Abstract: A device for assisting to secure a bridge support bracket to a beam, the device comprising: a support frame, a hook to secure the support frame to the beam, a clamp to grasp and hold the bracket, and a pivot axle to pivotally connect the clamp to the support frame. With this device, a bridge builder can use the clamp to grasp and hold the bridge support bracket, and then pivot the clamp and support bracket relative to the beam.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a bridge support bracket is adapted to be connected to an end of a support bracket horizontal component and to an end of a support bracket vertical component. The device comprises a support adapted to be attached to the end of the horizontal component, a sliding tube adapted to be attached to the end of the vertical component, and a mounting tube attached to the support for mounting the sliding for sliding movement relative to the support. A slot is in the side of the mounting tube, and a nub is attached to the sliding tube and extends through the slot. The nub has a threaded opening therein, and a threaded rod extends through and engages the threaded opening, the threaded rod being mounted for rotation but not vertical movement relative to the support, for moving the vertical piece vertically relative to the support.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use in processing transactions based on biometric data used in connection with authenticating consumers to payment accounts to which the transactions are directed. One exemplary method includes causing a biometric associated with a consumer to be received, when the consumer presents a payment device for funding a transaction with a merchant via a payment account associated with the payment device. The method also includes appending, by a computing device, a biometric score to an authorization request associated with the transaction at the merchant where the biometric score is indicative of a degree of match between the received biometric and a reference biometric, and transmitting, by the computing device, the authorization request whereby an issuer associated with the payment account is able to utilize the biometric score in determining to approve or decline the transaction.

Abstract: A tankless electric water heater system including a heating chamber having an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, a heating element connected to the heating chamber, a first temperature sensor disposed near the first end of the heating chamber, a second temperature sensor disposed near the second end of the heating chamber, a flow sensor configured to detect a flow of water and disposed near the heating chamber, and a controller connected to the first and second temperature sensors, the flow sensor, and the heating element. The controller is configured to have a set point temperature, to detect temperature and flow data from the first and second temperature sensors, and the flow sensor, and to provide as output a power setting to the heating element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a database back end as a service are described. In some aspects, the described systems and methods provide for a cloud-based resource for servicing a request for data from an application to a remote database and/or a service. In some aspects, the described systems and methods provide for a cloud-based application client for requesting data from a remote database and/or a service.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a database back end as a service are described. In some aspects, the described systems and methods provide for a cloud-based resource for servicing a request for data from an application to a remote database and/or a service. In some aspects, the described systems and methods provide for a cloud-based application client for requesting data from a remote database and/or a service.

Abstract: An accessory mounting interface for a firearm, and a related method, are disclosed. The interface has a firearm accessory, a first elongated fastener, and a second fastener rotationally mated to the first elongated fastener. The first elongated fastener has right-handed threading and is arranged through a through hole in the firearm accessory with a first end extending below first and second halves of a first slot protrusion of the firearm accessory. The second fastener has a length greater than a width, the length measured along a longitudinal axis of the second fastener, the second fastener having a plurality of straight edges. At least one of the plurality of straight edges prevents the second fastener from rotating further than a closed position when the at least one of the straight edges abuts a sidewall of an elongated slot in the firearm.

Abstract: A user configurable modular building system is provided. The user configurable modular building system includes a plurality of assemblies, a plurality of units, and a plurality of blocks. The plurality of assemblies includes a plurality of building components that perform building functions. Assemblies are selected from the plurality of assemblies to form a plurality of units. The plurality of units includes studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom units with different layouts of the selected assemblies. Units are selected from the plurality of units to form a plurality of blocks. The blocks are portions of a building. Blocks are selected to form the building based on a mix and layout of units. A method of designing a building system and a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to perform steps to design a building system are also provided.

Abstract: A user configurable modular building system is provided. The user configurable modular building system includes a plurality of assemblies, a plurality of units, and a plurality of blocks. The plurality of assemblies includes a plurality of building components that perform building functions. Assemblies are selected from the plurality of assemblies to form a plurality of units. The plurality of units includes studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom units with different layouts of the selected assemblies. Units are selected from the plurality of units to form a plurality of blocks. The blocks are portions of a building. Blocks are selected to form the building based on a mix and layout of units. A method of designing a building system and a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to perform steps to design a building system are also provided.

Abstract: A firearm accessory attachment system and method are disclosed. The system has a first body having a longitudinal length, a first protrusion coupled to and extending from the first body in a first direction, and a second protrusion coupled to and extending from the first body in the first direction as the first protrusion, the second protrusion is a first longitudinal distance from the first protrusion. The system also has a second body having a third protrusion coupled thereto, the third protrusion extending in the first direction. The second body is slidable relative to the first body. The system is movable between a locked configuration having a first width and an unlocked configuration having a second width, the second width less than the first width, the first and second widths defined by a direction transverse relative to the longitudinal length.

