Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein describe generating virtual backgrounds for video communications. A virtual background generator may monitor a user's calendar and/or inbox for meetings. The virtual background generator may analyze the context of calendar invites and/or scheduled meetings to generate one or more virtual backgrounds for a video conference. A first background may be displayed for the video conference. Additionally, the virtual background generator may update the virtual background based on an analysis of one or more topics being discussed during the video conference. Based on the analysis of the one or more topics being discussed, the virtual background generator may generate a second virtual background to replace the first virtual background.

Abstract: A cartridge, in particular a disposable cartridge, for use in an electrowetting sample processing system. The cartridge has a liquid input port for introducing an input liquid into an internal gap of the cartridge, the input liquid providing for at least one droplet, directly or via a liquid separation process within the internal gap, and the internal gap having at least one hydrophobic surface, at least one processing zone for processing samples located in the processing zone, and a delivery zone for delivering the at least one droplet from the liquid input port to the at least one processing zone. The delivery zone is configured to provide a repeating pattern of interacting electrowetting force for simultaneously transporting the at least one droplet within the delivery zone.

Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein describe generating virtual backgrounds for video communications. A virtual background generator may monitor a user's calendar and/or inbox for meetings. The virtual background generator may analyze the context of calendar invites and/or scheduled meetings to generate one or more virtual backgrounds for a video conference. A first background may be displayed for the video conference. Additionally, the virtual background generator may update the virtual background based on an analysis of one or more topics being discussed during the video conference. Based on the analysis of the one or more topics being discussed, the virtual background generator may generate a second virtual background to replace the first virtual background.

Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein describe generating virtual backgrounds for video communications. A virtual background generator may monitor a user's calendar and/or inbox for meetings. The virtual background generator may analyze the context of calendar invites and/or scheduled meetings to generate one or more virtual backgrounds for a video conference. A first background may be displayed for the video conference. Additionally, the virtual background generator may update the virtual background based on an analysis of one or more topics being discussed during the video conference. Based on the analysis of the one or more topics being discussed, the virtual background generator may generate a second virtual background to replace the first virtual background.

Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein describe generating virtual backgrounds for video communications. A virtual background generator may monitor a user's calendar and/or inbox for meetings. The virtual background generator may analyze the context of calendar invites and/or scheduled meetings to generate one or more virtual backgrounds for a video conference. A first background may be displayed for the video conference. Additionally, the virtual background generator may update the virtual background based on an analysis of one or more topics being discussed during the video conference. Based on the analysis of the one or more topics being discussed, the virtual background generator may generate a second virtual background to replace the first virtual background.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes systems and methods for automatically generating a dynamic system context diagram based on machine-readable code. A method can include receiving, at a rules engine, machine-readable code describing interactions among a plurality of applications in software architecture, evaluating, with the rules engine in communication with a system of record (SoR), compliance of the interactions among the plurality of applications according to the SoR, identifying, with the rules engine, and based on compliance evaluation, one or more dependencies among the plurality of applications, generating, with an output engine, a system context diagram image comprising a graphical representation of the plurality of applications with associated interactions and dependencies, and outputting, for display, the system context diagram image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mechanically rotating an aircraft about its center-of-gravity (CG) are disclosed. The system can enable the rear, or main, landing gear to squat, while the nose landing gear raises to generate a positive angle of attack for the aircraft for takeoff or landing. The system can also enable the nose gear and main gear to return to a relatively level fuselage attitude for ground operations. The system can include one or more hydraulically linked hydraulic cylinders to control the overall height of the nose gear and the main gear. Because the hydraulic cylinders are linked, a change on the length of the nose cylinder generates a proportional, and opposite, change in the length of the main cylinder, and vice-versa. A method and control system for monitoring and controlling the relative positions of the nose gear and main gear is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes systems and methods for automatically generating a dynamic system context diagram based on machine-readable code. A method can include receiving, at a rules engine, machine-readable code describing interactions among a plurality of applications in software architecture, evaluating, with the rules engine in communication with a system of record (SoR), compliance of the interactions among the plurality of applications according to the SoR, identifying, with the rules engine, and based on compliance evaluation, one or more dependencies among the plurality of applications, generating, with an output engine, a system context diagram image comprising a graphical representation of the plurality of applications with associated interactions and dependencies, and outputting, for display, the system context diagram image.

Abstract: A coupled landing gear apparatus for an aircraft including at least a nose gear disposed forward of a neutral point of an aircraft by a first distance and at least a main gear disposed aft of the neutral point of the aircraft by a second distance. The at least a nose gear and the at least a main gear are in communication with one another.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes systems and methods for automatically generating a dynamic system context diagram based on machine-readable code. A method can include receiving, at a rules engine, machine-readable code describing interactions among a plurality of applications in software architecture, evaluating, with the rules engine in communication with a system of record (SoR), compliance of the interactions among the plurality of applications according to the SoR, identifying, with the rules engine, and based on compliance evaluation, one or more dependencies among the plurality of applications, generating, with an output engine, a system context diagram image comprising a graphical representation of the plurality of applications with associated interactions and dependencies, and outputting, for display, the system context diagram image.

Abstract: A cartridge, in particular a disposable cartridge, for use in an electrowetting sample processing system. The cartridge has a liquid input port for introducing an input liquid into an internal gap of the cartridge, the input liquid providing for at least one droplet, directly or via a liquid separation process within the internal gap, and the internal gap having at least one hydrophobic surface, at least one processing zone for processing samples located in the processing zone, and a delivery zone for delivering the at least one droplet from the liquid input port to the at least one processing zone. The delivery zone is configured to provide a repeating pattern of interacting electrowetting force for simultaneously transporting the at least one droplet within the delivery zone.

