Abstract: Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are disclosed for displaying a magnitude and location of a resulting tissue tension from an applied force to an instrument and a resulting tissue reaction. A surgical stapling device for monitoring and adapting to tissue tension during a surgical stapling procedure may measure strain on at least one component of the surgical stapling device resultant from one or more of an opposed force applied by a user and a force resisted by tissue associated with the tissue tension. The device may determine a location of the tissue tension based on historical surgical data, the opposed force, and the resisted force. The device may highlight the location of the tissue tension to aid in real-time surgical decision-making.

Abstract: A system and approach for automatically detecting and classifying thermal anomalies in thermal images of structures such as buildings. The system that can receive a thermal image, autonomously process the image using a machine learning algorithm specifically designed and trained for detecting and classifying thermal anomalies, and then display the classified anomalies. The machine learning algorithm may comprise a neural network and, in one example, may be a prediction-tuning capsule network employing two instance layers, namely, a fully connected PT capsule layer and a locally connected PT capsule layer. The machine learning algorithm may comprise a transformer-based segmentation method for the autonomous heat anomaly segmentation task.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems, apparatus, and computer programs are disclosed for an unmanned aerial system (UAS) inspection system that includes an unmanned aerial system and analysis system for exterior building envelopes and energy performance evaluation and simulation. The UAS can autonomously and systematically collect data for a building's exterior using a payload comprising (i) nondestructive testing (NDT) sensors configured for imaging (visible, infrared, or more) the building and (ii) one or more multi-spectral sensors (LiDAR, ultrasound, radar, or more). The acquired sensor data are provided to an analysis system comprising computer vision (CV) and signal processing modules configured to analyze the acquired data to i) identify building objects (doors, windows, rooftop units, and others) ii) characterize envelope properties (components, heat resistivity, or others) and 3) identify initial thermal anomalies (thermal bridges, physical defects, or infiltration/exfiltration) in a processing pipeline.

Abstract: A system for forming a liner downhole within a well bore has a rig comprising a tool string driving mechanism and an aperture proximate an opening of a well bore. The system also has first and second tool string components and each component has a central bore disposed intermediate first and second tool joints of the component. The first tool joint of the first component is disposed proximate the aperture and the second tool joint of the second component. First and second resilient lining materials are disposed within the central bore of the first and second tool string components respectively. At least one lining material connecting mechanism is disposed proximate the aperture. The system also comprises at least one downhole dispenser that is adapted to direct a resilient continuous lining material against the well bore to form a liner.

Abstract: A system for forming a liner downhole within a well bore has a rig comprising a tool string driving mechanism and an aperture proximate an opening of a well bore. The system also has first and second tool string components and each component has a central bore disposed intermediate first and second tool joints of the component. The first tool joint of the first component is disposed proximate the aperture and the second tool joint of the second component. First and second resilient lining materials are disposed within the central bore of the first and second tool string components respectively. At least one lining material connecting mechanism is disposed proximate the aperture. The system also comprises at least one downhole dispenser that is adapted to direct a resilient continuous lining material against the well bore to form a liner.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a downhole winding tool adapted to dispense a lining material in a borehole comprises a lining material. The winding tool also has entry and exit seals that are adapted to permit the movement of the lining material through the winding tool. The entry and exit seals restrict formation pressure and contaminants from entering the winding tool.

Abstract: The roof vent shield is attached to the downslope side of an existing roof vent, to prevent the entrance of windblown moisture into the mouth of the vent. The shield includes an elongate panel disposed along the length of the vent, with the upper edges of the vent opening and panel forming a ventilation opening therebetween. The opposed ends of the panel include opposite vent attachment flanges, and the lower edge of the panel includes a roof attachment flange. The shield panel and its various attachment flanges may be formed of a single homogeneous sheet of material (galvanized steel, corrosion resistant steel, aluminum, etc.), or may be assembled from separate components at the time of manufacture. The shield panel is oriented at least generally normal to the plane of the roof when the device is installed, and may include reinforcing bends along its upper and lower edges for greater rigidity.

Abstract: A connection for use in pressure includes a first and second surface stationary with respect to one another and a primary seal and secondary seal are formed between the surfaces and a labyrinth redundant seal is formed between the first and second surfaces and intermediate the primary and secondary seals. A connection for sealing against pressure may also include a retainer disposed within a housing receptacle a conduit disposed within a bore of the retainer. A primary seal may be formed between the conduit and the receptacle and a secondary seal may be formed between the retainer and the receptacle. A labyrinth seal may be formed between the retainer and the receptacle and intermediate the primary and secondary seals.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved cutting element substrate for cutting elements. The cutting element substrate includes non-planar, non-linear interfaces with an abrasive layer of superhard material affixed thereto often using a high pressure high temperature press apparatus. The cutting element substrate includes a cant intersecting a first and second interfacial surface. A plurality of truncated nodules intersects the first surface and extends towards the second surface. Arcuate segments protrude out of the second surface and are radially positioned along the surface. The truncated nodules are ill-aligned with the arcuate segments proximate the truncated nodules.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adhering microfeature workpieces to support members are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes disposing a first adhesive on a surface of a microfeature workpiece, and disposing a second adhesive on a surface of a support member. The method can further include adhesively attaching the microfeature workpiece to the support member by contacting the first adhesive with the second adhesive while the second adhesive is only partially cured. In further particular embodiments, the first and second adhesives can have different compositions, and the second adhesive can be fully cured after the microfeature workpiece and support member are adhesively attached.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adhering microfeature workpieces to support members are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes disposing a first adhesive on a surface of a microfeature workpiece, and disposing a second adhesive on a surface of a support member. The method can further include adhesively attaching the microfeature workpiece to the support member by contacting the first adhesive with the second adhesive while the second adhesive is only partially cured. In further particular embodiments, the first and second adhesives can have different compositions, and the second adhesive can be fully cured after the microfeature workpiece and support member are adhesively attached.

Abstract: A fitness apparatus for providing a cardiovascular workout to a user is disclosed. The fitness apparatus includes a video display apparatus for selectively displaying video data thereon. A processor is connected to the cardiovascular workout means and the video display apparatus and a storage device connected to the processor for storing said video data thereon. The video data represents at least one exercise course and the processor retrieves the video data from the storage device and directs the video data to be displayed on the video display apparatus while the user uses the cardiovascular workout means.

Abstract: A semiconductor lead frame, a semiconductor package, and a method for fabricating semiconductor packages, are provided. The lead frame includes side rails and multiple patterns of lead fingers. The lead frame also includes die mounting paddles associated with the patterns of lead fingers, and support members that attach the mounting paddles to the side rails. The mounting paddles include stiffening members such as indentations, ridges or corrugations formed in a die mounting surface thereof. The stiffening members prevent bowing of the mounting paddles, provide an increased surface area for bonding dice to the mounting paddles, and allow the mounting paddles to flex to accommodate thermal stresses. The support members for the mounting paddles can also have a stiffening cross sectional configuration to help maintain a planar orientation and location of the mounting paddles.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the preparation of activated carbon, which comprises swelling a carbonaceous material in a polar organic solvent containing an activating agent, removing the solvent, carbonizing the material, and removing the activating agent from the product. The activated carbon is produced in a short time with a high yield, and has a high surface area with a very narrow pore size distribution. Both the solvent and activating agents may be recovered and recycled.