Abstract: An urban design pipeline is configured to automatically generate design options that meet competing design objectives. A geometry engine within the urban design pipeline generates candidate designs for an urban design project. An evaluation engine within the urban design pipeline evaluates the degree to which each candidate design addresses the competing design objectives to produce a set of design metrics. A tradeoff engine within the urban design pipeline generates a design tradeoff space based on the candidate designs and corresponding design metrics. The tradeoff engine traverses the design tradeoff space based on performance modifications to adjust the degree to which the competing design objectives are addressed. The performance modifications can be obtained from any number of stakeholders in the urban design project.

Abstract: An urban design pipeline automatically generates design options for an urban design project. The urban design pipeline includes a geometry engine and an evaluation engine. The geometry engine analyzes design criteria, design objectives, and design heuristics associated with the urban design project and then generates numerous candidate designs. The design criteria specify a property boundary associated with a region of land to be developed. The design objectives indicate a specific type of topology that is derived from an existing urban layout. The design heuristics include different sets of construction rules for generating designs with specific types of topologies. The geometry engine generates candidate designs that conform to the property boundary and have topological characteristics in common with the existing urban layout.

Abstract: An urban design pipeline automatically generates design options for an urban design project. The urban design pipeline includes a geometry engine and an evaluation engine. The geometry engine analyzes design criteria, design objectives, and design heuristics associated with the urban design project and then generates numerous candidate designs. The design criteria specify a property boundary associated with a region of land to be developed. The design objectives indicate a specific type of topology that is derived from an existing urban layout. The design heuristics include different sets of construction rules for generating designs with specific types of topologies. The geometry engine generates candidate designs that conform to the property boundary and have topological characteristics in common with the existing urban layout.

Abstract: A trailer hitch apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular receiving member, a base, an arm extending from the base, a first tow ball having a threaded shaft, and a second tow ball having a threaded opening configured to selectively couple to the threaded shaft of the first tow ball. The tubular receiving member is configured to be removably attached to a vehicle. A retainer assembly is configured to be selectively engage the first tow ball.

Abstract: A sample assembly includes a vial, a vial insert, and a sealing arrangement. The vial insert could be any combination of a sample chamber, a matrix, or a swab breaker configured to be positioned within the vial. The sealing arrangement includes a coupling portion and a cap assembly. The coupling portion defines a mounting channel sized to receive a portion of the vial. The coupling portion is configured to slidably couple to the vial. The cap assembly includes a desiccant cap. The desiccant cap is configured to couple to the vial to selectively form a sterile barrier between the sealing arrangement and the vial.

Abstract: A sample assembly includes a vial, a vial insert, and a sealing arrangement. The vial insert could be any combination of a sample chamber, a matrix, or a swab breaker configured to be positioned within the vial. The sealing arrangement includes a coupling portion and a cap assembly. The coupling portion defines a mounting channel sized to receive a portion of the vial. The coupling portion is configured to slidably couple to the vial. The cap assembly includes a desiccant cap. The desiccant cap is configured to couple to the vial to selectively form a sterile barrier between the sealing arrangement and the vial.

Abstract: A sample kit includes a sealable container having a first region, a second region, and a third region. The first region is arranged to house at least one collection device. The second region is arranged to house at least one sample identification holders. The third region is configured to house a desiccant. The collection device is configured to obtain a sample, where the sample is configured to be positioned within the sample identification holder to define a completed sample. The sealable container includes a coating on at least one of an inner surface of the sealable container or an outer surface of the sealable container.

Abstract: A sample assembly includes a vial, a vial insert, and a sealing arrangement. The vial insert could be any combination of a sample chamber, a matrix, or a swab breaker configured to be positioned within the vial. The sealing arrangement includes a coupling portion and a cap assembly. The coupling portion defines a mounting channel sized to receive a portion of the vial. The coupling portion is configured to slidably couple to the vial. The cap assembly includes a desiccant cap. The desiccant cap is configured to couple to the vial to selectively form a sterile barrier between the sealing arrangement and the vial.

Abstract: A trailer hitch apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular receiving member, a base, an arm extending from the base, a first tow ball extending from a first side of the arm, and a second tow ball extending from an opposite second side of the arm. The tubular receiving member is configured to be removably attached to a vehicle. A retainer assembly is configured to be selectively engage the first tow ball.

Abstract: A trailer hitch apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular receiving member, a base, an arm extending from the base, a first tow ball extending from a first side of the arm, and a second tow ball extending from an opposite second side of the arm. The tubular receiving member is configured to be removably attached to a vehicle. A retainer assembly is configured to be selectively engage the first tow ball.

Abstract: Powdered starting material utilized for molding (e.g., rotational molding, injection molding, blow molding), extrusion, and the like can be preheated to reduce the time required to complete the processing of the material. After being preheated to a temperature below a melting temperature of the powder, the powder is transferred to a processing station. For example, in a rotational molding system, the preheated powder is transferred to a mold, where the preheated powder is melted and the mold is rotated such that the molten material adheres to the walls of the mold. After obtaining a desired distribution of the material over the walls of the mold, the temperature of the mold is decreased as rotation of the mold continues. When the article is sufficiently cooled, the article is removed from the mold.

Abstract: An emergency locking retractor system for storing a length of safety belt incorporates a sensor which includes a multi-directional pendulum device displaceable from its rest position by acceleration. Displacement of the pendulum is utilized to change the strength of an energy field imposed upon an electrical signal means. The output signal of the signal means responds to the change in the energy field imposed thereon and the changed signal is employed to activate solenoid switches which lock the retractor. The energy field source may be a magnet or a light source and the signal means then may include, respectively, a Hall device or a phototransistor. Movement of the pendulum from its rest position is utilized to move the magnet closer to or further from the Hall device, or to interpose a shield between the light source and the phototransistor, or to change the position of a reflector used to reflect light from the light source onto the phototransistor.