Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a social messaging network are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method includes hosting a social messaging network, receiving a contest from a sender client device, generating a set of answer objects having a visibility region and a tap region, sending instructions for generating a graphical user interface to a recipient client device, displaying the set of answer objects on the graphical user interface, and receiving feedback from the recipient client device.

Abstract: A method for additively manufacturing an article includes providing or obtaining a build material, directing a first energy beam at the build material to raise the temperature of the build material above a melting point of the build material, and thereafter withdrawing the first energy beam to allow the build material to solidify into a first layer. The method further includes directing a second energy beam at the first layer, wherein the second energy beam differs from the first energy beam in that the second energy beam is of insufficient energy to cause melting of the first layer of build material and after directing the second energy beam at the first layer, providing additional build material over the first layer. The second energy beam will have an effect of reducing or eliminating residual stresses of each build layer. The energy of the second energy beam can be controlled using a thermal or optical feedback loop.

Abstract: A robotic material handling system has a controller that positions a nose conveyor surface proximate to an article pile, uses a robotic manipulator to robotically move one or more articles per operation onto the nose conveyor from the article pile, and receives a scan of the nose conveyor surface to detect respective locations of any articles received on the nose conveyor surface. The controller determines whether the respective locations of any scanned articles prevent immediate rearward conveyance by the two or more parallel conveyors at a first speed. If so detected, the controller causes at least one of the two or more parallel conveyors to operate at the first speed and at least another one of two or more parallel conveyors to operate at a second speed that is not equal to the first speed so that cartons do not jam or overwhelm a narrower rearward conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wingtip control system. The wingtip control system comprises a switch system for a flight deck of an aircraft and a controller. The switch system is configured to be placed into an armed state and generate an armed signal. The controller is in communication with the switch system. The controller is configured to receive the armed signal from the switch system, visually indicate a desired position for a wingtip of the aircraft in the switch system in response to an event occurring during operation of the aircraft, and generate a movement command to move the wingtip.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a seat supported by the base and a backrest pivotable between an upright position and a reclined position. In one embodiment, a backrest support member is coupled to the backrest and is adapted to move between a stowed position in which the backrest support member does not support the backrest and a deployed position in which the backrest support member does support the backrest. Movement to the deployed position occurs in response to activation of an emergency control. In other embodiments, the base includes a portion that moves into an extended position underneath the backrest when the backrest is in the reclined position. Movement of the base portion to the extended position also occurs in response to activation of an emergency control.

Abstract: Bladed Gas Turbine Engine (GTE) rotors including deposited transition rings are provided, as are embodiments of methods for manufacturing bladed GTE rotors. In one embodiment, the method includes providing an outer blade ring having an inner circumferential surface defining a central opening, and depositing a deposited transition ring on the inner circumferential surface of the outer blade ring. The outer blade ring can be a full bladed ring or an annular grouping of individually-fabricated bladed pieces. After deposition of the transition ring, a hub disk is inserted into the central opening such that the transition ring extends around an outer circumferential surface of the hub disk. The transition ring is then bonded to the outer circumferential surface of the hub disk utilizing, for example, a hot isostatic pressing technique to join the transition ring and the outer blade ring thereto.

Abstract: A thermostat may include a memory and a processing system. The processing system may operate by determining a set of wake-up conditions for the processor to enter into a second operating state from a first operating state, the set of wake-up conditions including at least one threshold value associated with at least one environmental and/or time-of-day condition; causing the set of wake-up conditions to be stored in a memory; operating in a first mode in which the processor is in the first operating state during a time interval subsequent to causing the set of wake-up conditions to be stored in the memory; determining, while the processor is in the first operating state, whether at least one of the set of wake-up conditions has been met; and then operating in a second mode in which the processor is in the second operating state.

Abstract: A medical chair includes a base, a seat, and a leg rest pivotally mounted relative to the seat and adapted to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The chair further includes a first actuator for tilting the seat with respect to the base, a second actuator for lifting the seat with respect to the base, and a leg rest actuator adapted to move the leg rest. The chair also includes a controller adapted to control the first and second actuators to move the seat between a first position and a second position such that the seat is both lifted and tilted at the same time as the seat moves from the first position to the second position, and wherein the controller is adapted to control the leg rest actuator such that the leg rest maintains a substantially constant orientation with respect to the floor.

Abstract: A medical device identification system includes an attachment feature including a plurality of spaced-apart elongate members configured for removable attachment to a medical device. The system also includes an identification feature connected to the attachment feature and having a surface for receiving identifying indicia related to the medical device.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a control unit, a plurality of connection ports, and a user interface operatively coupled to the control unit an having an electronic display. The control unit may be configured and programmed to operate the wire insertion sensing circuits to identify a set of the plurality of connection ports into which corresponding ones of the plurality of HVAC wires have been inserted; cause the electronic display to display a photograph of the plurality of connection ports as they actually appear to a user; and cause the electronic display to visually highlight the set of the plurality of connection ports into which the corresponding ones of the plurality of HVAC wires have been inserted.

