Abstract: A pipette dispenser vision system and method are disclosed. For example, a pipette dispenser vision system is provided for tracking pipettes with respect to dispensing liquid into target fluid wells, vessels, and/or reservoirs. The presently disclosed pipette dispenser vision system may include, for example, a computing device, a red/green/blue (RGB) imaging device, an infrared (IR) imaging device, an IR illumination source, and an IR sensor; all arranged with respect to, for example, a single-channel and/or a multi-channel pipette for dispensing liquid into a dispensing platform. Further, a method of using the presently disclosed pipette dispenser vision system is provided. For example, the method processes image data from the RGB imaging device and/or the IR imaging device to monitor/verify certain operations of the pipetting process and/or dispensing platform.

Abstract: There is provided a computer implemented method of training a machine learning model, comprising: computing at least one in-colony feature indicative of an internal state of a sample honeybee colony positioned for pollination of at least one crop in a geographical area, from output of at least one internal sensor monitoring the honeybee colony, computing at least one out-colony feature indicative of an external environment of the sample honeybee colony, from output of at least one external sensor monitoring the environment of the honeybee colony, creating a multi-record training dataset, wherein a record comprises: a combination of at least one in-colony feature and at least one out-colony feature, and a ground truth label indicating pollination effectiveness of the sample honeybee colony, and training a machine learning model on the multi-record training dataset.

Abstract: Haptic systems are disclosed which may provide increased resolution in tactile feedback. A tiered haptic system may be formed by stacking of haptic elements. One or more arrays of shape change elements such as, for example, piezoelectric elements may be used to actuate a screen surface. Arrays may also be used to sense tactile interactions and stimuli on a screen surface. An embedded haptic system may be formed by inserting haptic elements into a contoured elastic sheet. The embedded haptic system may provide tactile interactions to a user. In some embodiments, both tiered and embedded haptic arrangements may be used.

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a pressure regulator in a process plant is provided. The diagnostic apparatus includes a processor operatively coupled to the pressure regulator; a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and a sensor operatively coupled to an inlet valve of the pressure regulator, an exhaust valve of the pressure regulator, and the processor. A diagnostic module is stored in the memory, and when executed by the processor, presents a diagnostic tool at a user interface.

Abstract: An armband that holds an electronic device is presented. The armband includes a pouch which includes a window and an opening configured to allow an electronic device to be inserted into the pouch. The armband also includes an arm strap wherein the proximate end of the arm strap is coupled to the pouch, and wherein the arm strap includes: holes arranged in a specified pattern; loop cells at specified locations along the length of the arm strap; and a hook cell located at a distal end of the arm strap. The armband further includes a ring coupled to the pouch configured to allow the distal end of the arm strap to be passed through the ring and pulled toward the proximate end of the arm strap so that the hook cell can be coupled to one or more loop cells.

Abstract: An armband that holds an electronic device is presented. The armband includes a pouch which includes a window and an opening configured to allow an electronic device to be inserted into the pouch. The armband also includes an arm strap wherein the proximate end of the arm strap is coupled to the pouch, and wherein the arm strap includes: holes arranged in a specified pattern; loop cells at specified locations along the length of the arm strap; and a hook cell located at a distal end of the arm strap. The armband further includes a ring coupled to the pouch configured to allow the distal end of the arm strap to be passed through the ring and pulled toward the proximate end of the arm strap so that the hook cell can be coupled to one or more loop cells.

Abstract: A method of controlling a regulator with a pilot device includes periodically detecting an outlet pressure at an outlet of the regulator with a feedback pressure sensor. The method also includes comparing each detected outlet pressure with a set-point control pressure. Additionally, the method includes opening an exhaust valve when a detected outlet pressure is greater than the set-point control pressure so that a loading gas, which is applied to a top surface of a diaphragm of the regulator, exhausts out through the exhaust valve to reduce loading on the diaphragm. The method further includes sensing a loading pressure in the outlet port with a loading pressure sensor after opening the exhaust valve and comparing the loading pressure to a predetermined minimum threshold pressure. When the loading pressure is equal to or less than the predetermined minimum threshold value, the method includes closing the exhaust valve.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for thermally managing electronic devices using dynamic optical components are provided. At least one of the reflectance and the transmittance of incident electromagnetic radiation of a dynamic optical component on an electronic device may be adjusted based on a detected variable device characteristic of the device, such as a temperature of a device component. By adjusting the reflectance and/or the transmittance of the dynamic optical component, different portions of the incident electromagnetic radiation may be directed from the dynamic optical component for changing the variable device characteristic.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a regulator for operating at high pressures and an integral bypass valve. The regulator and the bypass valve each include a control assembly that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The regulator and bypass valves are biased into the open positions and adapted to move into the closed positions when an operating pressure rises to above respective regulator and bypass set-point pressures. The bypass set-point pressure is lower than the regulator set-point pressure such that when the operating pressure rises above the bypass set-point pressure, the bypass valve automatically closes and allows the regulator to perform under normal operating conditions. So configured, the bypass valve is arranged to accommodate at least some of the fluid flow through the system until the operating pressure reaches the normal operating pressure, which is somewhere between the bypass and regulator set-point pressures.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media. for thermally managing electronic devices using dynamic optical components are provided. At least one of the reflectance and the transmittance of incident electromagnetic radiation of a dynamic optical component on an electronic device may be adjusted based on a detected variable device characteristic of the device, such as a temperature of a device component. By adjusting the reflectance and/or the transmittance of the dynamic optical component, different portions of the incident electromagnetic radiation may be directed from the dynamic optical component for changing the variable device characteristic.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for thermally managing electronic devices using dynamic optical components are provided. At least one of the reflectance and the transmittance of incident electromagnetic radiation of a dynamic optical component on an electronic device may be adjusted based on a detected variable device characteristic of the device, such as a temperature of a device component. By adjusting the reflectance and/or the transmittance of the dynamic optical component, different portions of the incident electromagnetic radiation may be directed from the dynamic optical component for changing the variable device characteristic.

