Abstract: A computerized method for determining an operability status of a ball-throwing machine is disclosed that includes operations of obtaining sensor data collected by a sensor during deployment of the ball-throwing machine to perform operations according to a training program including launching a series of balls, wherein the sensor is disposed on the ball-throwing machine, parsing the sensor data into segments, comparing the segments to a sequence of predetermined signatures, wherein the sequence of the predetermined signatures is ordered according to actions specified by the training program, and wherein the predetermined signatures represent known sensor data values for the operations performed according to the training program, and when at least a first threshold percentage of the segments are indicated as being inconsistent with the sequence of predetermined signatures, determining that the ball-throwing machine is operating abnormally.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine is disclosed that includes one or more launch wheels configured to impart motion to one or more balls, a frame attached to the one or more launch wheels, and a control circuit configured to control the one or more launch wheels. The control circuit includes a processor, non-transitory, computer-readable medium having logic stored thereon, and one or more operational sensors, where the one or more operational sensors are configured to obtain data pertaining to operation of the ball-throwing machine including a launch of a first ball of the one or more balls. In some instances, imparting motion to the one or more balls includes rotating the one or more launch wheels to cause delivery of the one or more balls to a player, wherein the one or more balls are one or more soccer balls.

Abstract: A computerized method for determining an operability status of a ball-throwing machine is disclosed. The computerized method includes operations of obtaining data from operational sensors of the ball-throwing machine collected during operation thereof, and determining the operability status of the ball-throwing machine from the collected data. The operational sensors may be disposed on the ball-throwing machine. Operation of the ball-throwing machine includes performance of a series of ball-launch sequences resulting in launching a series of balls according to a training program. The ball-throwing machine may include one or more launch wheels configured to launch one or more balls by imparting motion thereto, a frame to which the one or more launch wheels are coupled, and a control circuit configured to control the one or more launch wheels and including a processor.

Abstract: A computerized method for determining an operability status of a ball-throwing machine is disclosed. The method includes operations of obtaining sensor data collected by a sensor during deployment of the ball-throwing machine to perform operations according to a training program, wherein the sensor is disposed on the ball-throwing machine, deploying a trained machine learning model on the sensor data resulting in a classification of a current operability status of the ball-throwing machine or a prediction of a future operability status of the ball-throwing machine, and generating an alert when the classification indicates that the ball-throwing machine is operating abnormally or the prediction indicates the ball-throwing machine is predicted to operate abnormally.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine is disclosed that includes one or more launch wheels configured to impart motion to one or more balls, a frame to which the one or more launch wheels couple, wherein a staging area is formed within the frame adjacent the one or more launch wheels, a ball-sensor, and a control circuit configured to control the one or more launch wheels. The control circuit includes a processor, and non-transitory, computer-readable medium having logic stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause performance of operations including: receiving ball-sensor data from the ball-sensor, and determining whether a ball is present within the staging area based on the ball-sensor data. In some instances, the ball-sensor is an optical sensor configured to project a light signal into the staging area and detect a reflected light signal when the ball is present within the staging area.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine is disclosed that includes one or more launch wheels configured to impart motion to one or more balls, a wheel motor coupled to each of the one or more launch wheels, a first encoder coupled to a first wheel motor coupled to a first launch wheel, a frame attached to the one or more launch wheels, and a control circuit configured to control the one or more launch wheels. In some instances, the control circuit includes a processor, and non-transitory, computer-readable medium having logic stored thereon, wherein the logic, upon execution by the processor, is configured to cause performance of operations including: receiving wheel motor data from the first encoder, wherein the wheel motor data includes a log of revolutions per minute of the first wheel motor, and detect whether a first ball was launched based on a variation in the wheel motor data.

Abstract: A bottom bracket assembly with interconnected axle and crank arms. Each end of the axle has a plurality of angled surfaces and a recess formed with a depth through at least the axle perimeter and at least partially around the perimeter of the axle. Each crank arm has a slot formed a distance along the length such that the end of the crank arm is separated into two deflectable jaws. A bore is formed orthogonal to the slot and a fastener is installed in the bore, wherein the fastener has a length to span the slot in the crank arm to engage both deflectable jaws. The fastener has a shank radius that extends to a depth of the recess. Removal of the crank arm from the axle end is opposed when the fastener is in the bore.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to storage boxes commonly used to organize and store items such as school-related supplies that may be carried by a student. The storage boxes generally include a lid and a base. The base optionally includes a divider which provides for two or more storage portions within an interior of the base, while also acting as a functional grip on the outside of the box. A latch mechanism is provided which securely latches the lid and base together in a closed configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to tufted floorcovering articles, including carpet tiles and broadloom carpet. In particular, this invention relates to tufted floorcovering articles made from the family of polymers known as polyester. Specifically, this invention relates to tufted carpet tile products made from polyester. The polyester carpet tiles meet commercial performance specifications and are fully end-of-life recyclable.

