Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for optimizing a process of manufacturing a product. In one aspect, the method comprises repeatedly performing the following: i) selecting a configuration of input settings for manufacturing a product, based on a causal model that measures causal relationships between input settings and a measure of a quality of the product; ii) determining the measure of the quality of the product manufactured using the configuration of input settings; and iii) adjusting, based on the measure of the quality of the product manufactured using the configuration of input settings, the causal model.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining causal models for controlling environments.

Abstract: Provided herein are halogenated cholesterol analogues, including methods of making and using the same. Also provided are methods of making radiolabeled cholesterol analogues including admixing an epoxide with a fluorine-18 source under conditions to form a radiofluorinated cholesterol analogue.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for optimizing a process of manufacturing a biologic pharmaceutical. In one aspect, the method comprises repeatedly performing the following: i) selecting a configuration of input settings for manufacturing a batch of a biologic pharmaceutical based on a causal model that measures current causal relationships between input settings and a measure of a quality of batches of the biological pharmaceutical; ii) determining a measure of the quality of a batch of the biological pharmaceutical manufactured using the configuration of input settings; and iii) adjusting, based on the measure of the quality of the batch of the biological pharmaceutical, the causal model.

Abstract: Method for active battery management to optimize battery performance. The method includes providing signal injections for charging and discharging of a battery. The signal injections include various charging and discharging profiles, rates, and endpoints. Response signals corresponding with the signal injections are received, and a utility of those signals is measured. Based upon the utility of the response signals, data relating to charging and discharging of the battery is modified to optimize battery performance and to determine when to discharge the battery into a power grid in order to return power to the grid in exchange for an economic benefit such as a payment or rebate from a utility company.

Abstract: Systems and methods for learning and managing robot user interfaces are disclosed herein. One embodiment generates, based on input data including information about past interactions of a particular user with a robot and with existing HMIs of the robot, a latent space using one or more encoder neural networks, wherein the latent space is a reduced-dimensionality representation of learned behavior and characteristics of the particular user, and uses the latent space as input to train a decoder neural network associated with (1) a new HMI distinct from the existing HMIs or (2) a particular HMI among the existing HMIs to alter operation of the particular HMI. The trained first decoder neural network is deployed in the robot to control, at least in part, operation of the new HMI or the particular HMI in accordance with the learned behavior and characteristics of the particular user.

Abstract: Medical device kits for use in placing, maintaining, altering, and/or removing medical devices in, on, and/or from the body of a patient can include one or more wrap assemblies for use in the placement/maintenance procedure. The one or more wrap assemblies of the medical device kit can include various features to assist the clinician performing the particular procedure, such as a urinary catheterization procedure. A wrap assembly can include a wrap body including a front surface defining an aseptic field for the urinary catheterization procedure, a plurality of pockets on the front surface, and urinary catheterization components disposed in the plurality of pockets, the urinary catheterization components arranged in a predetermined order of use for the urinary catheterization procedure. The wrap assembly can be in a rolled configuration. A method of using the wrap assembly includes unrolling the wrap assembly and removing the urinary catheterization components to perform the procedure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining causal models for controlling environments.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, including a deformable anchor body, a working suture connected to the anchor body, the working suture including a pre-formed knot, and a repair suture connected to the first object, wherein, with the anchor body connected to the second object and at least one of the anchor body and the working suture connected to the repair suture, the anchor body is adapted to secure within the second object and the working suture and repair suture are adapted to secure to the anchor body to secure the first object to the second object.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining causal models for controlling environments. One of the methods includes repeatedly selecting, by a control system for the environment, control settings for the environment based on internal parameters of the control system, wherein: at least some of the control settings for the environment are selected based on a causal model, and the internal parameters include a first set of internal parameters that define a number of previously received performance metric values that are used to generate the causal model for a particular controllable element; obtaining, for each selected control setting, a performance metric value; determining that generating the causal model for the at particular controllable element would result in higher system performance; and adjusting, based on the determining, the first set of internal parameters.

Abstract: A bioactive filamentary structure includes a sheath coated with a mixture of synthetic bone graft particles and a polymer solution forming a scaffold structure. In forming such a structure, synthetic bone graft particles and a polymer solution are applied around a filamentary structure. A polymer is precipitated from the polymer solution such that the synthetic bone graft particles and the polymer coat the filamentary structure and the polymer is adhered to the synthetic bone graft particles to retain the graft particles.

Abstract: A duration of time in which an individual observed a region can be determined. An image can be received. The image can include an indication of a point of gaze of the individual at a production time of the image. The image can include a visual fiducial marker, which can be disposed at a position in the image and can include a visual symbol. The visual symbol can be associated with data that define the region. The region can have a shape and a size and can be disposed a displacement in a direction from a position of the visual fiducial marker. Using the visual symbol, a location of an edge of the region can be determined. The indication of the point of gaze can be determined to be within the region. The production time of the image can be determined to be within the duration of time.