Abstract: A user configurable modular building system is provided. The user configurable modular building system includes a plurality of assemblies, a plurality of units, and a plurality of blocks. The plurality of assemblies includes a plurality of building components that perform building functions. Assemblies are selected from the plurality of assemblies to form a plurality of units. The plurality of units includes studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom units with different layouts of the selected assemblies. Units are selected from the plurality of units to form a plurality of blocks. The blocks are portions of a building. Blocks are selected to form the building based on a mix and layout of units. A method of designing a building system and a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to perform steps to design a building system are also provided.

Abstract: A user configurable modular building system is provided. The user configurable modular building system includes a plurality of assemblies, a plurality of units, and a plurality of blocks. The plurality of assemblies includes a plurality of building components that perform building functions. Assemblies are selected from the plurality of assemblies to form a plurality of units. The plurality of units includes studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom units with different layouts of the selected assemblies. Units are selected from the plurality of units to form a plurality of blocks. The blocks are portions of a building. Blocks are selected to form the building based on a mix and layout of units. A method of designing a building system and a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to perform steps to design a building system are also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for a bipod having pivot and cant functionality built into a unified cant/pivot assembly, housing, and pivot block. Rotation of a locking knob under the housing can gradually increase or decrease friction of the cant and pivoting degrees of freedom. The legs can be stowed approximately 90° rotation from a deployed position, and locking and releasing of this rotation is made possible via depression of a button that also acts as a locking detent that directly interacts with and locks or releases the legs for rotation. In the stowed position, the button can be backdriven and thus the legs can be deployed without depressing the button. A pivot block can also be raised and rotated 180° to lock in a given pivot setting.

Abstract: A delivery system includes an elongate shaft, a handle, a first clasp control member, and a second clasp control member. The handle is connected to a proximal portion of the elongate shaft. The first and second clasp control members each extend into a distal portion of the elongate shaft, through at least a portion of the elongate shaft, out of the proximal portion of the elongate shaft, and through the handle. The first and second clasp control members have paths that include a first parallel portion in the elongate shaft where the first clasp control member and the second clasp control member are parallel, and a diverging portion that is proximal to the first parallel portion where the first clasp control member diverges from the second clasp control member.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic device has a coaption element and at least one anchor. The coaption element is configured to be positioned within the native heart valve orifice to help fill a space where the native valve is regurgitant and form a more effective seal. The coaption element can have a structure that is impervious to blood. The coaption element can be connected to leaflets of the native valve by the anchor.

Abstract: A firearm suppressor cover assembly and method of protecting a user while firing a weapon are disclosed. The cover assembly has an insulating cover assembly, a one or more clamps or other firearm suppressor attachment means, one or more standoffs per clamp, and an optional heat shield. The standoffs are coupled to the one or more clamps and in contact with the insulating cover assembly thereby forming an air gap between the suppressor and the insulating cover assembly. The heat shield may be arranged within the air gap.

Abstract: A liquid flow device to receive fluid and laminarize the fluid flow. The liquid flow device includes a jet nozzle assembly to receive the fluid and direct the fluid through a plurality of jet channels and a flow disruptor assembly to receive the fluid from the jet nozzle assembly to generate a flow path of the fluid. The liquid flow device also includes a chamber assembly connected to the flow disruptor to receive the fluid from the flow disruptor assembly and an outlet assembly, open to an external environment to receive the fluid from the chamber assembly and output the fluid with a laminar flow pattern.

Abstract: A system for implanting a repair device onto a native valve of a natural heart to repair the native valve of a patient during a non-open-heart procedure. The system includes a delivery catheter and a valve repair device. The valve repair device is disposed inside the delivery catheter. The valve repair device includes a pair of paddles and a pair of gripping members. The pair of paddles are movable between an open position and a closed position. The pair of paddles and the pair of gripping members are configured to secure the valve repair device to leaflets of the native valve. The pair of paddles are compressed inside the delivery catheter. Each paddle of the pair of paddles is configured to expand upon exiting the delivery catheter to increase the surface area of each paddle.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for a bipod having pivot and cant functionality built into a unified cant/pivot assembly, housing, and pivot block. Rotation of a locking knob under the housing can gradually increase or decrease friction of the cant and pivoting degrees of freedom. Sufficient loosening of the locking knob can allow a pivot block to be lifted from the housing and rotated 180°, and then retightened to lock in a given pivot position. Before this 180 rotation of the pivot block, the pivot block and hence the firearm is free to pivot up to 10°, or up to 20°, or up to 30°.