Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system supports improved interactive control processes/services. These interactive control processes/services include detecting movement of a controller associated with a virtual reality (VR) environment, determining an angle of rotation based on the movement, determining a magnitude of force associated with the movement, determining a path in the VR environment that corresponds to the angle of rotation and the magnitude of force, and projecting the path in the VR environment.

Abstract: An integrated device and related instruments and systems for analyzing samples in parallel are described. The integrated device may include sample wells arranged on a surface of where individual sample wells are configured to receive a sample labeled with at least one fluorescent marker configured to emit emission light in response to excitation light. The integrated device may further include photodetectors positioned in a layer of the integrated device, where one or more photodetectors are positioned to receive a photon of emission light emitted from a sample well. The integrated device further includes one or more photonic structures positioned between the sample wells and the photodetectors, where the one or more photonic structures are configured to attenuate the excitation light relative to the emission light such that a signal generated by the one or more photodetectors indicates detection of photons of emission light.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system supports improved interactive control processes/services. These interactive control processes/services include detecting movement of a controller associated with a virtual reality (VR) environment, determining an angle of rotation based on the movement, determining a magnitude of force associated with the movement, determining a path in the VR environment that corresponds to the angle of rotation and the magnitude of force, and projecting the path in the VR environment.

Abstract: System and methods for optical power distribution to a large numbers of sample wells within an integrated device that can analyze single molecules and perform nucleic acid sequencing are described. The integrated device may include a grating coupler configured to receive an optical beam from an optical source and optical splitters configured to divide optical power of the grating coupler to waveguides of the integrated device positioned to couple with the sample wells. Outputs of the grating coupler may vary in one or more dimensions to account for an optical intensity profile of the optical source.

Abstract: System and methods for analyzing single molecules and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An integrated device may include multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which when excited, emits radiation. The integrated device includes a surface having a trench region recessed from a portion of the surface and an array of sample wells, disposed in the trench region. The integrated device also includes a waveguide configured to couple excitation energy to at least one sample well in the array and positioned at a first distance from a surface of the trench region and at a second distance from the surface in a region separate from the trench region. The first distance is smaller than the second distance. The system also includes an instrument that interfaces with the integrated device. The instrument may include an excitation energy source for providing excitation energy to the integrated device by coupling to an excitation energy coupling region of the integrated device.

Abstract: Stored inventory onboard self-contained mobile storefronts are delivered with respect to an order and delivery system deployed over a regional delivery area operating in a closed network. A mobile storefront that receives an order from a consumer operates autonomously to facilitate preparation of the order from an aggregation of inventory stored thereon, then completes delivery to the consumer at the consumer's geolocation. A highly responsive on-demand system is provided that consolidates order fulfillment technologies to service consumers more quickly and efficiently by minimizing opportunities for human error.

Abstract: Sales transaction history is stored and communications with a consumer is provided through automated means with respect to an order and delivery system deployed over a regional delivery area that includes mobile storefronts operating in a closed network. Digital communications may be triggered by an onboard computer when a mobile storefront is scheduled to be within a defined proximity to the consumer's geolocation and may include incentives or rewards based on stored historical data. A desired transaction between the consumer and the mobile storefront may be generated by implementing client management software to employ artificially intelligent algorithms that evaluate a transaction history to deliver a personalized strategic promotional message.

Abstract: An order and delivery system to be deployed over a regional delivery area includes a business, and a network of mobile storefronts that contain stored inventory and operate within the regional delivery area. An order server receives a query from a consumer, then determines the consumer's geolocation, verifies that the consumer's geolocation is within the regional delivery area, then logically pairs the consumer with the most strategic mobile storefront. The mobile storefront includes calculating and processing equipment and an onboard computer that receives the order from the consumer, evaluates a current location and heading of the mobile storefront, monitors real-time inventory on board the mobile storefront, prioritizes the order against other orders in queue, determines navigation and routing, estimates a time of arrival (ETA) to the consumer's geolocation, and communicates the ETA to the consumer.

