Abstract: Silicone-containing light fixture optics. A method for manufacturing an optical component may include mixing two precursors of silicone, opening a first gate of an optic forming device, moving the silicone mixture from the extrusion machine into the optic forming device, cooling the silicone mixture as it enters the optic forming device, filling a mold within the optic forming device with the silicone mixture, closing the first gate, and heating the silicone mixture in the mold to at least partially cure the silicone. Alternatively, a method for manufacturing an optical component may include depositing a layer of heat cured silicone optical material to an optical structure, arranging one or more at least partially cured silicone optics on the layer of heat cured silicone optical material, and heating the heat cured silicone optical material to permanently adhere the one or more at least partially cured silicone optics to the optical structure.

Abstract: A system for magnetically securing an electronics enclosure proximate a surface of a separate structure. The system includes a mounting apparatus that has a first surface, a second surface, and an interface structure that is constructed and arranged to allow the mounting apparatus to be secured to the surface of the separate structure, with the first surface of the mounting apparatus closer to the surface of the separate structure than is the second surface of the mounting apparatus. One or more magnets are fixed to one or both of the mounting apparatus and the electronics enclosure such that the one or more magnets are arranged to magnetically couple the electronics enclosure to the mounting apparatus.

Abstract: Silicone-containing light fixture optics. A method for manufacturing an optical component may include mixing two precursors of silicone, opening a first gate of an optic forming device, moving the silicone mixture from the extrusion machine into the optic forming device, cooling the silicone mixture as it enters the optic forming device, filling a mold within the optic forming device with the silicone mixture, closing the first gate, and heating the silicone mixture in the mold to at least partially cure the silicone. Alternatively, a method for manufacturing an optical component may include depositing a layer of heat cured silicone optical material to an optical structure, arranging one or more at least partially cured silicone optics on the layer of heat cured silicone optical material, and heating the heat cured silicone optical material to permanently adhere the one or more at least partially cured silicone optics to the optical structure.

Abstract: A method for establishing the routing of audio signals between a plurality of audio inputs and a plurality of audio outputs in a conferencing system. The method includes establishing a matrix comprising at least one available cross-point, where each cross-point defines a particular mapping of an audio input to an audio output, receiving user input that results in the selection of one or more available cross-points, and based on the selection of one or more available cross-points, automatically establishing in a programmable processor the mapping of audio inputs to audio outputs defined by the selected cross-points.

Abstract: A payment processing system receives, from merchant computing devices, transaction information of transactions performed between a plurality of merchants and customers. The merchant computing devices may each execute a merchant application that configures the merchant computing devices as point-of-sale (POS) terminals. The payment processing system receives, from a first POS terminal, a request to finance a purchase between a customer and a first merchant. The payment processing system determines financing terms for the purchase from the transaction information received from the merchant computing devices. The payment processing system sends the financing terms, including an approved financed amount and repayment terms for the approved financed amount, to the first POS terminal for presentation to the customer. In response to receiving an indication of acceptance by the customer of the financing terms, the payment processing system transfers the approved financed amount to an account of the first merchant.

Abstract: Determining dimensions of an object can include determining a distance between the object and an imaging device, and an angle of an optical axis of the imaging device. One of more features of the object can be identified in an image of the object. The dimensions of the object can be determined based upon the distance, the angle, and the one or more identified features.

Abstract: Various implementations include devices and approaches for managing multimedia communications. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method of controlling a device connection includes: receiving audio data and video data from an input device connected with a peripheral bus input port; converting the audio data for transmission over an audio over internet protocol (IP) connection or a balun connection and converting the video data for transmission over a video over internet protocol (IP) connection or the balun connection; and transmitting the converted audio data and the converted video data for decoding and output to at least one output device via a multimedia audiovisual interface output port, where the peripheral bus input port is configured to support bidirectional audio and bidirectional video exchange with the input device and bidirectional exchange of IP-based control signals or balun-based control signals with the input device.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a mobile device with an imaging device and a mobile-device light source can include one or more of an attachment base and an attachment body. The attachment base can be configured to secure the attachment body to the mobile device via a case for the mobile device. The attachment body can include at least one optical device for use with the imaging device, and an optical sensor to receive optical control signals from the mobile-device light source.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons concentrations are determined in drilling cuttings samples by generating a model for predicting hydrocarbons concentrations. Methods include dividing multiple samples removed from drilling fluid into two one set analyzed using a retort, and another set analyzed using a handheld NIR spectrometer to obtain NIR diffuse reflectance data. PLS analysis is used to correlate the retort data with the diffuse reflectance data to generate a calibration model. The model is validated with samples having unknown hydrocarbons concentration. The model is used to predict the hydrocarbons concentration for samples removed from drilling fluid taken from the rig site using the spectrometer to obtain diffuse reflectance data. During measurements, each sample contains 0.1 to 10 wt % moisture and each sample is in a clear container pressed against the spectrometer window such that the IR source from the handheld device can pass to the drilled solids sample within the clear container without opening the clear container.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons concentrations are determined in drilling cuttings samples by generating a model for predicting hydrocarbons concentrations. Methods include dividing multiple samples removed from drilling fluid into two one set analyzed using a retort, and another set analyzed using a handheld NIR spectrometer to obtain NIR diffuse reflectance data. PLS analysis is used to correlate the retort data with the diffuse reflectance data to generate a calibration model. The model is validated with samples having unknown hydrocarbons concentration. The model is used to predict the hydrocarbons concentration for samples removed from drilling fluid taken from the rig site using the spectrometer to obtain diffuse reflectance data. During measurements, each sample contains 0.1 to 10 wt % moisture and each sample is in a clear container pressed against the spectrometer window such that the IR source from the handheld device can pass to the drilled solids sample within the clear container without opening the clear container.

