direction of travel above the mat unit extending through a door opening defined by a building structure. A different second direction of travel is above the mat unit extending through the door opening or another door opening defined by the building structure. The mat unit is installed on a floor adjacent the door opening. The mat unit cleans shoes regardless of the direction of travel traveled above the mat unit.

Abstract: A method for cloud-based, control-plane-event monitoring includes receiving control-plane events from a cloud-based element associated with a first and a second cloud environment. The received control-plane events are ingested from the cloud-based elements associated with the first and second cloud environments to generate a multiple-source data set from the control-plane events from the cloud-based elements associated with the first and second cloud environments. The multiple-source data set is then evaluated based on attributes of the first and second cloud environments in order to generate a common event data set. The common event data set is then processed using a rule set to generate an outcome.

Abstract: A hop picking machine has a conveyor configured to receive hop vines, and a first cutting assembly including a plurality of blade assemblies spaced apart from one another across a width of the conveyor and extending upwardly relative to a plane of the conveyor. The blade assemblies include respective cutter bar members having blades mounted thereon such that the blades are oriented opposite to a direction of travel of the conveyor, and such that hop vines conveyed by the conveyor to the first cutting assembly can be cut by the blades. A second cutting assembly has a plurality of rotatable cutting members configured to receive hop vine segments from the first cutting assembly along the direction of travel of the conveyor.

Abstract: A mat unit includes a plurality of gaps defined by a first layer that are in open communication with gaps defined by a second layer so as to permit debris to fall entirely through both gaps to pass completely through the mat unit. The mat unit is part of an omnidirectional mat cleaning system that includes a first direction of travel above the mat unit extending through a door opening defined by a building structure. A different second direction of travel is above the mat unit extending through the door opening or another door opening defined by the building structure. The mat unit is installed on a floor adjacent the door opening. The mat unit cleans shoes regardless of the direction of travel traveled above the mat unit.

Abstract: A mat unit includes a plurality of gaps defined by a first layer that are in open communication with gaps defined by a second layer so as to permit debris to fall entirely through both gaps to pass completely through the mat unit. The mat unit is part of an omnidirectional mat cleaning system that includes a first direction of travel above the mat unit extending through a door opening defined by a building structure. A different second direction of travel is above the mat unit extending through the door opening or another door opening defined by the building structure. The mat unit is installed on a floor adjacent the door opening. The mat unit cleans shoes regardless of the direction of travel traveled above the mat unit.

Abstract: A mat unit includes a plurality of gaps defined by a first layer that are in open communication with gaps defined by a second layer so as to permit debris to fall entirely through both gaps to pass completely through the mat unit. The mat unit is part of an omnidirectional mat cleaning system that includes a first direction of travel above the mat unit extending through a door opening defined by a building structure. A different second direction of travel is above the mat unit extending through the door opening or another door opening defined by the building structure. The mat unit is installed on a floor adjacent the door opening. The mat unit cleans shoes regardless of the direction of travel traveled above the mat unit.

Abstract: A mat unit is formed from at least two layers ultrasonically welded together. Each layer is individually formed from non-vinyl nontoxic thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. In ultrasonically joining the two layers together, there is no need to use additional materials, such as adhesive (i.e., chemical attachment) or stitched thread (i.e., mechanical attachment) to form the joint/weld point. Once formed from the two layers, the mat unit has four quadrants and a plurality of longitudinal ribs integrally formed in the first layer positioned in the first and third quadrants, and a plurality of transverse ribs integrally formed in the first layer positioned in the second and fourth quadrants. Additionally, there are a plurality of longitudinal ribs integrally formed in the second layer positioned in the second and fourth quadrants, and a plurality of transverse ribs integrally formed in the second layer positioned in the first and third quadrants.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a conveyor configured to receive hop vines, and a first cutting assembly including a plurality of blade assemblies spaced apart from one another across a width of the conveyor and extending upwardly relative to a plane of the conveyor. The blade assemblies include respective cutter bar members having blades mounted thereon such that the blades are oriented opposite to a direction of travel of the conveyor, and such that hop vines conveyed by the conveyor to the first cutting assembly can be cut by the blades. The apparatus further includes a second cutting assembly having a plurality of rotatable cutting members configured to receive hop vine segments from the first cutting assembly along the direction of travel of the conveyor.