Abstract: An armband that holds an electronic device is presented. The armband includes a pouch which includes a window and an opening configured to allow an electronic device to be inserted into the pouch. The armband also includes an arm strap wherein the proximate end of the arm strap is coupled to the pouch, and wherein the arm strap includes: holes arranged in a specified pattern; loop cells at specified locations along the length of the arm strap; and a hook cell located at a distal end of the arm strap. The armband further includes a ring coupled to the pouch configured to allow the distal end of the arm strap to be passed through the ring and pulled toward the proximate end of the arm strap so that the hook cell can be coupled to one or more loop cells.

Abstract: A method of controlling a regulator with a pilot device includes periodically detecting an outlet pressure at an outlet of the regulator with a feedback pressure sensor. The method also includes comparing each detected outlet pressure with a set-point control pressure. Additionally, the method includes opening an exhaust valve of the pilot device when a detected outlet pressure is determined to be greater than the set-point control pressure such that a loading gas in the pilot device, which is applied to a top surface of a diaphragm of the regulator, exhausts out through the exhaust valve to reduce loading on the diaphragm. The method further includes sensing a loading pressure in the outlet port of the pilot valve with the loading pressure sensor after opening the exhaust valve and comparing the loading pressure to a predetermined minimum threshold pressure.

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a pressure regulator in a process plant is provided. The diagnostic apparatus includes a processor operatively coupled to the pressure regulator; a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and a sensor operatively coupled to an inlet valve of the pressure regulator, an exhaust valve of the pressure regulator, and the processor. A diagnostic module is stored in the memory, and when executed by the processor, presents a diagnostic tool at a user interface.

Abstract: A method of managing fluid supply in a process control system is provided. The method includes identifying, via a controller of a pilot device, a predetermined minimum source pressure, the predetermined minimum source pressure being the minimum pressure required at a fluid supply source to permit a simultaneous operation of all of a plurality of process lines. The method also includes determining, via the controller, whether a pressure of the fluid supply source is less than the predetermined minimum source pressure. The method further includes determining, via the controller, that the fluid supply source is to be changed when the pressure of the fluid supply source is less than the predetermined minimum source pressure.

Abstract: Haptic systems are disclosed which may provide increased resolution in tactile feedback. A tiered haptic system may be formed by stacking of haptic elements. One or more arrays of shape change elements such as, for example, piezoelectric elements may be used to actuate a screen surface. Arrays may also be used to sense tactile interactions and stimuli on a screen surface. An embedded haptic system may be formed by inserting haptic elements into a contoured elastic sheet. The embedded haptic system may provide tactile interactions to a user. In some embodiments, both tiered and embedded haptic arrangements may be used.

Abstract: An armband that holds an electronic device is presented. The armband includes a pouch which includes a window and an opening configured to allow an electronic device to be inserted into the pouch. The armband also includes an arm strap wherein the proximate end of the arm strap is coupled to the pouch, and wherein the arm strap includes: holes arranged in a specified pattern; loop cells at specified locations along the length of the arm strap; and a hook cell located at a distal end of the arm strap. The armband further includes a ring coupled to the pouch configured to allow the distal end of the arm strap to be passed through the ring and pulled toward the proximate end of the arm strap so that the hook cell can be coupled to one or more loop cells.

Abstract: Haptic systems are disclosed which may provide increased resolution in tactile feedback. A tiered haptic system may be formed by stacking of haptic elements. One or more arrays of shape change elements such as, for example, piezoelectric elements may be used to actuate a screen surface. Arrays may also be used to sense tactile interactions and stimuli on a screen surface. An embedded haptic system may be formed by inserting haptic elements into a contoured elastic sheet. The embedded haptic system may provide tactile interactions to a user. In some embodiments, both tiered and embedded haptic arrangements may be used.

Abstract: Integrated touch sensor and solar panel stack-up configurations that may be used on portable devices, particularly handheld portable devices such as a media player or phone are disclosed. The solar cell stack-up configurations may include one or more touch sensor layers and one or more solar cell layers. By integrating both the touch sensors and the solar cell layers into the same stack-up, surface area on the portable device may be conserved. The solar panel may be mounted face down or otherwise obstructed by a touch sensor or other component. In this configuration, the device may include light channels that allow light into the device and direct the light around the component and to the solar panel. A parabolic reflector may be used to direct the light.

Abstract: A substantially planar suspension spring for supporting a linear compressor housed within a hermetic shell. A hub portion (36) connects to the body of the compressor assembly while a spiral arm portion (38) curves around the hub portion (36) at least one full turn before attaching to the wall of the compressor housing. Provides lateral stability to the reciprocating compressor assembly while maintaining axial flexibility.