Abstract: A light fixture includes a fixture housing. In some examples, an optic that includes silicone and is at least 5 inches in diameter is coupled to the fixture housing, and the light fixture is compliant with standard UL-844. In various examples, a top cap assembly is coupled to the fixture housing natively or as a retrofit kit. The top cap assembly includes a top cap and an interface ring, and allows for the light fixture to be attached to an existing top cap.

Abstract: In some examples, a payment processing system may receive, from merchant devices of a plurality of merchants, transaction data of transactions performed between the merchants and customers. The system may provide financing to an account of a first merchant with repayment terms based on one or more attributes of the first merchant determined from the received transaction data. The system may receive service information from at least one service performed for a business of the first merchant and may determine a state of the business of the first merchant. Based on the received transaction data and the state of the business of the first merchant, the system may determine that the first merchant is expected to have a decrease in sales. The system may determine a deferral period based on the expected decrease in sales and may refrain from taking repayment of the financing for the deferral period.

Abstract: A payment and financing system can determine whether a merchant is eligible for financing for a particular amount. The particular amount can be determined by evaluating previous financial transactions that were conducted by the merchant and other merchants through the payment and financing system. Once a determination is made that the merchant is eligible for the cash advance, the payment system can send a customized offer for financing in the particular amount to the merchant via a merchant computing device. The merchant can accept the offer for the cash advance by sending an acceptance to the payment and financing system, for example, through a financing interface on the merchant computing device. Upon accepting the offer, the merchant is provided the financed amount, for example, in the form of an electronic deposit in a financial account of the merchant.

Abstract: Molecular markers associated with soybean reproductive stage, methods of their use, and compositions having one or more marker loci are provided. Methods comprise detecting at least one marker locus, detecting a haplotype, and/or detecting a marker profile. Methods may further comprise crossing a selected soybean plant with a second soybean plant. Isolated polynucleotides, primers, probes, kits, systems, etc., are also provided.

Abstract: Optics for asymmetrically redirecting light from one or more light engines include a dome optic, and first and second reflecting surfaces. The dome optic refracts light emitted by the light engines. The first reflecting surface redirects at least a portion of the light that is initially emitted toward a backward horizontal direction, toward the forward horizontal direction. The first reflecting surface extends substantially vertically and along a transverse horizontal direction, proximate to and behind the dome optic, and has a height greater than or equal to a height of the dome optic. The second reflecting surface reflects downwardly at least a portion of the refracted light that is initially emitted in the forward horizontal direction. The second reflecting surface is proximate to the dome optic and forward of the dome optic, and forms an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to vertical.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying soybean plants that are tolerant, have improved tolerance or are susceptible to Charcoal Rot Drought Complex. The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select and/or construct tolerant plants or identify and counter-select susceptible plants. Soybean plants that display tolerance or improved tolerance to Charcoal Rot Drought Complex that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods for treatment for patients having depression and/or pain are contemplated as including an administration of first preparation comprising an antiemetic agent, preferably ondansetron, followed by a second preparation of a synergistic combination of ketamine and a benzodiazepine, preferably lorazepam, administered via a continuous intravenous infusion. Such methods may be seen to better alleviate depression and pain symptoms, and may result in reduced need for other medications.

Abstract: A system for magnetically securing an electronics enclosure proximate a surface of a separate structure. The system includes a mounting apparatus that has a first surface, a second surface, and an interface structure that is constructed and arranged to allow the mounting apparatus to be secured to the surface of the separate structure, with the first surface of the mounting apparatus closer to the surface of the separate structure than is the second surface of the mounting apparatus. One or more magnets are fixed to one or both of the mounting apparatus and the electronics enclosure such that the one or more magnets are arranged to magnetically couple the electronics enclosure to the mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A luminaire includes a housing, a luminous zone coupled with the housing, and one or more transition zones coupled with the housing and disposed adjacent to the luminous zone. The luminous zone provides a first light to an illuminated area, and the one or more transition zones provide a second light to the illuminated area. The first light is harsher than the second light. A method of illuminating an area includes providing a first light to the area from a luminous zone of a luminaire and providing a second light to the area from one or more transition zones disposed adjacent to the luminous zone within the luminaire. The first light is a harsher light than the second light.

Abstract: A system for magnetically securing an electronics enclosure proximate a surface of a separate structure. The system includes a mounting apparatus that has a first surface, a second surface, and an interface structure that is constructed and arranged to allow the mounting apparatus to be secured to the surface of the separate structure, with the first surface of the mounting apparatus closer to the surface of the separate structure than is the second surface of the mounting apparatus. One or more magnets are fixed to one or both of the mounting apparatus and the electronics enclosure such that the one or more magnets are arranged to magnetically couple the electronics enclosure to the mounting apparatus.