Abstract: A crop prediction system performs various machine learning operations to predict crop production and to identify a set of farming operations that, if performed, optimize crop production. The crop prediction system uses crop prediction models trained using various machine learning operations based on geographic and agronomic information. Responsive to receiving a request from a grower, the crop prediction system can access information representation of a portion of land corresponding to the request, such as the location of the land and corresponding weather conditions and soil composition. The crop prediction system applies one or more crop prediction models to the access information to predict a crop production and identify an optimized set of farming operations for the grower to perform.

Abstract: A process and system for automated online fouling prevention of vertical shell and tube gas-to-gas heat exchangers is provided. The process and system of the invention utilize the flow velocity of the gas within the tubes to facilitate cleaning of the tubes by adding, when necessary, grit to the contaminated gas flow.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for assisting with procedures involving a subject's joint, such as a joint. Robotic devices move and position the subject to manipulate the joint and sensing devices sense the joint gap. The robotic devices are controlled based on the joint gap. Novel techniques are disclosed for joint gap segmentation, approximating an uncertainty in determination of the varying dimension of the joint gap, and real-time motion analysis of the joint gap size. In some examples, a kinematic model of the patient's anatomy is utilized to provide robotically assisted manipulation of the same using the techniques described herein.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system configured to present primary and secondary, tertiary, etc., virtual reality content to a user. Primary virtual reality content may be displayed to a user, and, responsive to the user turning his view away from the primary virtual reality content, a sensory cue is provided to the user that indicates to the user that his view is no longer directed toward the primary virtual reality content, and secondary, tertiary, etc., virtual reality content may be displayed to the user. Primary virtual reality content may resume when the user returns his view to the primary virtual reality content. Primary virtual reality content may be adjusted based on a user's interaction with the secondary, tertiary, etc., virtual reality content. Secondary, tertiary, etc., virtual reality content may be adjusted based on a user's progression through the primary virtual reality content, or interaction with the primary virtual reality content.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device includes an optic including an optic axis and a closed-loop haptic structure coupled to the optic via a frame surrounding the optic, the closed-loop haptic structure including a closed loop extending from first and second attachment points to the frame. The closed loop includes a first hinge and a second hinge. The first hinge has a first section having a first component extending in a first angular direction, a second section having a second component extending in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction, and a first connecting section between the first section and the second section. The second hinge has a third section having a third component extending in the second angular direction, a fourth section having a fourth component extending in the first angular direction, the fourth section being connected to the second section to form the closed loop.

Abstract: A repair prosthetic for repairing a hernia is disclosed. In some embodiments, the repair prosthetic includes a patch body, a frame that assists in spreading the patch body from a reduced configuration to an expanded configuration, and a plurality of tethers attached to the patch body at locations between the frame and a periphery of the patch body. In various embodiments, the tethers can be tensioned to mitigate curling or creasing in the patch body to flatten the patch to facilitate attachment to tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula I that function as inhibitors of RET (rearranged during transfection) kinase enzyme activity: wherein HET, X1, X2, X3, X4, integer a and R3 are each as defined herein. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of these compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use in the treatment of proliferative disorders, such as cancer, as well as other diseases or conditions in which RET kinase activity is implicated.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for analyzing and reacting to interactions between entities using electronic communication channels. The method includes receiving, via the communications module, data captured from a conversational exchange between a first entity communicating with a second entity using an electronic communication channel. The method also includes analyzing the captured data to detect an indication that the first entity is or was distracted during the conversational exchange, is or was disinterested in a portion of the conversational exchange or missed the portion of the conversational exchange. The method also includes determining based on the indication an action to address the distraction during, disinterest in, or missing of, the portion of the conversational exchange; and providing, via the communications module, an automated message to at least one of the first entity and the second entity for executing the action.

Abstract: A wing lock and deployment apparatus for an air launched vehicle includes a ball screw and driver acted on by a single actuation event. The disclosed wing lock and deployment apparatus is capable of unlocking deployable wings of an air launched vehicle, deploying deployable wings of the air launched vehicle from a stored position, and locking deployable wings of the air launched vehicle in a deployed position in sequential order with the one single actuation event.

Abstract: A wing structure having a unitary body formed by a plurality of tubular sections that are arranged side-by-side and configured such that adjacent internal walls of the tubular sections create internal spar structures that substantially reduce or eliminate the need for non-integral spars, or for fasteners to attach conventional spars and ribs into the wing skins. The unitized structure formed by the plurality of tubular sections can be further overwrapped with a composite material to provide additional strength to the wing structure.

Abstract: A headgear assembly for retaining a respiratory mask on a user's face includes arrangements or components that allow for variation in a size of the headgear assembly. In some configurations, the headgear assembly includes one or more hubs, each of which are configured to connect a top and rear strap together. The size of the headgear assembly can be determined by the size or configuration of the hub. In other configurations, the headgear assembly comprises one or more spacer elements within one or more straps of the headgear. The size of the headgear assembly can be determined by the size of the spacer element or a relative position between the strap and the spacer element.

Abstract: Foundry coke products, and associated methods and systems for melting iron in a cupola furnace with the coke products are disclosed herein. A representative method can include receiving a population of coke products and iron in a cupola furnace, and melting the iron in the cupola furnace to form molten iron having a carbon content higher than a carbon content of the received iron. The coke products can comprise (i) an elongate shape including a length:width dimension of at least 1.5:1, (ii) an ash fusion temperature of no more than 2400° F., and/or (iii) a coke reactivity index (CRI) of at least 30%.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a multifunction device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface creates a plurality of workspace views. A respective workspace view is configured to contain content assigned by a user to the respective workspace view. The content includes application windows. The device displays a first workspace view in the plurality of workspace views on the display without displaying other workspace views in the plurality of workspace views and detects a first multifinger gesture on the touch-sensitive surface. In response to detecting the first multifinger gesture on the touch-sensitive surface, the device replaces display of the first workspace view with concurrent display of the plurality of workspace views.

Abstract: There is provided a fan assembly comprising a motor-driven impeller arranged to generate an airflow, an air outlet arranged to emit the airflow, a plurality of sensors arranged to measure a value for each of a plurality of air quality characteristics, a display and a processor. The processor is configured to receive measured values for each of the plurality of air quality characteristics, identify one of a corresponding set of intervals within which the measured value falls and select an air quality index value associated with the identified interval. The processor is then configured to identify the highest of the selected air quality index values as a current overall air quality index value and to cause the display to display a time series plot of the current air quality index value and a number of preceding air quality index values.