Abstract: One example method includes receiving a set of requirements for aspects of a network, identifying a gap between one of the aspects of the network and a zero trust (ZT) requirement, determining a solution set comprising potential solutions for reducing or eliminating the gap, associating a respective cost with each of the solutions, determining an extent to which the solutions of the solution set comply with requirements, recommending a best solution from the solutions of the solution set, determining a priority of the gap relative to respective priorities of other gaps, and outputting a list of the gaps, sorted by priority, and the recommended best solution.

Abstract: Methods and systems for low-force, low-temperature thermocompression bonding. The present application teaches new methods and structures for three-dimensional integrated circuits, in which cold thermocompression bonding is used to provide reliable bonding. To achieve this, reduction and passivation steps are preferably both used to reduce native oxide on the contact metals and to prevent reformation of native oxide, preferably using atmospheric plasma treatments. Preferably the physical compression height of the elements is set to be only enough to reliably achieve at least some compression of each bonding element pair, compensating for any lack of flatness. Preferably the thermocompression bonding is performed well below the melting point. This not only avoids the deformation of lower levels which is induced by reflow techniques, but also provides a steep relation of force versus z-axis travel, so that a drastically-increasing resistance to compression helps to regulate the degree of thermocompression.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data comprises modulating data symbols for transmission onto a sonic carrier signal and transmitting the modulated data using an electroacoustic transducer. The modulated data is transmitted by transmitting a portion of the modulated data for a first duration; pausing transmission for a second duration; and repeating the transmitting and pausing with further portions of the modulated data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for low-force, low-temperature thermocompression bonding. The present application teaches new methods and structures for three-dimensional integrated circuits, in which cold thermocompression bonding is used to provide reliable bonding. To achieve this, reduction and passivation steps are preferably both used to reduce native oxide on the contact metals and to prevent reformation of native oxide, preferably using atmospheric plasma treatments. Preferably the physical compression height of the elements is set to be only enough to reliably achieve at least some compression of each bonding element pair, compensating for any lack of flatness. Preferably the thermocompression bonding is performed well below the melting point. This not only avoids the deformation of lower levels which is induced by reflow techniques, but also provides a steep relation of force versus z-axis travel, so that a drastically-increasing resistance to compression helps to regulate the degree of thermocompression.

Abstract: Methods and systems for low-force, low-temperature thermocompression bonding. The present application teaches new methods and structures for three-dimensional integrated circuits, in which cold thermocompression bonding is used to provide reliable bonding. To achieve this, reduction and passivation steps are preferably both used to reduce native oxide on the contact metals and to prevent reformation of native oxide, preferably using atmospheric plasma treatments. Preferably the physical compression height of the elements is set to be only enough to reliably achieve at least some compression of each bonding element pair, compensating for any lack of flatness. Preferably the thermocompression bonding is performed well below the melting point. This not only avoids the deformation of lower levels which is induced by reflow techniques, but also provides a steep relation of force versus z-axis travel, so that a drastically-increasing resistance to compression helps to regulate the degree of thermocompression.

Abstract: Methods and systems for low-force, low-temperature thermocompression bonding. The present application teaches new methods and structures for three-dimensional integrated circuits, in which cold thermocompression bonding is used to provide reliable bonding. To achieve this, reduction and passivation steps are preferably both used to reduce native oxide on the contact metals and to prevent reformation of native oxide, preferably using atmospheric plasma treatments. Preferably the physical compression height of the elements is set to be only enough to reliably achieve at least some compression of each bonding element pair, compensating for any lack of flatness. Preferably the thermocompression bonding is performed well below the melting point. This not only avoids the deformation of lower levels which is induced by reflow techniques, but also provides a steep relation of force versus z-axis travel, so that a drastically-increasing resistance to compression helps to regulate the degree of thermocompression.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data comprises modulating data symbols for transmission onto a sonic carrier signal and transmitting the modulated data using an electroacoustic transducer. The modulated data is transmitted by transmitting a portion of the modulated data for a first duration; pausing transmission for a second duration; and repeating the transmitting and pausing with further portions of the modulated data.

