Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to object-based image capture. Embodiments include identifying a reference point corresponding to an object in an image of a series of images. Embodiments include comparing a position of the reference point in the image to positions of one or more corresponding reference points in one or more previous images in the series of images. Embodiments include determining a total number of images in the series of images. Embodiments include selecting, based on the comparing and the total number of images in the series of images, between: capturing the image; or declining to capture the image.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a server stores a set of cryptographic keys associated with a client that includes a server-stored bootstrap key, a server-stored authentication key, and a server-stored proposed key. The server receives an authentication request from the client that includes a client-indicated bootstrap key, a client-indicated authentication key, and a client-indicated proposed key. The server makes a determination that the client is authenticated based in part on whether there is a match between the client-indicated authentication key and either the server-stored authentication key or the server-stored proposed key. The server provides, based on the determination, an authentication response to the client indicating that the client has been authenticated.

Abstract: A plasmon resonance (PR) system, instrument, and/or device and configurations thereof for measuring molecular interactions is disclosed. In some embodiments, the PR system, instrument, and/or device is a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) system, instrument, and/or device. In other embodiments, the PR system, instrument, and/or device is a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system, instrument. The PR system, instrument, and/or device may include, for example, force feedback for reliable flow cell sealing, optical feedback for reliable flow cell sealing, local thermal control of an LSPR chip (e.g., a ring Peltier, a continuous Peltier), dual displacement pumps for constant flow delivery to a microfluidic device, a dual channel LSPR sensor, and any combinations thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing continuous configuration deployment. A configuration definition object may be obtained from a remote datastore. The obtained configuration definition object may be stored in a local datastore. The configuration definition object may be obtained and stored in advance of a scheduled maintenance. The configuration definition object may be obtained in response to the configuration definition object being committed to the remote datastore. The configuration definition object may be used to generate different configuration objects. A configuration object may be generated from the configuration definition object and one or more system characteristics. A service request may be received, and the configuration object may be executed to perform a configuration of a computing system.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to object-based image capture. Embodiments include identifying a reference point corresponding to an object in an image of a series of images. Embodiments include comparing a position of the reference point in the image to positions of one or more corresponding reference points in one or more previous images in the series of images. Embodiments include determining a total number of images in the series of images. Embodiments include selecting, based on the comparing and the total number of images in the series of images, between: capturing the image; or declining to capture the image.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a build request containing build step instructions from a user. The build step instructions specify a usage of containers within memory hardware for building an output container. The containers include at least one private container having private contents and/or at least one public container having public contents. The method also includes authenticating the user initiating the build request and determining whether the user is authorized to access the private containers. When the user is authenticated and authorized to access the private containers, the method includes obtaining the containers specified by the build step instructions from the memory hardware, executing the build step instructions to build the output container while using the received containers, and outputting the built output container.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a combustion system providing ease of access to components of the combustion system and optimal placement of a burner such that efficient combustion and heat transfer can occur. The combustion system can include an inner tube having a first end and a second end, the second end having a flange with a sensor port, and an outer tube having a first end and a second end. The inner tube can be disposed within the outer tube. The inner tube can have an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the outer tube, creating a gap between the outer tube and inner tube. An ignitor assembly and a flame sensor assembly can extend through the sensor port and the gap and be positioned proximate a burner.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, products, and systems for controlling animated renderings on a display device communicatively coupled to a controller device are provided. The system comprises one or more processors for executing logic code causing the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: associating a plurality of animation segments, graphically implemented over a video game platform, to a plurality of corresponding virtual cards in a first virtual deck, a virtual card in the plurality of virtual cards being selectable by a user for animating an avatar displayed on the display device, the avatar being animatable according to movements captured in a corresponding animation segment in the plurality of animation segments included in a virtual card selected by the user.

