Abstract: A tracking system for communicating real-time information concerning a cargo load on a cargo handling system to a third party is disclosed. In various embodiments, the system includes a processor; a first communication link connecting the processor to the cargo handling system, the cargo handling system including a plurality of sensing agents configured to monitor a status of the cargo load; and a second communication link connecting the processor to the third party, where the processor is configured to receive a first load status data from the cargo handling system over the first communication link and to transmit a second load status data to the third party over the second communication link.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a system autonomy level of a cargo handling system configured for autonomous control by a processor is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes receiving by the processor a sensor database from a plurality of sensing agents in operable communication with the processor; determining by the processor a confidence level based on the sensor database; and adjusting by the processor the system autonomy level for continued operation of the cargo handling system.

Abstract: A cargo handling system configured for autonomous control is disclosed, including, for example a plurality of power drive units, the plurality of power drive units configured to convey a plurality of objects over a conveyance surface; a plurality of sensing agents, the plurality of sensing agents configured to transmit a run-time database from the plurality of sensing agents, the run-time database including data from which a positioning of the plurality of objects on the cargo handling system may be determined; and a distributed control system in operable communication with the plurality of sensing agents and the plurality of power drive units, the distributed control system including a supervisory control processor configured to provide an estimate of a current state of the plurality of objects and an actuator control processor configured to control the plurality of power drive units based on the current state of the plurality of objects.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a fluid flow connection includes a pair of complementary components having respective first and second flow passages, and respective formations engageable to join the components by press-fitting them together so that the passages are in fluid flow communication and the junction between them is sealed against leakage up to a pre-determined pressure of the fluid flow. The respective formations comprise, on one hand, a spike (30) including at least a portion (32) of the first flow passage opening at a tip (31) of the spike and a first guide surface (29) about the spike, and, on the other hand, a body (41) with a passageway (42) that, when the components are press-fitted together, sealingly receives the spike, and a second guide surface (47) about the passageway that slidingly engages the first guide surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the current invention include a hydrogel formed from crosslinked polyethylene glycol into which acrylated glucose oxidase has been immobilized through crosslinking to the gel. These hydrogels can be used to create hypoxia under ambient conditions for at least 72 hours and can be used to create hypoxic gradients. These embodiments permit the study of cells under a variety of hypoxic conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a poured-in-place protective surface, such as can be installed at a playground. The protective surface includes an impact-attenuation or cushion layer, which comprises a blend of (a) a rubber chunk component made up of granules of reclaimed rubber, the reclaimed rubber being from non-tire sources; (b) a tire buffings component; and (c) a binder. The ratio of rubber chunk component to tire buffings component is selected to be between 1.25:1 and 10:1, and more particularly between 1.25:1 and 5:1.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for authenticating and authorizing users using quantum key distribution through segmented quantum computing environments. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a first and second plaintext data input from a first party and from a second party, respectively; applying a quantum computation translation operation to the first and second plaintext data inputs to generate a corresponding first sequence of quantum computations and a second sequence of quantum computations; implementing the first and second sequence of quantum computations in a first and second segmented quantum computing environment, respectively, to obtain a first and second sequence of measurement results; generating a first and second encryption key using the first and second sequence of measurement results, respectively, and an encrypted authorization token using the second encryption key; and sending the first encryption key to the first party, and the encrypted authorization token to the second party.

Abstract: An integrated security system is described comprising a gateway located at a first location. The gateway includes a takeover component that establishes a coupling with a first controller of a security system installed at the first location. The security system includes security system components coupled to the first controller. The takeover component automatically extracts security data of the security system from the first controller. The gateway automatically transfers the security data extracted from the controller to a second controller. The second controller is coupled to the security system components and replaces the first controller.

Abstract: A method for forming an optical quality glass is provided. The method includes contacting silica soot particles with a basic additive, forming a silica soot compact, and removing the basic additive from the silica soot compact. A method of forming a cladding portion of an optical fiber preform is also provided.