Abstract: A method of rotating a section of a pipeline about a longitudinal axis arranged coaxially with a bore of the section. The section includes a plurality of pipe elements joined to one another end to end. The section has a first end connected to the pipeline by a first coupling permitting rotation of the section relatively to the pipeline. The section has a second end connected to the pipeline by a second coupling permitting rotation of the section relatively to the pipeline. The method includes supporting the section at a plurality of points and applying a first torque to the section about the longitudinal axis at at least one point between the first and the second ends, thereby rotating the section through a first angular displacement about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A coupling permitting rotation of pipe elements about their longitudinal axes includes a first ring attachable to a first of the pipe elements. The first ring has a first collar projecting outwardly therefrom and defining a low friction bearing surface. A housing defines a bore therethrough surrounding a longitudinal axis arranged coaxially with the bore. The housing has a first end and a second end oppositely disposed from one another. The first end is adapted to receive the first ring coaxially within the bore. The housing comprises a first shoulder and a first channel. When the first ring is received within the bore at the first end, the first collar is positionable between the first shoulder and the first channel. The bearing surface is engageable with the first shoulder. Engagement between the bearing surface and the first shoulder allows rotation of the first ring with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A coupling for joining first and second pipe elements in includes first and second rings attachable to pipe elements. Each ring defines a groove and a plurality of receiving surfaces adjacent to the groove. Segments are attachable end to end to surround a central space and the rings. Each segment includes keys projecting toward the central space for engagement with each groove of the rings. Each segment includes at least one action surface engageable with a receiving surface of the first and second ring. Engagement between the action surfaces and the receiving surfaces prevents rotation of the first and second pipe elements with respect to one another. A method of assembling the coupling is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heating a furnace, wherein the furnace comprises an inner chamber and a outer chamber. A process gas is introduced into the inner chamber. A fuel is combusted with an oxidant to produce combustion gases in a combustion chamber. The combustion gases are passed through the outer chamber, and recirculated to the combustion chamber. The process gas is pre-heated by indirect heat exchange with the combustion gases.

Abstract: In some examples, apparatus comprises a multiplexer (MUX) adapted to be coupled to a set of battery cells and configured to provide a voltage of a different battery cell in the set of battery cells based on a MUX control signal. Apparatus comprises a comparator coupled to the MUX and configured to compare a MUX output signal to a threshold voltage to provide a comparator output signal. Apparatus comprises a digital control circuit configured to provide the MUX control signal to the MUX, to store the comparator output signal, and to use a logic AND gate to provide an AND gate output signal based on the stored comparator output signal.

Abstract: In some examples, apparatus comprises a multiplexer (MUX) adapted to be coupled to a set of battery cells and configured to provide a voltage of a different battery cell in the set of battery cells based on a MUX control signal. Apparatus comprises a comparator coupled to the MUX and configured to compare a MUX output signal to a threshold voltage to provide a comparator output signal. Apparatus comprises a digital control circuit configured to provide the MUX control signal to the MUX, to store the comparator output signal, and to use a logic AND gate to provide an AND gate output signal based on the stored comparator output signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel personal pop-up pods designed for a single user. In one embodiment, a personal pop-up pod can provide a user with privacy and/or protection from the surrounding environment. The personal pop-up pods can be designed such that a user can remain mobile, i.e., able to move from one location to another while using a personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pods can be designed such that a user can selectively gain access to the environment surrounding the pop-up pod by opening windows and other points of access. The personal pop-up pods can protect the user form a variety of conditions surrounding the personal pop-up pods such as, for example, rain, snow, wind, low temperatures, and other such climate related elements or communicable diseases and other such health risks.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission is configured to transfer power from the engine to at least one drive wheel to propel the vehicle. The controller programmed to, in response to a command to shift the transmission, reduce a torque of the engine from a desired engine torque to a reduced value based on a flare at an input to the transmission during the shift. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the reduced value exceeding a threshold, retard an engine spark and maintain operation of all cylinders of the engine to reduce the torque of the engine during the shift. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the reduced value being less than the threshold, retard the engine spark and shutdown at least one cylinder of the engine to reduce the torque of the engine during the shift.

Abstract: A smart locker system with assistance for a visually impaired user is disclosed. Each locker in the smart locker system includes a beacon that emits a signal either before the locker door is released or at the same time as the locker door is released. The beacon is used by a visually impaired user to locate the specified locker before it opens or at the same time as it opens. The beacon may be a haptic device that causes the specified locker to vibrate, which allows the user to find the locker by feel. The beacon may also be an auditory device that causes the specified locker to emit a sound, which allows the user to find the locker by sound.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which a playback device transmits a first sound signal including a predetermined waveform. In one example, the playback device receives a second sound signal including at least one reflection of the first sound signal. The second sound signal is processed to determine a location of a person relative to the playback device, and a characteristic of audio reproduction by the playback device is selected, based on the determined location of the person.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure includes a body formed by a plurality of walls including a front, a back, a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom wall coupled to one another to form an interior. Each wall includes at least one of a plurality of deformable frame members. A window is defined in one of the front, back, first side and second side wall, and is selectively engageable with the respective wall such that the window is disposable between an open and closed position. A door is defined in one of the front, back, first side, and second side wall, and is further selectively engageable with the respective wall such that the door is disposable between an open and closed position. The front wall defines a first plane and the back wall defines a second plane, the first plane and second plane are substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: An estimated time of arrival (ETA) of a vehicle is predicted by receiving a request for the vehicle to conduct a trip that includes a first location. A predicted ETA for the vehicle to travel from a particular location to the first location is computed. The predicted ETA is refined to compute a refined ETA using a machine-learned model that takes as input a plurality of features associated with the trip. The plurality of features including at least geospatial features transformed using a locality-sensitive hashing function. An action is performed based on the refined ETA. The action may include one or more of estimating a pickup time or drop-off time for the trip, matching a driver to the trip, and planning a delivery.