Abstract: Digital microfluidics system with electrodes attached to a PCB has control unit for manipulating liquid droplets by electrowetting, cartridge accommodation site for taking up a disposable cartridge having a working gap in-between two hydrophobic surfaces, and magnetic conduit/backing combination. A barrier element on an individual electrode of the PCB for narrowing the working gap. A disposable cartridge is positioned at the cartridge accommodation site, its flexible working film touching there and of the barrier element an uppermost surface. In the working gap and above a path of selected electrodes a liquid portion or liquid droplet with magnetically responsive beads moves by electrowetting on the electrode path until a magnetic field of the magnetic conduit is reached. The backing magnet is activated before and during the moving to thereby attract and remove magnetically responsive beads therefrom.

Abstract: There is provided a method of assessing a characteristic of a plant (2), comprising: obtaining a training dataset, wherein the training dataset comprises first data characterising a first electrical signal obtained from a first plant during a first time period when a stressor is present in the first plant or a growth environment of the first plant, second data characterising a second electrical signal obtained from the first plant during a second time period when a stressor is not present in the first plant or the growth environment of the first plant, and third data indicative of a characteristic of the first plant during the first time period and a characteristic of the first plant during the second time period; training a machine learning model based upon the training dataset; obtaining a third electrical signal from a second plant; and assessing, using the trained machine learning model, a characteristic of the second plant based upon the third electrical signal.

Abstract: A cartridge, in particular a disposable cartridge, for use in an electrowetting sample processing system. The cartridge has a liquid input port for introducing an input liquid into an internal gap of the cartridge, the input liquid providing for at least one droplet, directly or via a liquid separation process within the internal gap, and the internal gap having at least one hydrophobic surface, at least one processing zone for processing samples located in the processing zone, and a delivery zone for delivering the at least one droplet from the liquid input port to the at least one processing zone. The delivery zone is configured to provide a repeating pattern of interacting electrowetting force for simultaneously transporting the at least one droplet within the delivery zone.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted disc clamping device provides a number of fixture rings preferably concentrically stacked on a fixture body that is moveable in fixture ring stacking direction and actuated by a wedge drive to compensate for varying fixture levels associated with the individual fixture rings and disc standards. Each fixture ring includes a planar flange with a vacuum groove and a central conical portion that rises above the planar flange. The conical portion is defined with a diameter and cone angle such that a disc of corresponding dimensional standard may be readily placed on the fitting fixture ring with the disc bottom being sucked onto the planar flange while the disc hole centers on the conical portion.

Abstract: Systems for automated laser header testing are disclosed. A system can include a base portion, a rotary stage supported by the base portion, at least one testing site supported by the rotary stage, and a plurality of testing stations supported by the base portion and radially arranged about a center point of the rotary stage for testing the laser header. Each testing site can include a testing fixture supported by the testing site. The testing fixture can include an air shield providing an isolated environment for testing the laser header. The testing fixture can further include a heat sink and air ducts for controlling testing conditions. Electrical contact members can releasably contact leads of the laser header and a releasing mechanism releases the leads of the laser header from the electrical contact members.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled system for testing a laser die mounted on a submount is disclosed. The testing system comprises a base having a motor-driven translation platform. The translation platform includes a first testing site having a two-stage temperature control system mounted on a base portion. The temperature control system includes a thermoelectric cooler and a fluid system for circulating a cooling/heating fluid in a circulation block. A mounting portion is also included on the first testing site on which the submount is positioned. The temperature of the mounting portion is controlled by the temperature control system. A probe card having an arm and an electrical contact portion attached to the arm provides a power supply to the submount when the first testing site is aligned with the probe card. An aligner having a lens assembly that is alignable with the first testing site receives an optical signal produced by the laser.

Abstract: A flipper for rotating and positioning a photomask in two flip orientations includes a flip unit rotatably held in a base. The flip unit includes a flip frame in which clamps are preferably spring loaded guided such that the clamps are oppositely and laterally displaceable between engaged positions and parking positions. A stepper motor rotates the flip unit between two flip orientations and positions the flip unit such that opposite inspection sides of the work piece are alternately oriented with respect to a single inspection direction. The flipper may be placed on or adjacent to a stage system of an inspection device. A robotically actuated effector may access the flipper for loading and unloading the work piece. In combination with an effector operating without lift motion, the clamps may feature wedge lift faces to lift the work piece off the effector during their actuation into engaged position.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled system for testing a laser die mounted on a submount is disclosed. The testing system comprises a base having a motor-driven translation platform. The translation platform includes a first testing site having a two-stage temperature control system mounted on a base portion. The temperature control system includes a thermoelectric cooler and a fluid system for circulating a cooling/heating fluid in a circulation block. A mounting portion is also included on the first testing site on which the submount is positioned. The temperature of the mounting portion is controlled by the temperature control system. A probe card having an arm and an electrical contact portion attached to the arm provides a power supply to the submount when the first testing site is aligned with the probe card. An aligner having a lens assembly that is alignable with the first testing site receives an optical signal produced by the laser.

Abstract: Systems for automated laser header testing are disclosed. A system can include a base portion, a rotary stage supported by the base portion, at least one testing site supported by the rotary stage, and a plurality of testing stations supported by the base portion and radially arranged about a center point of the rotary stage for testing the laser header. Each testing site can include a testing fixture supported by the testing site. The testing fixture can include an air shield providing an isolated environment for testing the laser header. The testing fixture can further include a heat sink and air ducts for controlling testing conditions. Electrical contact members can releasably contact leads of the laser header and a releasing mechanism releases the leads of the laser header from the electrical contact members.