Abstract: Described is phased metalens depth of focus increase for camera focusing. An objective camera lens is configured to provide a focus window across multiple radial zones within a field of view. A camera imager is configured to capture an image of the field of view. When at least two of the radial zones have different back focal lengths relative the imager and the objective lens, a phased metalens is positioned between the objective lens and the camera imager. The metalens is configured to compensate for defocus caused by the different back focal lengths by increasing, across the radial zones within the field of view, a depth of the focus window. The metalens improves focus across the field of view, which prevents variations in objective lens characteristics from reducing image quality.

Abstract: Acoustic waveguides can be used to improve audio performance of playback devices, such as a soundbar. Such a playback device can include an elongated body defining an outer perimeter with a forward surface, an upper surface, and a rounded edge between the forward surface and the upper surface. An up-firing transducer is configured to direct sound along an axis that has a vertical oblique angle with respect to a forward axis. A waveguide in fluid communication with the up-firing transducer includes a sidewall extending circumferentially around the transducer, the sidewall having a first end adjacent the up-firing transducer and a second end adjacent the outer perimeter, such that an opening defined by the sidewall has a larger area at the second end than at the first end. A rear portion of the sidewall is more steeply angled with respect to the axis than a forward portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: A skate blade alignment system used to align a skate blade sharpening system. The skate alignment system can align a grinding wheel for sharpening a skate blade secured within the skate blade sharpening system. A controller can enable alignment operations and control an alignment process.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computer system for accessing content on a web page. The method accesses a displayed web page in a web browser of a user computing device and receives a search term for content within the web page. The method accesses contextual information held locally on the user computing device and scans the web page to identify one or more portions of content of the web page relevant to the search term and the contextual information. The method provides a display on the user computing device with links to the relevant web page content.

Abstract: This invention relates to tufted floorcovering articles, including carpet tiles and broadloom carpet. In particular, this invention relates to tufted floorcovering articles made from the family of polymers known as polyester. Specifically, this invention relates to tufted carpet tile products made from polyester. The polyester carpet tiles meet commercial performance specifications and are fully end-of-life recyclable.

Abstract: There is provided a spray unit for a remotely operable spray apparatus. The spray unit is configured to spray a material having first and second material components. The spray unit comprises a first material inlet for receiving the first material component, a second material inlet for receiving the second material component, and a spray component comprising a mixing chamber and a spray orifice. The spray component is movable between a spraying position in which the mixing chamber is in communication with the first and second material inlets such that the first and second material components enter the mixing chamber and are sprayed via the spray orifice, and a non-spraying position in which the mixing chamber is closed from the first and second material inlets. The spray unit further includes a pneumatic actuator operable to move the spray component between the spraying position and the non-spraying position, and a remotely operable electric actuator arranged to control operation of the pneumatic actuator.

Abstract: A bicycle safety enhancement device includes an elongated member having a distal portion mountable to a bicycle handlebar. A proximity sensor is coupled to a proximal portion of the elongated member and is arranged so that when the elongated member is mounted to a handlebar of a bicycle being ridden by a cyclist, the ultrasonic sensor detects objects adjacent to and/or behind the bicycle and which come within a prescribed distance of the bicycle. An illumination source is coupled to the proximal portion of the elongated member. The illumination source provides a visible warning signal directed toward the detected object when the elongated member is mounted to the handlebar of the bicycle. A camera is coupled to the proximal portion of the elongated member and is arranged to capture images of the detected object as the detected object passes in front of the bicycle being ridden by the cyclist.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to docking stations for accommodating multiple types of micromobility vehicles, for interacting with different users, and for operating securely under low-power constraints are disclosed. A low-power docking station may include a housing having walls defining a vehicle opening, and a latching receiver to engage with a latching mount of the micromobility vehicle when it is positioned in the vehicle opening. The docking station can further include a movable hook having a retention feature and a movable latch having a latching protrusion and a receiving feature. The receiving feature can be configured to receive the latching mount when the latching mount is advanced into the receiving feature, and in response to the receiving feature receiving the latching mount, the movable latch can move such that the latching protrusion of the movable latch is retained by the retention feature of the movable hook.

Abstract: This invention relates to tufted floorcovering articles, including carpet tiles and broadloom carpet. In particular, this invention relates to tufted floorcovering articles made from the family of polymers known as polyester. Specifically, this invention relates to tufted carpet tile products made from polyester. The polyester carpet tiles meet commercial performance specifications and are fully end-of-life recyclable.