Abstract: The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that continuously, periodically, or intermittently monitor progress towards one or more control goals under one or more constraints in order to achieve control that satisfies potentially conflicting goals. An intelligent controller may alter aspects of control, dynamically, while the control is being carried out, in order to ensure that goals are obtained and a balance is achieved between potentially conflicting goals. The intelligent controller uses various types of information to determine an initial control strategy as well as to dynamically adjust the control strategy as the control is being carried out.

Abstract: In a multi-sensing, wirelessly communicating learning thermostat that uses power-harvesting to charge an internal power source, methods are disclosed for ensuring that the battery does not become depleted or damaged while at the same time ensuring selected levels of thermostat functionality. Charge status is monitored to determine whether the present rate of power usage needs to be stemmed. If the present rate of power usage needs to be stemmed, then a progression of performance levels and/or functionalities can be scaled back according to a predetermined progressive power conservation algorithm. In one embodiment, a wake-on-proximity function that activates a user interface based on readings from the proximity sensor may be altered while still allowing a HVAC control circuitry to operate as normal.

Abstract: A person support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, recliner, chair, stretcher, or the like, includes a frame, a support surface, a plurality of load cells, and first and second channels dimensioned to receive noses of at least one of the load cells. The first channel constrains a first one of the load cells in a first direction but not a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The second channel constrains the second load cell in the second direction but not the first direction. The person support apparatus may also include a plurality of load cell brackets that are each adapted to support an end of one of the load cells. When included, the load cell brackets are constructed such that no forces from the support surface, other than weight forces, are applied to the load cells after the support surface is coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system and related systems, methods, and computer program products for facilitating user-friendly installation of the thermostat are described. For one embodiment, automated installation verification is performed by the thermostat by automatically sensing which wires have been inserted, selecting a candidate HVAC operating function (e.g., heating or cooling) that is consistent with a subset of HVAC signal types indicated by the inserted wires, applying control signals to the HVAC system to invoke that HVAC operating function, and processing a time sequence of acquired temperature readings to determine whether that HVAC operating function was successfully carried out. For one embodiment, the initial automated testing of the heating and cooling functions are only carried out at times for which such heating or cooling function would normally be invoked during normal operation of the thermostat. Automated determination of a heat pump call convention is also described.

Abstract: A valve unit for an aircraft is provided. The valve unit includes valve assembly; and a servo controller coupled to the valve assembly and configured to control operation of the valve assembly. At least a portion of at least one of the valve assembly or servo controller is formed by a high temperature aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a seat section, a backrest section that is movable relative to the seat section, and an arm supported relative to the seat section. The arm is adapted to move between a first position adjacent the seat section for use as an arm rest for a person sitting on the patient support apparatus to a raised second position adjacent the backrest section. The arm and the backrest section are coupled together when the arm is in the raised second position wherein the arm moves with the backrest section.

Abstract: Dual alloy Gas Turbine Engine (GTE) rotors and method for producing GTE rotors are provided. In one embodiment, the method include includes arranging bladed pieces in an annular grouping or ring formation such that shank-to-shank junctions are formed between circumferentially-adjacent bladed pieces. A first or bonding alloy is deposited along the shank-to-shank junctions utilizing a localized fusion deposition process to produce a plurality of alloy-filled joints, which join the bladed pieces in a bonded blade ring. The bonding alloy is preferably selected to have a ductility higher than and a melt point lower than the alloy from which the bladed pieces are produced. After deposition of the first alloy and formation of the alloy-filled joints, a hub disk is inserted into the central opening of the bonded blade ring. The hub disk and blade ring are then bonded utilizing, for example, a Hot Isostatic Pressing process.

Abstract: The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that continuously, periodically, or intermittently calculate and display the time remaining until a control task is projected to be completed by the intelligent controller. In general, the intelligent controller employs multiple different models for the time behavior of one or more parameters or characteristics within a region or volume affected by one or more devices, systems, or other entities controlled by the intelligent controller. The intelligent controller collects data, over time, from which the models are constructed and uses the models to predict the time remaining until one or more characteristics or parameters of the region or volume reaches one or more specified values as a result of intelligent controller control of one or more devices, systems, or other entities.

Abstract: An occupant classification system that includes a first sensing electrode located in a bottom of a vehicle seat and a second sensing electrode located in a back of the vehicle seat. The system includes a controller that is configured to control the supply of a first signal to the first electrode and a second signal to the second electrode. A measurement circuit is provided that is configured to measure a first property of the first signal and second property of the second signal. The controller is configured to classify an occupant using the first and second properties.

Abstract: Bladed Gas Turbine Engine (GTE) rotors including deposited transition rings are provided, as are embodiments of methods for manufacturing bladed GTE rotors. In one embodiment, the method includes providing an outer blade ring having an inner circumferential surface defining a central opening, and depositing a deposited transition ring on the inner circumferential surface of the outer blade ring. The outer blade ring can be a full bladed ring or an annular grouping of individually-fabricated bladed pieces. After deposition of the transition ring, a hub disk is inserted into the central opening such that the transition ring extends around an outer circumferential surface of the hub disk. The transition ring is then bonded to the outer circumferential surface of the hub disk utilizing, for example, a hot isostatic pressing technique to join the transition ring and the outer blade ring thereto.