Abstract: Techniques for database normalization recommendation and transparent database normalization are described. A normalization engine can analyze the data stored by database tables to determine scenarios in which normalization of the tables may be beneficial. The normalization engine can recommend normalization to an end user, such as during a database migration process. The normalization engine can alternatively perform row-by-row or complete columnar normalization and cause queries issued against normalized tables based on the previous table schema to be automatically rewritten to adhere to the updated data layout.

Abstract: There is provided a three-dimensional (3D) printer for creating a 3D object using a fabric including a cutting device, an inverted cutting surface, a securing mechanism to secure the fabric against the inverted cutting surface for cutting the fabric by the cutting device into a plurality of layers, a movable platform for receiving each of the plurality of layers, in sequence, from the inverted cutting surface after each layer is cut from the fabric, and a bonding tool to bond each layer of the plurality of fabric layers to a previously received layer as the fabric layers are sequentially received by the movable platform to create the 3D object.

Abstract: There is provided a system including a wireless tag reader, a wireless tag attached to an object, a non-transitory memory storing an executable code, and a hardware processor executing the executable code to transmit, using the wireless tag reader, an interrogation signal, receive, using the wireless tag reader, a tag signal from the wireless tag attached to the object, in response to the interrogation signal, the tag signal including a wireless tag identification uniquely identifying the wireless tag, determine a tag state associated with the wireless tag using a probabilistic estimate based on the tag signal received from the wireless tag, and determine an interaction state of the object based on the tag state of the wireless tag attached to the object.

Abstract: There is provided a system including a wireless tag reader, a wireless tag attached to an object, a non-transitory memory storing an executable code, and a hardware processor executing the executable code to transmit, using the wireless tag reader, an interrogation signal, receive, using the wireless tag reader, a tag signal from the wireless tag attached to the object, in response to the interrogation signal, the tag signal including a wireless tag identification uniquely identifying the wireless tag, determine a tag state associated with the wireless tag using a probabilistic estimate based on the tag signal received from the wireless tag, and determine an interaction state of the object based on the tag state of the wireless tag attached to the object.

Abstract: There is provided a three-dimensional (3D) printer for creating a 3D object using a fabric including a cutting device, an inverted cutting surface, a securing mechanism to secure the fabric against the inverted cutting surface for cutting the fabric by the cutting device into a plurality of layers, a movable platform for receiving each of the plurality of layers, in sequence, from the inverted cutting surface after each layer is cut from the fabric, and a bonding tool to bond each layer of the plurality of fabric layers to a previously received layer as the fabric layers are sequentially received by the movable platform to create the 3D object.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment involves receiving an image with a set of undefined pixels and a set of defined pixels and recursively modifying the image to generate a seamless composition comprising only defined pixels. Disclosed are embodiments for recursively modifying the image by recursively down sampling the image by a factor to generate a plurality of down sampled images until the down sampled image generated at each recursive down sampling lacks undefined pixels and then recursively up sampling each one of the down sampled images by the factor to generate an up sampled image from the respective down sampled image. Additionally, at each recursive up sampling instance, pasting the next recursively occurring down sampled image on the up sampled image to generate the next recursively occurring image for up sampling.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment involves receiving an image with a set of undefined pixels and a set of defined pixels and recursively modifying the image to generate a seamless composition comprising only defined pixels. Disclosed are embodiments for recursively modifying the image by recursively down sampling the image by a factor to generate a plurality of down sampled images until the down sampled image generated at each recursive down sampling lacks undefined pixels and then recursively up sampling each one of the down sampled images by the factor to generate an up sampled image from the respective down sampled image. Additionally, at each recursive up sampling instance, pasting the next recursively occurring down sampled image on the up sampled image to generate the next recursively occurring image for up sampling.

