Abstract: A primary playback device is configured to, after receipt of encoded audio content via an audio input interface, (i) decode a portion of the encoded audio content, thereby resulting in decoded audio content; (ii) store the decoded audio in a buffer; (iii) perform audio processing on the decoded audio content, thereby resulting in processed audio content; (iv) determine a composition and capabilities of a group of satellite playback devices that are bonded to the primary playback device; (v) select a packet size based on the determined capabilities and reference to a data structure configured to map packet size to the capabilities of the satellite playback devices; and (vi) play back audio content in synchrony with the satellite playback devices at least in part by communicating a portion of the processed audio content, in packets of the selected packet size, to the satellite playback devices using the wireless network interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for matching content elements to surfaces in a spatially organized 3D environment. The method includes receiving content, identifying one or more elements in the content, determining one or more surfaces, matching the one or more elements to the one or more surfaces, and displaying the one or more elements as virtual content onto the one or more surfaces.

Abstract: A sample cartridge for a chemical processing instrument. The sample cartridge comprises a primary reaction vessel configured to accommodate a fluid sample for processing and configured to receive a lid for closing an open top of the primary reaction vessel, and a reagent vessel configured to receive one or more fluid reagents via an open top of the reagent vessel. The reagent vessel is connected to the primary reaction vessel via a primary reagent channel with a primary reagent valve disposed in the primary reagent channel to control fluid flow through the primary reagent channel. The sample cartridge further comprises a primary pneumatic port in fluid communication with the primary reaction vessel and configured to be connected to a pneumatic module to selectively adjust a pressure within the primary reaction vessel when the lid is closed to draw the fluid contents of the reagent vessel into the primary reaction vessel.

Abstract: An example extraction device may include a generally tubular shaft including a distal end configured to be inserted into a patient and a proximal end configured to be retained exteriorly of the patient; a basket extending from the distal end of the shaft, the basket including a plurality of flexible, distally extending legs, the legs including respective distal ends that are biased generally radially outward to at least partially define a basket distal opening; a handle disposed at the proximal end of the shaft; an actuator disposed on the handle; and/or a closure line operatively coupled to the actuator, the closure line extending distally through the shaft, through a closure line guide disposed on the distal end of the shaft, and generally circumferentially about the basket distal opening, the closure line being slidably coupled to each leg near its respective leg distal end.

Abstract: An assembly for display and storage, includes a main body with a top surface configured to present items, a bottom surface, and three side surfaces that define an internal cavity. The top surface may include at least one extendable platform that can transition between a stored position coplanar with the top surface and an open position extending laterally. Within the cavity, at least one height-adjustable shelf may be provided. The assembly may include a support that extends vertically from the main body, holding an adjustable signage assembly, which may be digital and remotely updatable.

Abstract: A device for a valve actuator directed to an integrated assembly having an electrical position indicator and mechanical position indicator is provided. The electrical position indicator and the mechanical position indicator are coupled together along a shaft. An actuator output gear is positioned adjacent to the shaft. The shaft includes a first end having the electrical position indicator, and a second end having the mechanical position indicator. A gear is positioned on the shaft between the electrical position indicator and the mechanical position indicator. The device further includes a slip clutch. A housing that surrounds the actuator output gear and the shaft is also provided.

Abstract: A system and/or method may be provided to authenticate a user. An example method of authenticating a user includes receiving, by a merchant application, a user request to complete a transaction using a payment service provider. The method also includes in response to receiving the user request to complete the transaction, retrieving, by the merchant application, a browser cookie stored on a user device and associated with one or more user interactions with a browser included in the user device and the payment service provider. The method further includes in response to receiving the user request to complete the transaction, launching, by the merchant application, an instance of the browser that reads the browser cookie and authenticates the user based on the browser cookie.

Abstract: Devices, methods and techniques related to image rendering for ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems are disclosed. In one example aspect, a method for producing one or more images associated with a GPR includes receiving information representative of signals received by the GPR, determining at least three frequency bands associated with the received information, assigning color values to the received information corresponding to the at least three frequency bands, and generating a color image for the one or more objects by combining the received information in all of the at least three frequency bands together such that the color values in the color image indicate a size of the one or more objects, a depth at which the one or more objects is buried underground, or an electrical permittivity of the one or more objects.

Abstract: A method of coregistering images is disclosed. Two dimensional images are first preprocessed, including clipping values in each image to a specified standard value range, and then applying a local equalization technique to the clipped images. Feature extraction is then performed to identify one or more features in the images. One or more of the extracted features are then matched between images to determine a degree of overlap between the images and a relationship between image coordinates of the images. The images are then transformed to a common coordinate system based on the degree of overlap and the relationship between their image coordinates. The images are then combined to form a single image.

