Abstract: A blockchain or other cryptographic ledger platform with a keypair-based identity for issuance of tokens using machine readable indicia embedded within product packages and/or encoded external to the product packages. The platform generates blocks for a blockchain or other cryptographic ledger to record data relating to the product supply chain and token issuance and redemption.

Abstract: Systems and methods of audio processing and control for improved audibility and performance in a parametric loudspeaker system. The parametric loudspeaker system includes a parametric loudspeaker providing a capacitive load, an output stage having a plurality of switches interconnected in a bridge configuration and connected to the capacitive load of the parametric loudspeaker, and a controller operative to generate a series of pulse width modulation (PWM) pulses, and to generate a plurality of control signals synchronized with the series of PWM pulses for switchingly controlling the plurality of switches in the bridge configuration, thereby driving the capacitive load of the parametric loudspeaker.

Abstract: A connector for a flexible substrate includes a first connector piece including a first plurality of through holes, a second connector piece including a second plurality of through holes, the second connector piece disposable in opposition to the first connector piece to align the first plurality of through holes and the second plurality of through holes to define, via the first plurality of through holes and the second plurality of through holes, a grommet, a plurality of first fastener receivers and a plurality of second fastener receivers and a channel, defined at least in part by the first connector piece, extending across the first connector piece.

Abstract: Systems and methods with automatic radius cross notification for a GPS tracker are provided. Some methods can include receiving user input requesting a dynamic creation of a geo-fence, and, responsive thereto, creating the geo-fence. Some methods can include determining when a GPS tracker device has been stationary for a predetermined period of time, and responsive thereto, dynamically creating a geo-fence.

Abstract: An Internet-Of-Things (IoTs) button device includes a button. A server provides custom user configuration of the button device for an event. The server interacts with a display device associated with the event to display on a display of the display device questions, games, competitions, and/or surveys in real time during the event. The button when depressed by a user reports a button identifier and a response signal that is mapped to components of the questions, games, competitions, and/or surveys. Real-time results for the questions, games, competitions, and/or surveys drive the real time displaying of information on the display of the display device during the event.

Abstract: A connector for a flexible substrate includes a first connector piece including a first plurality of through holes, a second connector piece including a second plurality of through holes, the second connector piece disposable in opposition to the first connector piece to align the first plurality of through holes and the second plurality of through holes to define, via the first plurality of through holes and the second plurality of through holes, a grommet, a plurality of first fastener receivers and a plurality of second fastener receivers and a channel, defined at least in part by the first connector piece, extending across the first connector piece.

Abstract: An Internet-Of-Things (IoTs) button device includes a button. A server provides custom user configuration of the button device for an event. The server interacts with a display device associated with the event to display on a display of the display device questions, games, competitions, and/or surveys in real time during the event. The button when depressed by a user reports a button identifier and a response signal that is mapped to components of the questions, games, competitions, and/or surveys. Real-time results for the questions, games, competitions, and/or surveys drive the real time displaying of information on the display of the display device during the event.

Abstract: A combined force- and temperature-sensing array includes an array of drive plates, an array of sense plates corresponding the drive plates, and a layer of dielectric material separating the drive and sense plates. A diode with a forward junction voltage is connected between at least one of the drive plates and at least one of the sense plates. A multiplexer is operative to select between an electrical pulse or an electrical current for delivery to the at least one drive plate. Circuitry is provided for sensing an applied force resulting from a change in capacitance between the at least one drive plate and the at least one sense plate when the electrical pulse is delivered, and for sensing a temperature resulting from a change in the forward junction voltage of the diode when the current is delivered. The sensor array may be provided as a shoe insert for diabetics with neuropathy.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for closing a liftgate. That apparatus includes a handle displaceable between a stowed position and a deployed position, a latch to releasably hold the handle in the stowed position, an actuator to displace the handle into the deployed position and a release feature to release the latch and deploy the handle. A liftgate assembly incorporating that apparatus and a method of closing a liftgate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A planter box configured for housing plantings is disclosed. The pallet box assembly includes a pallet base, two side panels, a front panel, and a rear panel, which are collapsible and reusable. Pallet base has tenon joint parts with locking mechanisms that extend out. Pallet base has an opening extending therethrough for ease of handling by pallet jack or hand truck. The side panels include grooves. Front and rear panels include tenon joint part with locking mechanism. The side panels are identical and interchangeable, the front panel is identical and interchangeable with the rear panel. Each locking mechanism includes a winged bolt threadedly inserted and engaged into the tenon joint part, and a wing which is rotated by about 45 to 135 degrees to engageably and securely attach the corresponding tenon joint part in the corresponding groove, so that the pallet box assembly is securely installed.

