Abstract: A method and a system for using machine learning technology to optimize a scheduling strategy for establishing contact with a customer are provided. The method includes: receiving a data set that relates to a customer account; analyzing the data set to determine at least one proposed schedule for an attempt to contact the customer; and generating, based on a result of the analysis, a report that includes the proposed schedule. The analysis may be performed by applying a machine learning model that is trained by using historical data that relates to interactions associated with the customer.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses/systems, and media for accelerating decomposition via reinforcement learning are disclosed. A processor implements a decomposition algorithm that allows a solution of a comparatively larger linear programming problems that have a special block structure; inserts a reinforcement learning agent within a framework of the decomposition algorithm; and generates, in response to inserting the reinforcement learning agent, master problem decisions in place of an NP-hard (nondeterministic polynomial time-hard) mixed-integer master problem (MIMP).

Abstract: A system and method for selectively suspending the operation of aircraft systems based on prioritized system criticality in response to a high power demand from an aircraft engine. The method includes determining that a power demand on the aircraft engine will exceed a predetermined power limit, transmitting a suspend command to one or more of the aircraft systems in response to determining that the power demand on the aircraft engine will exceed the predetermined power limit, and causing the aircraft systems that receive the suspend command to enter a reduced power mode and not operate. The method also includes determining that the power demand on the one or more aircraft engines has been reduced below the predetermined power limit, and removing the suspend command and allow the aircraft systems that received the suspend command to operate as they were before receiving the suspend command.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a kamado-style grill and smoker having one or more air-intake openings and one or more exhaust openings. Like conventional kamado-style grills and smokers, a user may manually adjust the air-intake opening(s) and/or exhaust opening(s) to manually control the air flow, and thus the temperature, within the cooking chamber. However, unlike the prior art, the kamado-style grill and smoker includes an integrated fan unit that provides a completely different and alternative air-intake pathway for drawing air into the cooking chamber and controlling the cooking or smoking temperature using a fan. By providing this alternative mechanism for controlling the temperature in the cooking chamber, the kamado-style grill and smoker disclosed herein can be operated using either manual or automated temperature control, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users alike.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a kamado-style grill and smoker having one or more air-intake openings and one or more exhaust openings. Like conventional kamado-style grills and smokers, a user may manually adjust the air-intake opening(s) and/or exhaust opening(s) to manually control the air flow, and thus the temperature, within the cooking chamber. However, unlike the prior art, the kamado-style grill and smoker includes an integrated fan unit that provides a completely different and alternative air-intake pathway for drawing air into the cooking chamber and controlling the cooking or smoking temperature using a fan. By providing this alternative mechanism for controlling the temperature in the cooking chamber, the kamado-style grill and smoker disclosed herein can be operated using either manual or automated temperature control, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users alike.

Abstract: A method performed by a node in a communications network for predicting energy usage in the communications network. The method comprises obtaining values of network parameters for a plurality of nodes in the communications network and corresponding energy usage measurements for the plurality of nodes, and obtaining a subset of the network parameters that are correlated with the energy usage measurements. The method then comprises training a first model using a first machine learning process to take as input the values of the subset of network parameters for the nodes in the plurality of nodes, and output a prediction of the corresponding energy usage measurements.

Abstract: A griddle adapted for use on a kamado-style grill is disclosed herein. The griddle may comprise a flat cooking surface suitable for cooking, for example, meats, vegetables, and breakfast foods. The griddle may comprise a grease chute that provides a receptacle within or adjacent to the flat cooking surface for removing grease during cooking. The grease chute directs the grease to one or more holes in the grease chute through which the grease can drain into the fuel chamber below the griddle. The griddle may comprise an outer lip that extends upwardly away from the flat cooking surface to prevent grease or food from falling over perimeter edges of the flat cooking surface. Additionally, the griddle may comprise one or more notches for coupling the griddle to a cooking grate and/or other structure, thereby helping to secure the griddle's position on the cooking grate of the kamado-style grill.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a firebox basket for a barbeque grill or smoker. In one form, the present disclosure provides a grill comprising an ash depository, a firebox basket positioned in the grill above the ash depository; and a cooking rack positioned above the firebox basket. The firebox basket comprises: a support basket defining an internal area, the support basket comprising: a plurality of concentrically stacked rungs that define a side wall of the firebox basket; and a grate positioned at a bottom of the plurality of concentrically stacked rungs; and a plurality of ceramic pieces disposed within the support basket. The support basket is configured to support the plurality of ceramic pieces around the internal area of the support basket.

Abstract: A method for depositing a catalyst layer onto a porous conductive substrate is provided. A catalyst ink is provided comprising catalyst particles suspended in a solvent. The catalyst ink is deposited onto a porous conductive substrate, wherein the solvent of the deposited catalyst ink is frozen. The frozen solvent is sublimated, leaving the catalyst layer.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a kamado-style grill and smoker having one or more air-intake openings and one or more exhaust openings. Like conventional kamado-style grills and smokers, a user may manually adjust the air-intake opening(s) and/or exhaust opening(s) to manually control the air flow, and thus the temperature, within the cooking chamber. However, unlike the prior art, the kamado-style grill and smoker includes an integrated fan unit that provides a completely different and alternative air-intake pathway for drawing air into the cooking chamber and controlling the cooking or smoking temperature using a fan. By providing this alternative mechanism for controlling the temperature in the cooking chamber, the kamado-style grill and smoker disclosed herein can be operated using either manual or automated temperature control, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users alike.

Abstract: A method performed by a node in a communications network for predicting energy usage in the communications network. The method comprises obtaining values of network parameters for a plurality of nodes in the communications network and corresponding energy usage measurements for the plurality of nodes, and obtaining a subset of the network parameters that are correlated with the energy usage measurements. The method then comprises training a first model using a first machine learning process to take as input the values of the subset of network parameters for the nodes in the plurality of nodes, and output a prediction of the corresponding energy usage measurements.

Abstract: A kamado-style grill and smoker having one or more air-intake openings and one or more exhaust openings is provided. A user may manually adjust the air-intake opening(s) and/or exhaust opening(s) to manually control the air flow, and thus the temperature, within the cooking chamber. In addition, the kamado-style grill and smoker includes an integrated fan unit that provides a completely different and alternative air-intake pathway for drawing air into the cooking chamber and controlling the cooking or smoking temperature using a fan. By providing this alternative mechanism for controlling the temperature in the cooking chamber, the kamado-style grill and smoker can be operated using either manual or automated temperature control, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users alike.

Abstract: A plastic drain pipe for drainage includes a first end, a second end, and a pipe sub-section between the first end and the second end. The pipe sub-section includes a collapsible section of corrugated pipe, a first non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe, and a second non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe. The collapsible section of corrugated pipe has a first joining area and a second joining area. The first non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe is connected to the collapsible section of corrugated pipe at the first joining area, and the second non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe is connected to the collapsible section of corrugated pipe at the second joining area.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a kamado-style grill and smoker having one or more air-intake openings and one or more exhaust openings. Like conventional kamado-style grills and smokers, a user may manually adjust the air-intake opening(s) and/or exhaust opening(s) to manually control the air flow, and thus the temperature, within the cooking chamber. However, unlike the prior art, the kamado-style grill and smoker includes an integrated fan unit that provides a completely different and alternative air-intake pathway for drawing air into the cooking chamber and controlling the cooking or smoking temperature using a fan. By providing this alternative mechanism for controlling the temperature in the cooking chamber, the kamado-style grill and smoker disclosed herein can be operated using either manual or automated temperature control, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users alike.