Abstract: Control methods, systems and computer program products, the method comprising associating a plurality of animation segments, graphically implemented over a video game platform, to a plurality of corresponding virtual cards in a first virtual deck, a virtual card in the plurality of virtual cards being selectable by a user for animating an avatar displayed on the display device, the avatar being animatable according to movements captured in a corresponding animation segment in the plurality of animation segments included in a virtual card selected by the user; in response to a first single user interaction with a first primary input element on the controller device, selecting a first virtual card in the first virtual deck.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a build request containing build step instructions from a user. The build step instructions specify a usage of containers within memory hardware for building an output container. The containers include at least one private container having private contents and/or at least one public container having public contents. The method also includes authenticating the user initiating the build request and determining whether the user is authorized to access the private containers. When the user is authenticated and authorized to access the private containers, the method includes obtaining the containers specified by the build step instructions from the memory hardware, executing the build step instructions to build the output container while using the received containers, and outputting the built output container.

Abstract: A heat trap apparatus for a water heater is provided. The heat trap apparatus includes a tubular body having a length defined between a first end and a second end, a liner disposed within the tubular body, and a heat trap baffle assembly having a tubular housing coaxially disposed within the liner to inhibit convective fluid flow therethrough. The liner has a length greater than the length of the tubular body and has an outer surface engages with an inner surface of the tubular body using an interference fit. The liner includes a first end engaging with a peripheral edge of the first end of the tubular body and a second end extending beyond a peripheral edge of the second end of the tubular body for a desired length to connect with a conduit.

Abstract: A heat trap apparatus for a water heater is provided. The heat trap apparatus includes a tubular body, a liner disposed within the tubular body, and a heat trap baffle assembly having a tubular housing coaxially disposed within the liner. The liner includes a projection to engage with an inner surface of the tubular body at a first end using an interference fit. The tubular housing includes a first diametric portion to engage with the inner surface of the tubular body at a second end using an interference fit, a second diametric portion extending from the first diametric portion and to engage with an inner surface of the liner using an interference fit, and a third diametric portion extending from the second diametric portion and to movably support one or more heat trap inserts to inhibit convective fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a system and method that generates personalized recommendations of media items for customers based on a customer's preference for familiar or novel media items. A customer can be associated with user data that can include data such as a customer's purchase data, shopping data, etc. The user data can be used to determine media item data that is associated with the customer. Based on the customer's media item data, a familiarity score can be generated that indicates a media consumption preference of the customer. Using the familiarity score, a recommendation identifying a media item can be generated for the customer.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to object-based image capture. Embodiments include identifying a reference point corresponding to an object in an image of a series of images. Embodiments include comparing a position of the reference point in the image to positions of one or more corresponding reference points in one or more previous images in the series of images. Embodiments include determining a total number of images in the series of images. Embodiments include selecting, based on the comparing and the total number of images in the series of images, between: capturing the image; or declining to capture the image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a basketball backboard system and methods of assembly. The backboard system reduces and simplifies the number of steps for a user to take in assembling the system for play. The basketball system comprises a base, a vertical support assembly including a pole, a backboard extension arm, a backboard, and a rim. In some embodiments, the user only has to complete five attachments to fully assemble the system, including securing the vertical support assembly to the base, securing the backboard extension arm to the pole, mounting the backboard to the extension arm, and mounting the rim to the backboard. It is further contemplated that the system will be convenient to package, as the vertical support assembly may be designed to fully nest within the base to reduce product volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ball having a component holder for securely retaining one or more electronic components, such as a sensor and/or battery, within the ball. The holder is secured to the interior of the ball and contains the one or more components. A cap is used to secure the components within the holder. In some embodiments, a section of air or foam separates the cap from the components. The addition of a section of air or foam between the cap and the components may improve the acoustic quality or rebound performance of the ball at the holder location.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes carryover burner systems and methods for use with water heating system. The water heating system can include a burner unit having an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve. The water heating system can also include an ignitor. The outer sleeve can include a carryover region having a first plurality of apertures and a combustion region which can be adjacent to the carryover region, the combustion region including a second plurality of apertures. The inner sleeve can comprise a dispersion region having a third plurality of apertures. The inner sleeve can be located substantially within the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A conduit fitting for an exhaust duct includes a conduit and a condensate trap. The conduit fitting defines an interior space partitioned into an upper conduit and a lower condensate reservoir. The condensate reservoir can be configured to contain a neutralizing agent for neutralizing acidic condensate prior to it exiting the reservoir.