Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a variable displacement engine that includes a knock control system. Engine background noise levels for detecting engine knock may be the basis for determining whether or not the engine is operating in a cylinder deactivation mode. Further, select variable engine displacement modes may be avoided so that engine background noise level changes may be reduced to improve engine knock detection.

Abstract: A charging handle assembly for a firearm includes a main body with a head and a shaft extending forward from the head, a left handle disposed at the head, a right handle disposed at the head, at least one latch disposed at the head, and a plunger disposed at the head. The left handle and the right handle are identical.

Abstract: One embodiment comprises a non-transitory, computer-readable medium embodying thereon computer-executable instructions for receiving a document design, generating a conversation-enabled document from the document design, exposing the conversation-enabled document on a conversation channel, receiving a participant response, updating the conversation-enabled document based the participant response, and rendering a communication page on a second channel using the updated conversation-enabled document. The document design comprises a page template and a conversation template. The page template specifies content of the communication page and a variable to be populated with a first variable value. The conversation template defines a state machine for an automated conversation, the conversation template specifying a variable to which the participant response is to be written.

Abstract: Changing a cumulative pumping rate of multiple pump units by adjusting individual pumping rates of the pump units, wherein each temporary dip or spike of an individual pumping rate of one of the pump units is automatically offset by a predetermined temporary adjustment of an individual pumping rate of another one or more of the pump units to thereby reduce effects of the temporary dip or spike on the cumulative pumping rate of the pump units.

Abstract: A process for producing crude biodiesel from renewable feedstocks (such as fats, oils, and greases) containing unsaponifiable materials; purifying the crude biodiesel through a purification process; recovering a purified biodiesel distillate stream and a less volatile biodiesel residue stream; and further recovering valuable chemicals from the biodiesel residue. Specifically, the present technology relates to the concentration of valuable chemicals in the biodiesel residue product of biodiesel production and the subsequent recovery of these valuable chemicals. The process may further include the conversion of the biodiesel residue into diesel range hydrocarbons using hydrodeoxygenation and the subsequent purification of the hydrocarbon fraction produced thereby.

Abstract: A firearm loader may be used to transfer at least one cartridge to a firearm. The loader includes a main body comprising a proximal end and a distal end and a follower disposed inside the main body. The loader may include an engaged configuration wherein the loader is at least partially inserted into a firearm. The proximal end may include an opening. In the engaged configuration, the opening approximately faces a magazine of the firearm.

Abstract: Plastic grid or framework arrangements are used to support and position of bowls that hold flower arrangements, candles, letters, and other decorative elements. These grids are deployable in water fountains, indoor and outdoor pools, and other small bodies of water during festive occasions or for longer term decorative display. The grid themselves do not float, and are positioned below the surface of the water, and thus are not readily visible. Buoyancy is provided at the hubs that form nodes in the grids. The hubs also support floating bowls containing various decorative elements. The resulting effect is that the various decorative elements appear to be floating on the surface while the sub-surface grid structure maintains their relative positioning, keeping the bowls from clumping together at the edges or in the corners of the pool or fountain.

Abstract: Novel system, methods, which include machine learning, and device for providing color and fashion recommendations, including for persons with visual impairment such as color blindness or complete blindness.

Abstract: One embodiment comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions executable to access a conversation-enabled document and expose the conversation-enabled document on a conversation channel as a conversation into the conversation-enabled document. The conversation-enabled document can comprise a conversation component for controlling a conversation interface into the conversation-enabled document, the conversation component specifying conversation steps, routing between conversation steps and a document variable to accept a conversation participant response. The computer-executable instructions can be executable to set a document variable value in the conversation-enabled document based on the participant response received via the conversation interface; and render the conversation-enabled document to a response channel using the document variable and the page template.

Abstract: In one example of the disclosure, a set of electronic document templates is accessed and instances of duplicated document content are identified. Display of a user notice for first duplicated document content is caused. Responsive to receipt of data indicative of a user instruction to create a component template for the first duplicated content, the component template is created and stored.

Abstract: A ratcheting magazine for a firearm includes a main body, a floor plate, and an insert disposed inside the main body. The insert includes a front column of supports, a rear column of supports, and a sliding column of supports. The sliding column of supports includes a plurality of positions relative to the insert such that the sliding column of supports moves linearly relative to the insert.

Abstract: An upper receiver assembly includes an outer member with an upper rail and an inner member with at least one of a pivot pin lug and a takedown pin lug. The inner member is disposed at least partially inside the outer member. The outer member includes an ejection port, and the inner member includes an ejection port. The ejection port of the inner member is at least partially aligned with the ejection port of the outer member.

Abstract: In some embodiments, fast and secure communication can be achieved (e.g., in a fueling environment payment system) with systems and methods that validate an authentication request based on one or more pre-validated cryptographic keys.

Abstract: A bolt carrier group assembly for a firearm includes at least one metallic bolt carrier group component with an outer metallic surface and at least one insert with an outer surface. The outer surface is at least flush with the outer metallic surface, and the at least one insert has a lower coefficient of friction compared to the at least one metallic bolt carrier group component.

Abstract: A follower for a magazine of a firearm includes an underside for attachment to a spring within the magazine, a spine extending downward from a rear part of the follower, and an upper surface for interfacing with at least one cartridge inserted into the magazine. The upper surface includes a top portion and a bottom portion, and the bottom portion includes a curved surface.

Abstract: Amide compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds as well as methods of treating neurodegenerative diseases that involve administering the compounds or pharmaceutical compositions to a subject.

Abstract: A pivot pin for a firearm includes a proximal end, a distal end, a cylindrical surface extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a head disposed at the distal end where the head includes a flat portion, a groove extending along at least a portion of a length of the cylindrical surface, and a hole extending through the pivot pin. The hole is located between the groove and the proximal end.

Abstract: Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) polishing compositions comprising abrasive particles and additives to boost removal rates of films comprising elemental silicon such as poly-silicon and Silicon-Germanium.

Abstract: A firearm loader may be used to transfer at least one cartridge to a firearm. The loader includes a main body comprising a proximal end and a distal end and a follower disposed inside the main body. The loader may include an engaged configuration wherein the loader is at least partially inserted into a firearm. The proximal end may include an opening. In the engaged configuration, the opening approximately faces a magazine of the firearm.

Abstract: A firearm receiver assembly includes a receiver body, a threaded mount at a rear portion of the receiver body, a magazine release assembly including a magazine release portion on at least one side of the receiver body, a bolt release assembly including a bolt release central portion and a bolt release portion on at least one side of the receiver body, and a safety selector assembly including a safety portion on at least one side of the receiver body. The bolt release central portion translates vertically within a cavity of the receiver body.