Abstract: An apparatus for decoding frames of a compressed video data stream having at least one frame divided into partitions, includes a memory and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to read partition data information indicative of a partition location for at least one of the partitions, decode a first partition of the partitions that includes a first sequence of blocks, decode a second partition of the partitions that includes a second sequence of blocks identified from the partition data information using decoded information of the first partition.

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may be configured and deployed to maintain inventory and retrieve products for delivery. The UAVs can be equipped with a plurality of sensors used to assess the condition of inventory items, report the condition to a central control, and to retrieve inventory items. The UAVs can scan fruits and vegetables, for example, to determine the current ripeness. The UAV can then harvest the items if ready or provide a status update if they are not ready. The UAVs can be used in conjunction with transporters and harvesters to deliver products from the field or warehouse to a central control or directly to the customer. In scanning the products for readiness, the UAVs can also detect issues such as spoilage, fungus, and pests. This information can be used for the specific application of treatments.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for evaluating the level of organic contaminants in water, and in particular water that is used as boiler feedwater in food processing facilities such as sugar factories. The method includes measuring at least one parameter of the water including pH, conductivity, and/or total organic carbon, and, based on the measured values, determining whether corrective action needs to be taken to reduce the levels of organic contaminants.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for quantifying peroxyacid in a fluid by using spectrophotometry. Peroxyacid in the fluid is reacted with an iodide reagent and the absorbance of the reaction solution is measured. The absorbance can be measured at or near the isosbectic wavelength of iodine and triiodide, and the assay is useful to quantify peroxyacid that is present at high levels in fluids.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the separation, identification and characterization of active peptide fragments from peptones.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing and treating a fluid containing a peroxyacid and/or peroxide. A method of analyzing the fluid includes introducing into the fluid a decomposition agent that catalyzes decomposition of the peroxyacid and/or peroxide into decomposition products including oxygen, then directly or indirectly measuring an amount of oxygen produced after introduction of the decomposition agent, and determining an amount of the peroxyacid and/or peroxide present in the fluid. The amount of peroxyacid and/or peroxide in the fluid can also be monitored and controlled by further adjusting the amount of the peroxyacid and/or peroxide in the fluid based on the determined amount thereof. A system for performing the methods includes a decomposition agent infusion device for introducing the decomposition agent into a fluid sample, and a sensor for directly or indirectly measuring an amount of oxygen produced after introduction of the decomposition agent.

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may be configured and deployed to maintain inventory and retrieve products for delivery. The UAVs can be equipped with a plurality of sensors used to assess the condition of inventory items, report the condition to a central control, and to retrieve inventory items. The UAVs can scan fruits and vegetables, for example, to determine the current ripeness. The UAV can then harvest the items if ready or provide a status update if they are not ready. The UAVs can be used in conjunction with transporters and harvesters to deliver products from the field or warehouse to a central control or directly to the customer. In scanning the products for readiness, the UAVs can also detect issues such as spoilage, fungus, and pests. This information can be used for the specific application of treatments.

Abstract: Methods are described for maintaining unpaved roads. The methods include applying an aqueous composition to a section of an unpaved road (such as a mine haul road in a mine). The aqueous composition includes from 5 to 10,000 ppm of a synthetic polymer in water, and may be applied periodically. The synthetic polymer may be compatible with chemical processes employed by the mine, and the method may also include subsequently mining the section of the mine haul road.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing and/or disinfecting workpieces, such as medical and dental instruments. The device can include a chamber that receives the workpieces and can be sealed. The chamber is filled with chlorine dioxide gas to a threshold concentration and for a time sufficient to sterilize and/or disinfect the workpieces.

Abstract: A plurality of UAVs may be operated in a fleet, each of the UAVs in the fleet being configured to work collectively to achieve one or more functions, such as to create a display or implement an antenna array. The fleet of UAVs may operate individually and/or may be coupled to one another to operate as a collective unit. In some embodiments, one or more UAVs in the fleet may operate individually, while two or more UAVs in the fleet may be connected to one another. In such embodiments, the individual UAVs and the connected UAVs may together comprise the fleet.

Abstract: Multiple chemical tracers are provided in a fluid system, and measured to evaluate parameters of the system. The multiple chemical tracers include at least one reactive chemical tracer that provides a measurable signal with an intensity that changes as the reactive chemical tracer reacts in the fluid system. The signals of the multiple chemical tracers are compared to each other to evaluate a system parameter, such as temperature, pH, or system events.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing high purity gaseous chlorine dioxide are provided. A solid chlorite reactant is contacted with an ozone-containing reactant gas, or a gas containing both ozone and a component that reacts with any hydroxide byproduct (such as carbon dioxide), to produce chlorine dioxide. The reaction can be monitored and controlled to ensure that excess chlorite reactant is provided and to prevent ozone from passing into the product gas.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for providing miniaturized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are disclosed. The techniques and systems can include significant off-board processing support for the UAVs to enable the UAVs to be smaller, lighter, and less expensive than conventional UAVs. The techniques and systems can include routines to provide enhanced support for police during routine traffic stops. The techniques and systems can also include routines to locate objects or people including, for example, locating a lost child in a crowd or a lost vehicle in a parking lot. The miniaturized UAVs can provide enhances perception for the user to enable the user to over and around objects for improved visibility and safety, among other things.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing and/or disinfecting workpieces, such as medical and dental instruments. The device can include a chamber that receives the workpieces and can be sealed. The chamber is filled with chlorine dioxide gas to a threshold concentration and for a time sufficient to sterilize and/or disinfect the workpieces.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing and treating a fluid containing a peroxyacid and/or peroxide. A method of analyzing the fluid includes introducing into the fluid a decomposition agent that catalyzes decomposition of the peroxyacid and/or peroxide into decomposition products including oxygen, then directly or indirectly measuring an amount of oxygen produced after introduction of the decomposition agent, and determining an amount of the peroxyacid and/or peroxide present in the fluid. The amount of peroxyacid and/or peroxide in the fluid can also be monitored and controlled by further adjusting the amount of the peroxyacid and/or peroxide in the fluid based on the determined amount thereof. A system for performing the methods includes a decomposition agent infusion device for introducing the decomposition agent into a fluid sample, and a sensor for directly or indirectly measuring an amount of oxygen produced after introduction of the decomposition agent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the separation, identification and characterization of active peptide fragments from peptones.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the separation, identification and characterization of active peptide fragments from peptones.

Abstract: Multiple chemical tracers are provided in a fluid system, and measured to evaluate parameters of the system. The multiple chemical tracers include at least one reactive chemical tracer that provides a measurable signal with an intensity that changes as the reactive chemical tracer reacts in the fluid system. The signals of the multiple chemical tracers are compared to each other to evaluate a system parameter, such as temperature, pH, or system events.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for providing miniaturized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are disclosed. The techniques and systems can include significant off-board processing support for the UAVs to enable the UAVs to be smaller, lighter, and less expensive than conventional UAVs. The techniques and systems can include routines to provide enhanced support for police during routine traffic stops. The techniques and systems can also include routines to locate objects or people including, for example, locating a lost child in a crowd or a lost vehicle in a parking lot. The miniaturized UAVs can provide enhances perception for the user to enable the user to over and around objects for improved visibility and safety, among other things.