Abstract: A modular step that may be composed of a fiber reinforced thermoplastic, metal, or other material. An embodiment of the modular step has a body and two flanges and is configured in size and shape to be detachably affixed to a window well. The modular step mates to the window using a friction fit, mechanical fasteners or tabs/slots. Multiple modular steps can be attached to a single window well. The modular step can be used to facilitate egress through a window well and improves the visual aesthetics of a window well. Another embodiment of the modular step includes a body and a plurality of flanges and is configured in size and shape to be detachably affixed to a window well, wherein the modular step includes one and only one rung, with the plurality of flanges including two and only two flanges on either side of the rung.

Abstract: A self-storage facility. The facility comprises a first set of commercial containers forming a first level of storage volume and a second set of commercial containers, atop the first set, forming a second level of storage volume.

Abstract: A polyaxial rod connector comprising a body having an external surface. The connector body is intersected by an imaginary first reference plane and an imaginary second reference plane perpendicular to the first plane. The first body portion is on one side of the first plane and defines a first spinal rod passage defining a first passage axis and a first set screw opening defining a first axis perpendicular to the first passage axis. A second body portion is adjoined to the first body portion, defining a second spiral rod passage defining a plurality of passage axes, and a second set screw opening defining a second axis perpendicular to the plurality of second passage axes. The first passage axis is non-parallel with one of second passage axes in the second plane. Either the first or second spinal rod passage have an hourglass shaped cross-section parallel to the second plane.

Abstract: A phone grip attachment includes a base configured for attachment to a phone and a finger-hold attached to the base. The finger-hold has a top member and a bottom member. The finger-hold is movable between an extended position in which an opening is defined between the top member and the bottom member for use in gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top member is substantially flat against the bottom member. The finger-hold can be biased to the extended position. The finger-hold can be rotatably attached to the base.

Abstract: Described herein is a waveguide that is configured to be soldered to a printed circuit board (PCB) via one or more metallic portions disposed thereon. Additionally, the waveguide may have solder disposed within through holes that is configured to conduct heat from one or more components of the PCB when the waveguide is mounted to the PCB. Also described herein is an assembly comprising the waveguide soldered to the PCB via solder between the metallic portions of the waveguide and metallic portions of the PCB. Techniques for producing the waveguide and the assembly are also described herein. By soldering the waveguide to the PCB, an inexpensive, precise, and secure mechanical bonding may be achieved while electrically sealing features of the waveguide and/or components of the PCB. Furthermore, the solder within the through holes allows for better heat conduction through the waveguide.

Abstract: A device for converting a consumable into an aerosol with high heat without burning the consumable by packaging the consumable containing an internal susceptor inside an encasement with an induction heating element wrapped around the consumable-containing package to heat the susceptor using the induction heating element. Combustion of the consumable-containing package can be minimized by limiting air inside the consumable-containing package by compressing the consumable.

Abstract: An e-commerce backbone system for facilitating a unified marketplace for unique items includes: a dealer system interface configured to communicate over a computer network with a plurality of dealer marketplace systems; a normalization engine configured to: translate data received from the plurality of dealer marketplace systems into data compliant with a standardized data model; and translate data sent to the plurality of dealer marketplace systems from data compliant with the standardized data model into data compliant with requirements of each individual dealer marketplace system; a dealer mappings database configured to store mappings that define translation methods for each individual dealer marketplace system; and a marketplace application programming interface (API) engine configured to present an API for sending and receiving data from one or more unified marketplace systems.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for measuring similarity of and generating recommendations for unique items. A recommendation system for generating recommendations of alternative unique items comprises an items information database, a penalty computation engine, a recommendation compilation engine, and one or more computers, wherein the penalty computation engine comprises a customizations filter, a condition filter, and a dissimilarity penalty calculator.

Abstract: A process and system for effective treatment of a water stream containing dissolved metal contaminants. The process and system employ the electrocoagulation principle to enable precipitation of the dissolved metal contaminants and provide sufficient residence time for completion of the precipitation process so that flocs of the dissolved metal contaminants that can be easily separated are generated thereby resulting in effective treatment of the water stream.

