Abstract: A rim for a bicycle wheel includes a radially inner portion disposed along an inner circumference of the rim, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend radially outward from the radially inner portion. The rim also includes a radially outer tire engaging portion disposed along an outer circumference of the rim. The radially outer tire engaging portion extends from the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively. The rim also includes an opening through the radially inner portion at a first circumferential position along the inner circumference. An air valve of the bicycle wheel is positionable through the opening. The rim also includes a receptacle for a sensor device within the radially inner portion at a second circumferential position along the inner circumference. The second circumferential position is different than the first circumferential position.

Abstract: A node of a database system is operable to determine, at a first time, to prepare for a shutdown. The shutdown of the node is performed at a second time that is a period of time after the first time based on the node delaying the shutdown until a plurality of currently running processes being run by the node that initiated prior to the first time are determined to be complete. During the period of time after the first time and prior to performing the shutdown, a set of new processing requests are rejected by the node.

Abstract: An electronic bingo gaming system enables the entertainment mechanisms in Class II gaming machines to mimic the look and feel of the Class III games on which those entertainment mechanisms are based. The system is constructed to minimize any wait times by players that commence a bingo game or join a bingo game already in progress. To create consistency in what players are hoping to see on their bingo cards, the bingo game may use a single interim prize pattern required to win an interim prize that is the same for all players.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure improve the functionality of electronic messaging and imaging software and systems by generating and displaying media overlays with avatars of different users. For example, media overlays can be generated by the system and displayed in conjunction with media content (e.g., images and/or video) generated by an image-capturing device (e.g., a digital camera).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of microbes, cell culture systems and microfluidic fluidic systems for use in providing a human Intestine On-Chip with optimal intestinal motility. More specifically, in some embodiments, a microfluidic chip containing intestinal epithelial cells co-cultured with intestinal endothelial cells in the presence of bacteria, such as probiotic bacteria, may find use in providing an Intestine-On-Chip for testing intestinal motility function. In some embodiments, an Intestine On-Chip may be used for identifying (testing) therapeutic compounds continuing probiotic microbes or compounds for inducing intestinal motility for use in treating gastrointestinal disorders or diseases related to intestinal function.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a resistance unit having a connecting gear. It further includes a cable. It further includes an arm that routes the cable to an actuator. The arm is rotatable relative to the resistance unit about the connecting gear, the arm having a central axis. The arm includes a control that mechanically disengages a locking mechanism from the connecting gear. The control is activated by an activation force substantially directed either toward the central axis of the arm, along a length of the arm, or about the central axis. The activation force is mechanically converted into linear force along the arm that disengages the locking mechanism from the connecting gear.

Abstract: A platform and components for an automated consumer retail utility marketplace are provided, including components for machine learning, components for gamification, and components for supporting a related consumer mobile application that enables improved visibility and control by a consumer over its interaction with energy markets.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure improve the functionality of electronic messaging and imaging software and systems by generating and displaying media overlays with avatars of different users. For example, media overlays can be generated by the system and displayed in conjunction with media content (e.g., images and/or video) generated by an image-capturing device (e.g., a digital camera).

Abstract: A hierarchical modular arbitration architecture for a mobile platform guidance system is disclosed. In embodiments, the architecture comprises a hierarchy of arbitration layers, each arbitration layer narrower in scope than the layer above (e.g., mission objective arbitrators, route arbitrators, path arbitrators). Each arbitration layer includes one or more objective-based arbitrators in communication with one or more applications or modes. Each arbitrator receives control input (e.g., from the pilot, from aircraft sensors) and control signals from the level above, selecting a mode to make active based on decision agents within the arbitrator layer which control mode priorities and sequencing (e.g., some flight objectives may involve multiple arbitrators and their subject applications coordinating in sequence).

Abstract: An inspection vehicle for an attraction system of an amusement park includes one or more bogies configured to engage with a path of the attraction system, a sensor configured to capture imagery of the path, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to receive data indicative of a detected marker, determine a path section at which the inspection vehicle is located based on the detected marker, determine target imagery associated with the path section, receive captured imagery from the sensor, and output a control signal in response to determining a difference between captured imagery received from the sensor and the target imagery is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a modular high power bi-directional half bridge buck/boost converter assembly and, in particular, to a system for converting power from one form of current (either AC or DC) to a differing level of voltage, either lower (buck) or higher (boost), to output a wave signal based on pulse wave modulation (PWM) switching control by means of an external digital controller and methods of operation. In particular, an inverter-converter system includes at least one half bridge module including a plurality of circuit components, at least one inductor which is connected to the at least one half bridge module and a power supply, and a controller which is configured to receive and send instructions to the at least one half bridge module for converting an input voltage to an output voltage and dynamically tune switching frequencies based on a load of the inverter-converter system.