Abstract: A heat-retaining clip assembly is provided. The heat-retaining clip assembly includes a convex surface nested in a concave surface in a closed position, wherein the convex and concave surfaces are pivotably connected to move between the closed position and an open position. The convex surface has a higher thermal conductivity than the concave surface. The present invention includes a system providing an arcuate heating element that can be sandwiched between the convex and concave surfaces in the closed position, while the convex surface conducts most of the heat. Then the heat-retaining clip assembly may be moved in the open position from the heating element to a user's hair so that the heat stored in the convex surface transfers to the hair to form textured waves in the hair after the clip is moved back to the closed position.

Abstract: A charging system includes a scalable power source for powering a motor of a vehicle and telematics and battery management modules. The scalable power source includes: N battery packs, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 3; and multiple switches connected to the N battery packs including N?1 switches for serially connecting the N battery packs between supply and return lines and a multiple of N switches for parallel connecting the N battery packs to the supply and return lines. The telematics module requests capability of a charging station and receives a response signal from a device indicating the capability of the charging station. The battery management module: based on the capability of the charging station, selects one of the available arrangements in which to connect the N battery packs, sets states of the multiple switches; and then charges the N battery packs based on the states.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer system facilitates depth conflict mitigation for a virtual object that is in contact with one or more physical objects in a three-dimensional environment by reducing visual prominence of one or more portions of the virtual object. In some embodiments, a computer system adjusts the visibility of one or more virtual objects in a three-dimensional environment by applying a visual effect to the one or more virtual objects in response to detecting one or more portions of a user. In some embodiments, a computer system modifies visual prominence in accordance with a level of engagement with a virtual object.

Abstract: Dual arm mechanical pruning apparatuses for simultaneously hedging and/or skirting trees in adjacent rows typically comprising: a mast assembly; a lift carriage assembly; two front arm assemblies, each front arm assembly comprising one or more saw blades; two lower arm assemblies, each lower arm assembly comprising one or more saw blades; two swing arms, each swing arm rotatably attached to the lift carriage, one of the two front arm assemblies and one of the two lower arm assemblies, where the two swing arms rotate, thereby extending and retracting the two front arm assemblies and the two lower arm assemblies relative to the lift carriage assembly, and where the two front arm assemblies hedge, and the two lower arm assemblies hedge or skirt trees. In some embodiments the dual arm mechanical pruning apparatus also comprises a vehicle mounting assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for learning and managing robot user interfaces are disclosed herein. One embodiment generates, based on input data including information about past interactions of a particular user with a robot and with existing HMIs of the robot, a latent space using one or more encoder neural networks, wherein the latent space is a reduced-dimensionality representation of learned behavior and characteristics of the particular user, and uses the latent space as input to train a decoder neural network associated with (1) a new HMI distinct from the existing HMIs or (2) a particular HMI among the existing HMIs to alter operation of the particular HMI. The trained first decoder neural network is deployed in the robot to control, at least in part, operation of the new HMI or the particular HMI in accordance with the learned behavior and characteristics of the particular user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improved and intuitive adjustment of a vehicle headrest. A vehicle headrest adjustment system may include touch sensors and/or motion sensors to determine a driver or passenger intends to adjust a vehicle headrest. Upon detection of touch consistent with intent to adjust a vehicle headrest and/or a hand gesture consistent with intent to adjust a vehicle headrest, a system may unlock a vehicle headrest. A driver or passenger may move the unlocked vehicle headrest into the desired position. Upon detection of a condition indicating the driver or passenger is finished and/or upon a set period of time elapsing, the system may re-lock the vehicle headrest into place. A vehicle headrest adjustment system may also include a power-assist function. The power-assist function may include motors and force sensors to assist a driver or passenger in moving a vehicle headrest into a desired position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an autonomous vehicle are disclosed herein. One embodiment determines a reference path for the autonomous vehicle along a roadway segment and steers the autonomous vehicle along a path that includes controlled back and forth lateral deviations from the reference path along the roadway segment to provide feedback to an occupant of the autonomous vehicle, the feedback indicating to the occupant that the autonomous vehicle is in an autonomous driving mode and that the autonomous driving mode is operating correctly.

Abstract: A system is provided for implementing steering wheel controls, namely steering wheel rotation locking. In accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology, a system may comprise a steering wheel rotation locking device; and a controller communicatively connected to the steering wheel rotation locking device to determine a presence and location of one or more objects or conditions surrounding a vehicle, and produce steering wheel control feedback to physically prevent rotational movement of a steering wheel.