Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to collecting and preparing samples. For example, the technology relates particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits that allow a subject to collect and prepare a sample for analysis.

Abstract: A machine includes an engine, an electronic display device, and a controller configured to: receive one or more signals indicating an identification of a machine operator; retrieve a name of the operator associated with the identification of the operator in a first data set of machine operators; retrieve one or more saved machine parameters associated with the name of the operator in a second data set of machine parameters; and set one or more current machine parameters to the one or more saved machine parameters.

Abstract: A system and method to access a machine through a mobile device includes sending a machine key to a controller on-board the machine, and a mobile device key to the mobile device using a remote server. The mobile device sends a mobile device ID to the controller. The controller determines the mobile device key based on the mobile device ID and the machine key. The controller sends a random number to the mobile device. The mobile device processes the random number to derive a first processed random number, and sends the first processed random number to the controller. The controller processes the random number to derive a second processed random number. The controller enables a start button to send a request to start the machine, when the first processed random number matches the second processed random number. The controller starts the machine upon receiving the request to start the machine.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for facilitating remote access of device and user credentials for at computing devices according to one embodiment of the invention. A method of embodiments of the invention includes remotely accessing, by a first computing device, credentials of a second computing device. The credentials may facilitate the first computing device to perform one or more tasks. The method may further include performing, at the first computing device, the one or more tasks based on the accessed credentials and according to capabilities of the first computing device.

Abstract: A method of detecting a laser beam emitted by a laser tool includes receiving light via an optical window of a receiver unit, and directing the light received via the optical window onto a first light sensor array and a second light sensor array. At least one signal is output from the first light sensor array indicating a characteristic of the light incident upon the first light sensor array. At least one signal is output from the second light sensor array indicating a characteristic of the light incident upon the second light sensor array. The at least one signal from the first light sensor array and the at least one signal from the second light sensor array are processed with respect to each other to produce a measurement signal. A determination is then made whether the received light is a laser beam emitted by the laser tool based on the measurement signal.

Abstract: A method of operating a rotary laser level includes actuating a drive system to level a laser assembly of a base unit of the rotary laser level, and emitting a laser beam from the rotating laser assembly after the laser assembly has been leveled. A first beam center position of the emitted laser beam is detected using a portable receiving unit. An initial level position is determined at the first beam center position, and the receiving unit is fixed at the first beam center position. The base unit is then rotated so the laser assembly is pointing away from the receiving unit and the laser assembly is leveled again. The laser beam is then centered on the receiving unit again and a current level position is determined. The current level position is compared to the initial level position to determine a state of calibration of a level position of the laser assembly based on the comparison.

Abstract: A theft detection method for a rotary laser tool includes using a motion sensor incorporated into a base unit of the rotary laser tool to detect movement of the base unit, monitoring duration of movement of the base unit as indicated by the motion sensor using a control system of the rotary laser tool, and activating an alarm indicator in response to the duration of movement being greater than a predefined threshold.

Abstract: A machine having a powertrain including an engine operably connected to a torque converter and a transmission. The machine includes a control system receive an activation signal indicative of an automatic mode operation of the machine and command the torque converter to remain in a direct-drive mode while the transmission shifts from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio. The control system also limits engine speed below a first engine speed limit when a gear ratio setting of the transmission is indicative of the second gear ratio.

Abstract: A method of operating a rotary laser level includes actuating a drive system to level a laser assembly of a base unit of the rotary laser level, and emitting a laser beam from the rotating laser assembly after the laser assembly has been leveled. A first beam center position of the emitted laser beam is detected using a portable receiving unit. An initial level position is determined at the first beam center position, and the receiving unit is fixed at the first beam center position. The base unit is then rotated so the laser assembly is pointing away from the receiving unit and the laser assembly is leveled again. The laser beam is then centered on the receiving unit again and a current level position is determined. The current level position is compared to the initial level position to determine a state of calibration of a level position of the laser assembly based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method of detecting a laser beam emitted by a laser tool includes receiving light via an optical window of a receiver unit, and directing the light received via the optical window onto a first light sensor array and a second light sensor array. At least one signal is output from the first light sensor array indicating a characteristic of the light incident upon the first light sensor array. At least one signal is output from the second light sensor array indicating a characteristic of the light incident upon the second light sensor array. The at least one signal from the first light sensor array and the at least one signal from the second light sensor array are processed with respect to each other to produce a measurement signal. A determination is then made whether the received light is a laser beam emitted by the laser tool based on the measurement signal.