Abstract: A method of measuring ultra-low concentration of a target analyte in a host fluid includes placing a droplet by a micropipette having an ejection tip, positioned by a micro-positioner, configured to position the ejection tip atop a first electrode in electrochemical contact with an electrolyte disposed in a first vessel, iteratively applying a potential to the first electrode and measure electrical current between the first electrode and a second electrode in electrochemical contact with the electrolyte, obtaining current vs. voltage curves for each voltameter iteration, identifying redox or oxidation peaks for each voltameter iteration, determining initial target analyte concentration based on the identified redox or oxidation peaks.

Abstract: A power steering system steering gear includes a piston indirectly coupled to a steering linkage and moved by a steering wheel and fluid pressure on opposite ends of the piston. A fluid bore extends between the opposite ends of the piston. An end of travel relief system includes poppet valves at opposite ends of the bore. Each valve includes a sleeve having an inboard end within the bore and an outboard end extending outward therefrom and defines a valve seat between the ends. A valve stem within the sleeve has an inboard end defining a poppet configured for engagement with the valve seat and an outboard end defining a stem. A reset body can be inserted into the bore between the valves. Depending on the direction of movement of the piston, the body engages the inboard end of a corresponding valve to establish a reset position of the valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. A system may include assembly cells each including an assembly track and assembly carriages that ride thereon and which engage components of partially-assembled cartridges. A transfer apparatus may transfer partially-assembled cartridges between the assembly cells. In another example system, cartridges may be assembled on platforms on a rotary track. The platforms may include assembly grippers with sequentially-opening clamps configured to receive the components of the partially-assembled cartridges. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system and/or method may be provided to authenticate a user. An example method of authenticating a user includes receiving, by a merchant application, a user request to complete a transaction using a payment service provider. The method also includes in response to receiving the user request to complete the transaction, retrieving, by the merchant application, a browser cookie stored on a user device and associated with one or more user interactions with a browser included in the user device and the payment service provider. The method further includes in response to receiving the user request to complete the transaction, launching, by the merchant application, an instance of the browser that reads the browser cookie and authenticates the user based on the browser cookie.

Abstract: A method for spontaneous emulsification comprising mixing (i) an aqueous phase comprising a partitioning agent which contains a partitioning anion which determines the hydrophilicity of the partitioning agent, alone or in further combination with an electrolyte, with (ii) an oil phase comprising a phase-transfer agent, wherein the phase-transfer agent creates and promotes an interfacial flux of an anion and promotes the formation of droplets at a liquid-liquid interface of the aqueous phase and oil phase; and a method for spontaneous electro-emulsification comprising generating an ionic flux across the liquid-liquid interface by applying an electrical potential.

Abstract: Devices, methods and techniques related to image rendering for ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems are disclosed. In one example aspect, a method for producing one or more images associated with a GPR includes receiving information representative of signals received by the GPR, determining at least three frequency bands associated with the received information, assigning color values to the received information corresponding to the at least three frequency bands, and generating a color image for the one or more objects by combining the received information in all of the at least three frequency bands together such that the color values in the color image indicate a size of the one or more objects, a depth at which the one or more objects is buried underground, or an electrical permittivity of the one or more objects.

Abstract: Systems and methods of forming a thin film on substrate includes positioning the substrate in a chamber; generating, via a uniform microwave field generator, a microwave field around the substrate; and guiding radicals into the chamber so that plasma is generated about the substrate to form the thin film on the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. A system may include assembly cells each including an assembly track and assembly carriages that ride thereon and which engage components of partially-assembled cartridges. A transfer apparatus may transfer partially-assembled cartridges between the assembly cells. In another example system, cartridges may be assembled on platforms on a rotary track. The platforms may include assembly grippers with sequentially-opening clamps configured to receive the components of the partially-assembled cartridges. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Cargo containers are disclosed herein. A cargo container for carrying one or more delivery items to respective delivery destinations may include a container body configured to at least partially enclose and support the delivery item(s) and to be selectively and operatively coupled to a vehicle. The cargo container additionally may include a programmable device supported by the container body that stores manifest information regarding each delivery item. The cargo container further may include a container communication device supported by the container body and configured to convey delivery information to a vehicle communication device of the vehicle to direct the vehicle to the delivery destination(s) of the delivery item(s). The manifest information may include item destination information that represents the delivery destination of each delivery item, and the delivery information may be at least partially based upon the item destination information.

Abstract: Provided herein are an optical test platform and corresponding method of manufacturing the same. The test platform may include a shell defining a cavity for receiving a sample tube, a first aperture, and a second aperture. The first aperture and the second aperture of the shell may each be configured to optically couple the cavity with an exterior of the shell. The test platform may further include a first window and a second window embedded in the shell. The first window may seal a first aperture and the second window may seal a second aperture. The first window and second window may each permit the optical coupling of the cavity with the exterior of the shell. The first window and the second window may be optically coupled via the cavity, and the shell may prohibit optical coupling between the first window and the second window through the shell.