Abstract: A sports simulation system comprises a projectile tracking apparatus configured to detect a projectile traveling through a projectile tracking region towards a display surface, a controller comprising one or more actuatable buttons, each actuatable button configured to communicate one or more control signals in response to actuation thereof, and at least one processing stage configured to receive data from the projectile tracking apparatus and determine three-dimensional positions, velocity and acceleration of a detected launched projectile traveling through said projectile tracking region, the three-dimensional positions, velocity and acceleration used by said at least one processing stage to calculate a trajectory of said launched projectile into a three-dimensional sports scene, receive one or more control signals from the controller and determine one or more control commands of one or more animated objects based on the one or more control signals, and use said calculated trajectory and said one or more co

Abstract: A dryer for drying a liquid feed into a powder comprises a drying chamber defined by a chamber wall including a bottom wall portion; a feed inlet for receiving the liquid feed and dispersing particulate feed into the drying chamber; at least one air inlet for entering drying air into the drying chamber; and at least one drying chamber outlet for dried powder and/or spend drying air from the drying chamber. The feed inlet comprises a decanter centrifuge with an axis of rotation; a first axial end; a second axial end; and a solid phase outlet at the first axial end.

Abstract: A high ratio traction drive transmission includes a sun roller, a traction ring, a plurality of traction planets in contact with the sun roller and the traction ring, at least one reaction roller in contact with at least one of the traction planets, and a carrier assembly coupled to at least one of the traction planets and the at least one reaction roller. The sun roller has a first longitudinal axis and the traction ring is aligned coaxially with a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal axis is radially offset from the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for altering a start time of an event based on indicia of how late event attendees will be for the event that are retrieved from location applications corresponding to each attendee of the attendees. For example, a media guidance application may determine a start time of an event, a location of the event, and attendees of the event. The media guidance application may determine location applications corresponding to the attendees. The media guidance application may query the location applications for arrival times of each attendee. The media guidance application may calculate a plurality of differences between each of the arrival times and the start time of the event. Based on the plurality of differences, the media guidance application may delay the start time of the event.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for providing media guidance. Control circuitry may receive a first voice input and access a database of topics to identify a first topic associated with the first voice input. A user interface may generate a first response to the first voice input, and subsequent to generating the first response, the control circuitry may receive a second voice input. The control circuitry may determine a match between the second voice input and an interruption input such as a period of silence or a keyword or a phrase, such as “Ahh,”, “Umm,”, or “Hmm.” The user interface may generate a second response that is associated with a second topic related to the first topic. By interrupting the conversation and changing the subject from time to time, media guidance systems can appear to be more intelligent and human.

Abstract: An integrated security system integrates broadband and mobile access and control with conventional security systems and premise devices to provide a tri-mode security network having remote connectivity and access. The integrated security system delivers remote premise monitoring and control functionality to conventional monitored premise protection and complements existing premise protection equipment. The integrated security system integrates into the premise network and couples wirelessly with the conventional security panel, enabling broadband access to premise security systems. Automation devices can be added, enabling users to remotely see live video or pictures and control home devices via a personal web portal or other client device. Camera management enables automatic configuration and management of cameras in the premise network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for translating a non-playback command into a playback modification to encourage a recipient of the command to execute on the command. A media guidance application may determine a command from a first user to a second user. The media guidance application may compare the command to a set of playback operation commands for a media asset that is currently being played back. The media guidance application may determine that the command is not contained within the set of playback operation commands. In response to determining that the command is not contained within the set of commands, the media guidance application may determine whether the second user executes a desired outcome of the command. And in response to determining that the second user does not execute the desired outcome of the command, the media guidance application may determine whether to modify playback of the media asset.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for generating for display a notification to a plurality of users at a position within a display screen to which each user of the plurality of users is paying attention. Specifically, the media guidance application captures lines of sight of users who are paying attention to a display screen, based on which the media guidance application determines line-of-sight regions on the display screen that the users are paying attention to. The media guidance application then determines a display area that is noticeable to the users based on the respective line-of-sight regions on the display screen to display an electronic message.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and devices for management of a premises. The premises may comprise one or more devices, such as a gateway device, a control device, or a premises device. A computing device, such as a server external to the premises, may receive data indicative of the premises device. The computing device may determine to update a configuration of one or more devices at the premises, such as the gateway device or the control device. Configuration data may be sent to the gateway device to update the configuration.

Abstract: A premises management system may comprise a gateway device. The gateway device may configured to determine one or more premises devices of a premises management system. The gateway device may be configured to receive an indication of a communication protocol associated with the premises devices. The gateway device may be configured to communicate with the premises devices using the communication protocol.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a media guidance application that enhances the viewing experiences of users consuming a sequence of media. In particular, the media guidance application may enhance the viewing experiences of users consuming a sequence of media by removing portions of redundant media that were previously consumed by the user.