Abstract: An adaptable skylight includes a frame facing an interior of an enclosure having an opening for allowing light to pass. An opacity-control pane adjacent the opening allows a variable amount of light to pass, and an artificial light source illuminates the frame. An aircraft skylight assembly includes a variable pane, an artificial light source for illuminating portions of the skylight assembly, and a controller configured for adjusting an amount of external light transmission through the variable pane and an amount of artificial light illumination. An internal ambiance lighting system includes the adaptable skylight having a dimmable pane for providing transmission of a variable amount of external light into an enclosure, the artificial light illuminates the frame surrounding the adaptable skylight, and the controller automatically adjusts external light transmission through the adaptable skylight and illumination of the frame based on a lighting preference.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hierarchical dual-dynamic exception management are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system and method may provide: (1) hierarchical exception modelling, metric algorithms and aggregation; (2) node level exception metric algorithm and high-level status algorithm calculation; (3) node level investigation via “explain” of exception factors (e.g., focusing an analyst on a particular issue); (4) node level tracking workflow management through ability to add commentary, multiple-person signoff, and high-level status calculation overrides; (5) visibility, auditable compliance reporting; (6) dashboard for internal operational analysts/managers with full investigation view; (7) dashboard for external clients with sub views; (8) generic data interface to existing workflow management system; and (9) machine learning component such that the exception metric can be intelligently re-adjusted (for example, if there are too many false positives then make the thresholds more forgiving).

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed including6 a connector for a flexible substrate including a first connector piece including a first plurality of through holes and a second connector piece including a second plurality of through holes, the second connector piece disposable in opposition to the first connector piece to align the first plurality of through holes and the second plurality of through holes to define, via the first plurality of through holes and the second plurality of through holes, a grommet and a plurality of fastener receivers. The connector also includes a channel, defined at least in part by the first connector piece, extending across the first connector piece.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for cleanliness of transmission windows for directed energy devices. A positive pressure gas chamber is fixed to the transmission window of a directed energy device, e.g., a laser or high power microwave. A gas source is connected to the positive pressure chamber in order to provide pressurized gas. The gas flows into the positive pressure chamber, and exits the positive pressure chamber through openings, thus pushing particulates out of the positive pressure chamber. The gas continues to flow during directed energy use, thus preventing undesirable material, e.g., dirt and moisture, from depositing on the transmission window.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers that are capable of generating increased levels of ultrasound, as well as receiving ultrasonic waves with increased sensitivity. The ultrasonic transducers include a back cover, a protective front cover, a backplate, and a vibrator film layer disposed between the backplate and the protective front cover. The backplate includes a plurality of grooves formed on a surface thereof facing the vibrator film layer. Each groove includes upper edges having cross-sectional contours that gradually tend toward the deepest part of the groove to allow a larger area of the backplate to be closer to the vibrator film layer, thereby increasing the resulting electric field, and, consequently, increasing the output power and sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: Techniques for operating a configure, price, quote (CPQ) platform are provided. The techniques include obtaining a set of component configurations for a set of components in the CPQ platform and a system definition for a system in the CPQ platform. The component configurations include a set of component attributes for the components and a first set of attribute values for the component attributes. The system definition includes a system attribute of the system, the components, and a set of rules to be applied to the component attributes and the system attribute. Next, the rules are applied to the first set of attribute values to produce a second set of attribute values for the system attribute and the component attributes. A system configuration for the system is then outputted, wherein the first system configuration includes the second set of attribute values.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers that include backplates with a plurality of linear physical features formed on surfaces thereof and vibrator films tensioned in a specified manner for improved transducer performance. An ultrasonic transducer includes a backplate, a vibrator film, and a compliant member. The backplate includes the plurality of linear physical features formed parallel to one another on the backplate surface. The vibrator film has a metallized side and a non-metallized side, and is positioned proximate to the backplate such that its non-metallized side faces the linear physical features on the backplate surface. The compliant member applies a spring force to the vibrator film for urging the vibrator film against the backplate surface, while maintaining a constant, consistent, and uniform tension in the vibrator film in substantially one direction, preferably perpendicular to the linear physical features along the backplate surface.

Abstract: An improved multi-pole circuit interrupter includes an improved trip deck assembly adjacent one pole and further includes an accessory deck adjacent another pole. The accessory deck includes conventional accessory devices such as an auxiliary switch, etc., and the trip deck assembly includes switches and one or more other devices that can interact with a crossbar and a trip bar of the circuit interrupter. Such switches can be easily installed by a technician in the field after manufacture of the circuit interrupter. One switch is held in place by a support, and the other switch is held in place by a retainer, with the support and the retainer holding the switches in a fixed position on the trip deck assembly in order to interact with the crossbar and the trip bar.