Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for the rapid processing and analysis of samples. In particular, a small-volume sample (e.g., nucleic acid sample) is exposed to (e.g., contacted with) different temperature zones within a device to process (e.g., amplify) and/or analyze (e.g., quantitate) the sample in an assay.

Abstract: A point-of-sale system is provided. The point of sale system receives map data that includes a plurality of dining locations in a dining environment, collects image information captured by a mobile device of a user in which the image information includes an image associated with a dining location of the user within the dining environment, determines the dining location of the user based on the collected image information and the map data, and transmits, to the mobile device, payment information for the dining location of the user. A payment method is also provided.

Abstract: A protective mesh system for distributing electrical power. The protective mesh system may include a body that supports and positions a protective mesh within its outer edges. The protective mesh may be of a single polarity and includes conductors and circuit opening devices. The protective mesh may provide for connecting to one or more power devices. One or more connectors may be electrically connected to the protective mesh and positioned along one or more of the edges of the body. The connectors may provide for connecting to an external power source.

Abstract: A data store to store and access digital records is provided, and a key object record is initialized in the data store to store data associated with a physical key object. A digital fingerprint of the physical key object is stored in the key object record. Another digital record is created in the data store that is not the key object record. The digital record is linked to the digital fingerprint of the physical key object. The linking is arranged to provide secure control access to the linked digital record. A tendered access key is received via a programmatic interface or user interface, and the data store is queried based on the tendered access key to identify a matching digital fingerprint of a key object. In a case that the querying identifies the matching digital fingerprint of the key object within a prescribed level of confidence, access to the linked digital record secured by the key object is granted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for device integration in augmented reality environments are disclosed. For example, prior to an AR session being initiated, smart devices within a physical environment where the AR session is to be utilized may be identified and selected based on the functionality of the smart devices and the capabilities of an AR application associated with the AR session. Location information about the smart devices may also be determined and this information may be utilized to generate configuration data, which may be used by the AR application to cause device state transitions on the smart devices in response to events that occur in an AR environment of the AR session.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering a product design associated with a foldable or other type of product are disclosed. According to certain aspects, an electronic device may display a foldable product within a product preview area, where the electronic device may animate the foldable product going from a folded state to an unfolded state, and vice-versa. In animating the foldable product, the electronic device may adjust the product within the product preview area and adjust a viewpoint so that the product is accurately and effectively reflected within the product preview area for a user to make an informed decision on whether to purchase the product.

Abstract: A method may include obtaining a first video data including sign language originating at a first device during a communication session, obtaining one or more features from the first video data, and determining one or more matching functions from the one or more features. The method may further include determining, using a language model, a first set of one or more symbols from the one or more matching functions, and determining a second set of one or more symbols from the first set of one or more symbols.

Abstract: Transaction account holders are able to attach additional data to a transaction in concert with the transaction being initiated, prior to the merchant posting the transaction. Transaction account holders do not have to wait and/or opt for an external service provider to assist with the compiling and/or attaching of data at a later point in time (e.g., after the merchant posts the transaction). Transaction account holders may upload and access electronic receipts associated with a transaction authorization almost immediately after the sale and/or authorization of the transaction.

Abstract: Inventive concepts disclosed herein relate systems, methods, and computer-readable media for detecting a leakage condition. A container integrity system can obtain sensor data associated with a sensor pad placed on or integrated with shelves or similar surfaces. Containers or items susceptible to leakage can be positioned on the sensor pad, and sensors distributed throughout the sensor pad can measure force profiles exerted by the items. Using the sensor data from the sensor pad, the container integrity system can identify the presence or absence of a leakage condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for coordinating and executing bidirectional energy transfer events between electrified vehicles and one or more participating electrified recreational vehicles. Energy may be transferred from an electrified vehicle to one or more electrified recreational vehicles, from the one or more electrified recreational vehicles to the electrified vehicle, or both during bidirectional energy transfer events. The proposed systems and methods may further be configured to provide various charging configurations between the electrified vehicle and the one or more electrified recreational vehicles.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a first closure panel of the vehicle operable between open and closed positions, a second closure panel of the vehicle operable between open and closed positions, at least one sensor that is coupled to the first closure panel and that detects precipitation, and a controller that prompts movement of the first closure panel from a first open position to a second open position based on the detected precipitation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to techniques for dynamic secondary content insertion into streaming content. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for efficient transcoding and insertion of transcoded secondary content (e.g., advertisements or “ads”) into streamed primary content. Transcoded versions of content are associated and stored with a mezzanine version content identifier. Secondary content selection/insertion indications may use this identifier to select a secondary content independent of a particular transcoded version.

Abstract: Compositions promote restful sleep and/or to a feeling of restful sleep. Specifically, the compositions of the present invention comprise a combination of hops extract, magnolia bark extract, melatonin, magnesium, rhodiola extract, L-theanine, vitamin B6, and spearmint extract and/or green tea extract to promote restful sleep and/or a feeling of restful sleep in an individual or animal. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.

Abstract: The present technology provides a system for monitoring quorum-sensing in bacteria comprising bacteria that release at least one membrane-lytic toxin when the bacteria are at a quorum-sensing density; synthetic lipid vesicles comprising an environmentally sensitive indicator, wherein the synthetic lipid vesicles release the environmentally sensitive dye in the presence of an effective amount of the membrane-lytic toxins; and a growth medium; wherein the bacteria and synthetic lipid vesicles are in contact with the growth medium. Methods using the system and compounds discovered with the system (e.g., compounds of Formulas I and II) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present technology provides a system for monitoring quorum-sensing in bacteria comprising bacteria that release at least one membrane-lytic toxin when the bacteria are at a quorum-sensing density; synthetic lipid vesicles comprising an environmentally sensitive indicator, wherein the synthetic lipid vesicles release the environmentally sensitive dye in the presence of an effective amount of the membrane-lytic toxins; and a growth medium; wherein the bacteria and synthetic lipid vesicles are in contact with the growth medium. Methods using the system and compounds discovered with the system (e.g., compounds of Formulas I and II) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cantilevered imaging modality wearable optical systems that provide for optimal ergonomics coupled with vision enhancement and vision magnification. Methods of use, devices, and kits are also contemplated.

Abstract: Approaches to loading explosives into blast holes to provide increased explosive density can involve loading the hole with a detonable charge in which energetic material is arranged into zones of differing densities. Related systems and methods may provide for parallel independent streams of energetic material having differing densities and delivering the differentiated streams into a bore hole so as to create an explosive charge therein having a particular geometric arrangement of material from the respective streams.

Abstract: A backlight includes a substrate, a plurality of light sources proximate the substrate, a first reflective layer on the substrate, and a plurality of patterned reflectors over the plurality of light sources. Each light source includes a size measured in a plane parallel to the substrate. Each patterned reflector is aligned with a corresponding light source and includes a thickness profile. The thickness profile includes a substantially flat section and a curved section extending from and surrounding the substantially flat section. The substantially flat section varies in thickness by no more than plus or minus 20 percent of an average thickness of the substantially flat section. The substantially flat section includes a size in a plane parallel to the substrate equal to or greater than the size of each light source.