Abstract: An improved rotary engine that involves sealing the engine with double spigot seals and redesigning the cam so that the engine duplicates every 10 degrees rather than the 18 degrees of the most relevant prior art. The first part of the cam separates the intake from the exhaust and has a close tolerance fit that prevents the exhaust from containing the air/fuel mixture. In the compression/power area of the cam, a gap is created that allows the transfer of the air/fuel mixture to be moved into firing position.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to the display of photographs in motorized vehicles. In general, in some implementations, an apparatus for displaying a picture on a sun visor in a motorized vehicle can include a connector configured and arranged to removably couple with the sun visor of the motorized vehicle, a frame configured and arranged to receive and hold the picture for display in the motorized vehicle, and an attachment member configured and arranged to removably couple with at least a portion of the frame to form a connecting interface between the attachment member and the frame, wherein the attachment member includes a decoration that obscures at least a portion of the picture when in the frame, and the attachment member is removable using a single hand and without tools.

Abstract: A system to recycle waste ink for reuse as replenishment fluid is for an inkjet print station that includes a printhead with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The system uses an ink supply tank, an external ink supply tank with fresh ink and an ink supply valve to control ink flow from the external ink supply tank to the ink supply tank. The system includes a replenishment fluid supply valve for controlling flow between a replenishment fluid supply and the ink supply tank, a device for monitoring ink concentration in communication with ink, a waste tank and a waste reuse valve for controlling flow between the waste tank and ink supply tank. The system includes level sensors and one or more controllers to control any valves, sensors, and pumps associated with the system to optimize operation of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ink output in ink jet printing systems. A refractometer is used to control the concentration of inks used in continuous ink jet printers. A concentration detector measures the total amount of light reflected from a surface. Changes in the ink cause a definite change in sensor output. As the refractive index is changed, shifting the critical angle for internal reflection, more or less light is reflected to the sensor. The index of refraction can be determined from the sensor once corrections are made to account for temperature dependencies of the sensor and light source and baseline measurement of reflected light amplitude. These dependencies are carried out in the refractometer.

Abstract: A test strip for testing small volumes in which a layer of mesh or membrane material is provided, in which a small volume of liquid to be tested can be distributed and provide contact between an active electrode and counterelectrode on a support, and wherein an analyte-specific reagent is coated on the mesh or material or one of the electrodes, and in which the sample application area is at one edge of the mesh or membrane.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a refueling work platform for use during reactor refueling operation to allow inspection/repair of the reactor vessel simultaneously with the removal and insertion of fuel cells from and into the reactor due to the personnel ring of the work platform being movable down into the reactor cavity to allow a refueling platform to move over the work platform to provide refueling operations while the personnel on the ring are doing their inspection and repair.

Abstract: A process for the production of a device having a surface microstructure of wells or channels. In the process one or more steps of screen-printing the microstructure as a curable material onto a plastic substrate, and curing the material. Such a device is also obtained by applying onto a substrate a material that is polymerizable or depolymerizable by irradiation, applying a negative or positive resist photoresist respectively, irradiating the structure and removing the unpolymerized or depolymerized material.

Abstract: A rotary pipe coupling with replaceable seals is described. The pipe coupling has a first seal element connected to a first body portion and a second seal element connected to a second body portion. The seal elements are defined stepped seal cavities into which are disposed seals. The first and second body portions are removably coupled to respective outer and inner ball races of a ball race to permit relative rotation of the first and second body portions. The effectiveness of the inner seal can be ascertained by detecting the pressure of fluid at port via a stop valve and passage extending to the interface between the seals. The seals can be replaced, if required, by separating first and second body portions by removing one set of fasteners securing one of the body portions to the bearing unit to expose seal cavities.

Abstract: A marine heave compensating device comprises a hydraulic piston and cylinder unit (15,16) with its cylinder (15) secured to a support (10,11). The piston is connected via a piston rod (16) to a cross-head (17) on which a first set of pulleys (18) are rotatably mounted. Chains (19) secured at one end to the support (10,11) are entrained around pulleys (18) and support a yoke (20) on which is mounted a crown block (21). A cable (22) is reeved around crown block (21) and around a travelling block (23) which carries a tool carrier (24). The two ends of cable (22) are reeved around two second pulleys (26A,26B) rotatably mounted on the cross-head (17). End (22A) of cable (22) is connected to a draw-works and end (22B) of cable (22) is connected to a tie-down.