Abstract: A flotation device that automatically inflates when contacted by water, but minimizes the risk of inadvertent inflation, includes an inflatable bladder that is coupled to a water-activated inflator device equipped with a water sensor. The water sensor is covered by a housing that prevents the flotation device from inflating inadvertently. The water sensor and housing are positioned on the upper back area of the wearer.

Abstract: An order and delivery system to be deployed over a regional delivery area includes a business within the regional delivery area, and a mobile storefront that includes stored inventory and operates within the regional delivery area. An order server receives orders from a consumer, then determines the consumer's location, verifies that the consumer's location is within the regional delivery area, and sends the order to the mobile storefront. The mobile storefront includes an onboard computer that receives the order from the order server, evaluates a current location and heading of the mobile storefront, prioritizes the order against other orders in queue, determines navigation and routing, estimates a time of arrival (ETA) to the consumer's location, and communicates the ETA to the consumer. The mobile storefront receives the order and facilitates preparation of the order with its stored inventory for delivery to the consumer at the consumer's location.

Abstract: A flotation device that automatically inflates when contacted by water, but minimizes the risk of inadvertent inflation, includes an inflatable bladder that is coupled to a water-activated inflator device equipped with a water sensor. The water sensor is covered by a housing that prevents the flotation device from inflating inadvertently. The water sensor and housing are positioned on the upper back area of the wearer.

Abstract: A reverse phase extraction method for the recovery of triglycerides from aqueous slurries of algae is described herein. The present invention discloses the use of immobilized anion exchange and lipid binding resins. As the algae flows past the resin, triglycerides adhere while the bulk of the algae flows through. The lipids, useful for generating biofuels are then are eluted off the resin. The method of the present invention does not require prior drying of the algae, is inexpensive, and does not destroy the algal biomass which can be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A reverse phase extraction method for the recovery of triglycerides from aqueous slurries of algae is described herein. The present invention discloses the use of immobilized anion exchange and lipid binding resins. As the algae flows past the resin, triglycerides adhere while the bulk of the algae flows through. The lipids, useful for generating biofuels are then are eluted off the resin. The method of the present invention does not require prior drying of the algae, is inexpensive, and does not destroy the algal biomass which can be used for other purposes.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating semiconductor structures are provided. A first layer may be deposited onto a substrate followed by the deposition of a second layer onto the first layer. A plurality of line structures may be etched in the second layer. A third layer, deposited onto the plurality of line structures of the second layer, may subsequently be etched to expose the plurality of line structures in the second layer. The plurality of line structures in the second layer may be removed, leaving an etched third layer. The etched third layer may be used as a mask to etch the first layer to form a semiconductor structure in the first layer. In some respects, the methods may include steps for etching the substrate using the etched first layer. The methods may also provide annealing the etched substrate to form a corrugate substrate surface.

Abstract: An electrical coupling for electrically linking at least one battery to an actuator in a vehicle includes a housing having a base including at least two spaced apart connectors. A busbar has a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion spaced from the first conductive portion, and a fuse portion connecting the first and second conductive portions. The first conductive portion has at least two spaced apart junctions and the second conductive portion has at least one junction. The busbar is sized and configured to fit in the housing in at least a first position and a second position in which the busbar is rotated relative to the first position.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating semiconductor structures are provided. A first layer may be deposited onto a substrate followed by the deposition of a second layer onto the first layer. A plurality of line structures may be etched in the second layer. A third layer, deposited onto the plurality of line structures of the second layer, may subsequently be etched to expose the plurality of line structures in the second layer. The plurality of line structures in the second layer may be removed, leaving an etched third layer. The etched third layer may be used as a mask to etch the first layer to form a semiconductor structure in the first layer. In some respects, the methods may include steps for etching the substrate using the etched first layer. The methods may also provide annealing the etched substrate to form a corrugate substrate surface.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the resolution capability and line edge roughness of resists, including chemically amplified resists are disclosed. In order to improve upon the resolution, dipolar species may be coupled to a photoacid group and/or added to the resist, where the dipolar species may influence the direction of acid diffusion. An electric field may be applied to a post-exposure bake process and/or a soft bake process and the resist layer is developed.