Abstract: A mat unit is formed from at least two layers ultrasonically welded together. Each layer is individually formed from non-vinyl nontoxic thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. In ultrasonically joining the two layers together, there is no need to use additional materials, such as adhesive (i.e., chemical attachment) or stitched thread (i.e., mechanical attachment) to form the joint/weld point. Once formed from the two layers, the mat unit has four quadrants and a plurality of longitudinal ribs integrally formed in the first layer positioned in the first and third quadrants, and a plurality of transverse ribs integrally formed in the first layer positioned in the second and fourth quadrants. Additionally, there are a plurality of longitudinal ribs integrally formed in the second layer positioned in the second and fourth quadrants, and a plurality of transverse ribs integrally formed in the second layer positioned in the first and third quadrants.

Abstract: A method determines the three-dimensional position of a playing card at a distance from a gaming table. The method uses modulated signals incorporating different power levels or different frequencies and can be employed as the cards are being dealt or using cards with more than one transponder. The method includes steps of providing each card with at least one transponder that transmits a card identity signal when activated; transmitting an activating signal modulated as to frequency or energy; forming detection zones up to plurality of distances above the gaming table; receiving at a system computer the unique card identity signal; determining a three-dimensional location of the card above the gaming table; recording and displaying the card activity on a computer monitor screen.

Abstract: A radio frequency card tracking system for a gaming table includes a system computer, a deck of playing cards, one or more table antennas, and a transceiver. Each playing card has an antenna, a card identity, and a transponder. Each table antenna has a detection zone at a dealer's card placement position and/or at locations at a gaming table and can transmit and receive radio-frequency signals to and from a card located within the detection zone. The transceiver is coupled with the table antenna and the system computer to provide radio-frequency-energizing signals to the table antenna for transmission to the card located within the detection zone. The transceiver receives card identifying signals from the table antenna and transfers these signals to the system computer. The system computer recognizes the signal duration, receives card identifying signals; determines the card identity associated with the signal, and determines the location of the card.

Abstract: A radio frequency card tracking system for a gaming table includes a system computer, a deck of playing cards, one or more table antennas, and a transceiver. Each playing card has an antenna, a card identity, and a transponder. Each table antenna has a detection zone at a dealer's card placement position and/or at locations at a gaming table and can transmit and receive radio-frequency signals to and from a card located within the detection zone. The transceiver is coupled with the table antenna and the system computer to provide radio-frequency-energizing signals to the table antenna for transmission to the card located within the detection zone. The transceiver receives card identifying signals from the table antenna and transfers these signals to the system computer. The system computer recognizes the signal duration, receives card identifying signals; determines the card identity associated with the signal, and determines the location of the card.

Abstract: A transistor with a gate stack having a metal electrode and a method for forming the same. The method includes providing a structure which includes (a) a substrate, (b) a gate dielectric layer on the substrate, and (c) a gate layer on the gate dielectric layer. The gate layer includes an oxidized layer. The oxidized layer comprises an oxidized material. Then, the structure is exposed to a first plasma resulting in removal of oxygen atoms from molecules of the oxidized material.

Abstract: A playing card for a game is constructed in layers and is electrically conductive through internal electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry is electrically energized to generate an electrical signal that identifies suit and face value of the playing card. The electronic circuitry generates an electrical signal and sends it to an adjacent playing card in a deck. That card in turn appends its indicia to the signal and transmits the new signal to the next card in the deck and so on to the bottom card, thus, preserving the order of the cards. A dealing shoe, a cut-card and an image displaying card may be used in conjunction with the playing cards.

Abstract: Gate oxides having different thicknesses are formed on a semiconductor substrate by forming a first gate oxide on the top surface of the substrate, forming a sacrificial hard mask over a selected area of the first gate oxide; and then forming a second gate oxide. A first poly layer may be formed on the first gate oxide, under the hard mask. After the hard mask is removed, a second poly layer may be formed over the second gate oxide and over the first poly layer. This enables the use of high-k dielectric materials, and the first gate oxide can be thinner than the second gate oxide.