Abstract: An attraction system includes a display that operates to present augmented reality and/or virtual reality (AR/VR) imagery to a guest in an interactive space. The system includes an audio controller that operates an array of speakers that are distributed throughout the interactive space and a controller having one or more processors. The one or more processors are operable to receive data indicative of a state of the guest (e.g., an action, movement, or gesture of the guest, an input received from an input device). The one or more processors are also operable to adjust the AR/VR imagery in response to the state of the guest, and instruct the audio controller to operate the array of the speakers to provide interactive audio based on the state of the guest and such that the interactive audio presents to the guest as though originating from a dynamic portion of the AR/VR imagery.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an associative polymer, a powder, a process for forming a paper sheet, and a process for making a powder. One or more associative polymers and one or more optional surfactants may be networked to form a wet gel and a powder may be formed from the wet gel. The associative polymer may have a weight average molecular weight of from about 10 kDa to about 2,000 kDa. A method may involve adding the powder to a cellulose fiber slurry, draining the cellulose fiber slurry to form a fiber pad, and drying the fiber pad to form a paper sheet.

Abstract: A process and article for carbon sequestration including inducing a negative buoyancy in a carbon source with a non-buoyant material and submerging the carbon source into an aqueous anoxic environment. The negative buoyancy may be induced by bundling or baling the carbon source or by mixing it with a slurry.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for protecting a network from network discovery by an unknown or unauthenticated device. A network element, according to one implementation, is arranged in a communication network and includes an interface device configured to enable communication with an unknown network device. The network element also includes a memory system configured to store first and second sets of network information. The first set of network information includes fake information about the network and is configured to deceive the unknown network device before a procedure is performed for analyzing the authentication of the unknown network device. The second set of network information includes real information about the network. In some cases, the first set of network information may be provided to the unknown network device via the interface device before performing the procedure for analyzing the authentication of the unknown network device.

Abstract: Fire-resistant overlays, panels, and processes for making and using same. The fire-resistant overlay can include a fiber mat that can include a plurality of fibers secured to one another. The fire-resistant overlay can include a coating disposed on at least one of a first and a second side thereof. The coating can include a blowing agent and an at least partially cured intumescent resin. When a side of the fiber mat that includes the coating disposed thereon is subjected to a modified ASTM D6413-99 test, where the test is modified by using a run time of 5 minutes instead of 12 seconds, a char can be produced. The char can have a density of about 0.05 g/cm3 to about 0.2 g/cm3, a length of about 8.8 cm to about 10.2, a height of about 1.25 cm to about 2.5 cm, and an expansion ratio of about 10 to about 17.5.

Abstract: The invention provides an associative polymer, a powder, and a process for making a powder including, networking one or more associative polymers and one or more optional surfactants to form a wet gel, and forming a powder from the wet gel, wherein the associative polymer(s) have a weight average molecular weight of from about 10 kDa to about 2,000 kDa.

Abstract: Systems and methods include receiving a request for a path in a network including a plurality of network elements interconnected to one another via links, wherein the request includes values for a plurality of criteria, wherein the plurality of criteria include one or more of trust, privacy, and secrecy; utilizing a multi-criteria path selection process to determine the path through the plurality of network elements over the links based on the plurality of criteria and the associated values; and providing a display of the determined path in a network map. The trust quantifies trustworthiness of each link in the network and the values of trust are any of a rating and a selection for inclusion or exclusion, the privacy quantifies a number of the links the network path is routed over for network obfuscation, and the secrecy quantifies a level of encryption utilized on the links.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mitigating network attacks include, responsive to detection of malicious traffic in a network, causing creation of an isolated network slice in the network where the isolated network slice is a set of connection resources that are allocated to a flow of traffic and that spans a plurality of network devices in the network; and causing rerouting of the malicious traffic from a source node of the malicious traffic to a deceptive network resource along the isolated network slice.