Abstract: A tulip head extender includes a body comprising a first arm, a second arm, a first end, and a second end, the first and second arms each having an inside surface including internal threading; a first side extending downwardly from the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm, the first side forming a first channel; and a second side extending downwardly from the second end of the first arm and the second end of the second arm, the second side forming a second channel, the second side spaced apart a distance SW from the first side and configured to receive a tulip head of a bone anchor therebetween. The first and second channels are axially aligned with each other, and the body includes an inwardly extending surface configured to abut a top surface of a tulip head.

Abstract: A storage facility. The facility comprises a plurality of load-bearing containers located at a single facility. The facility further comprises a climate controlled enclosure comprising a skin and providing a volume around the plurality of load-bearing containers. The climate controlled enclosure further comprises a ceiling above and positioned to shield an uppermost level of the plurality of load-bearing containers from outdoor environmental exposure.

Abstract: A welding device may include a weld head. A welding device may include a positive welding electrode connected to the weld head. A welding device may include a positive electromagnetic actuator connected to the positive welding electrode. A welding device may include a positive position sensor configured to detect a position of the positive welding electrode. A welding device may include a positive force sensor configured to detect a force applied by the positive welding electrode. A welding device may include a negative welding electrode connected to the weld head. A welding device may include a negative electromagnetic actuator connected to the negative welding electrode. A welding device may include a negative position sensor configured to detect a position of the negative welding electrode. A welding device may include a negative force sensor configured to detect a force applied by the negative welding electrode.

Abstract: A polyaxial rod connector comprising a body having an external surface. The connector body is intersected by an imaginary first reference plane and an imaginary second reference plane perpendicular to the first plane. The first body portion is on one side of the first plane and defines a first spinal rod passage defining a first passage axis and a first set screw opening defining a first axis perpendicular to the first passage axis. A second body portion is adjoined to the first body portion, defining a second spinal rod passage defining a plurality of passage axes, and a second set screw opening defining a second axis perpendicular to the plurality of second passage axes. The first passage axis is non-parallel with one of second passage axes in the second plane. Either the first or second spinal rod passage have an hourglass shaped cross-section parallel to the second plane.

Abstract: Described is a method for extraction of a region of interest (ROI) from a composite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) phase history data. The method comprising receiving, with a system comprising a processor, the composite SAR phase history data of a plurality of backscattered return signals produced by a SAR system illuminating a scene with a SAR beam. The method also comprises obtaining a location of a first ROI within the scene and extracting from the composite SAR phase history data a first component SAR phase history data corresponding to the ROI at the location of the ROI.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for constructing a flange on a pipe using an additive manufacturing process, such as directed energy deposition, powder bed fusion, friction-stir, or diode laser cladding. The flange can be constructed on a pipe comprising an oxide dispersion strengthen or nickel-based alloys, in particular a precipitation strengthened nickel-based alloy, such that the pipe maintains its inherent mechanical and metallurgical properties, including hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, fracture toughness, creep strength, fatigue, which would otherwise be reduced based upon typical welding of a flange to the end of the pipe. The flange can be constructed around the exterior of a pipe at the end of the pipe to allow use of the flange in connecting the pipe via bolting to other piping components, such as another pipe with a corresponding flange, a valve flange, a pump flange, or any other type of flange.

Abstract: A heated seat for an aircraft includes a heating element disposed on a cushioning material and overlayed by an upholstery. The heating element includes a flexible base and a plurality of thin and flexible heating coils that conform to the seat shape such that no cushioning material is applied between the heating element and the upholstery. By providing direct contact between the heating element and the upholstery, smaller heating elements requiring less electrical power may be used to sufficiently heat the seat compared with traditional heating elements.

Abstract: An electrical connector including a housing defining an interior cavity and extending from a mounting end to an engagement end, and at least one signal component disposed within the interior cavity of the housing. The housing is formed from a conductive composite material and engages the at least one signal component to shield the interior cavity.