Abstract: A theft detection method for a rotary laser tool includes using a motion sensor incorporated into a base unit of the rotary laser tool to detect movement of the base unit, monitoring duration of movement of the base unit as indicated by the motion sensor using a control system of the rotary laser tool, and activating an alarm indicator in response to the duration of movement being greater than a predefined threshold.

Abstract: A machine having a powertrain including an engine operably connected to a torque converter and a transmission. The machine includes a control system receive an activation signal indicative of an automatic mode operation of the machine and command the torque converter to remain in a direct-drive mode while the transmission shifts from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio. The control system also limits engine speed below a first engine speed limit when a gear ratio setting of the transmission is indicative of the second gear ratio.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for facilitating remote access of device and user credentials for at computing devices according to one embodiment of the invention. A method of embodiments of the invention includes remotely accessing, by a first computing device, credentials of a second computing device. The credentials may facilitate the first computing device to perform one or more tasks. The method may further include performing, at the first computing device, the one or more tasks based on the accessed credentials and according to capabilities of the first computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for managing private information while using semi-trusted interfaces is described. In an embodiment, an intermediate node may receive a first and second communication between a semi-trusted node and a trusted node. In managing private information, the intermediate node may append private information to the first communication sent from the semi-trusted node to the trusted node, and remove private information from the second communication sent from the trusted node to the semi-trusted node.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system, as well as a method and article, may operate to receive solicited or unsolicited computing platform service information associated with services offered by a plurality of service points in a range area, store some portion of the received information, and periodically transmit, with or without confirmation, some portion of the stored information to one or more potential subscribers.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic apparatus comprises a communication interface, an input/output interface, a processor, and logic to collect, in the electronic apparatus, a first identifier associated with a first communication device and second identifier associated with a second communication device, logic to establish a communication connection between the electronic apparatus and the first communication device, and logic to initiate, in the electronic apparatus, a connection request for a communication connection between the first communication device and the second communication device. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming isolation structures. A trench may be formed to extend into a semiconductor material. Polysilazane may be formed within the trench, and then exposed to steam. A maximum temperature of the polysilazane during the steam exposure may be less than or equal to about 500° C. The steam exposure may convert all of the polysilazane to silicon oxide. The silicon oxide may be annealed under an inert atmosphere. A maximum temperature of the silicon oxide during the annealing may be from about 700° C. to about 1000° C. In some embodiments, the isolation structures are utilized to isolate nonvolatile memory components from one another.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming isolation structures. A trench may be formed to extend into a semiconductor material. Polysilazane may be formed within the trench, and then exposed to steam. A maximum temperature of the polysilazane during the steam exposure may be less than or equal to about 500° C. The steam exposure may convert all of the polysilazane to silicon oxide. The silicon oxide may be annealed under an inert atmosphere. A maximum temperature of the silicon oxide during the annealing may be from about 700° C. to about 1000° C. In some embodiments, the isolation structures are utilized to isolate nonvolatile memory components from one another.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for discovering the presence of at least one source and target mobile device, automatically displaying a graphical interface to show the dataset from the source mobile device, and initiating the transmission of data between the mobile devices, is provided. The method further includes automatically receiving the dataset from the source mobile device, where the dataset is at least a representation of the data on the source device. In one embodiment, the representation is a subset of the data on the device and/or a description of the data on the mobile device. In another embodiment, a method for a navigation system to discover the presence of at least one mobile device, to automatically receive data from the mobile device, and to process the data with navigation operations, is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system, as well as a method and article, may operate to receive solicited or unsolicited computing platform service information associated with services offered by a plurality of service points in a range area, store some portion of the received information, and periodically transmit, with or without confirmation, some portion of the stored information to one or more potential subscribers.