Abstract: Systems and methods for performing anticipatory detection of a user's need to be picked up by an autonomous vehicle (AV) are provided. The method may comprise, using a computing device, comprising a processor and a memory, determining a location of an AV, determining whether a pick-up is required at the location, when a pick-up is required at the location, collecting data pertaining to a user and a destination, based on the data, calculating a trigger value indicative of a percent likelihood that a pick-up request is required, determining whether the trigger value is greater than a threshold value, and, when the trigger value is greater than the threshold value, triggering the pick-up, causing the AV to perform the pick-up.

Abstract: Systems and methods facilitate sensing and tallying defecation events of subjects, such as participants in clinical trials for treatments for treating digestive diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and chronic constipation. Systems and methods may also be used by individual patients for sensing and tallying defecation events, and resulting data may be reviewed by a healthcare provider when evaluating patient gastrointestinal health and/or treatments.

Abstract: A method of forming a composition having exfoliated nanoplatelets functionalized with covalently bound surface-modifiers, includes exfoliating a layered nanoclay is exfoliated with a surfactant. The method also includes reacting the exfoliated layered nanoclay with a surface modifier comprising one or more of an epoxide, a silane, or an isocyanate.

Abstract: The technical problem of generating a video feed that represents a user who is party to a video call in a manner that invokes the sense of visual presence of the caller without communicating the live video of the user is addressed by configuring a video calling system to include an avatar call platform. The avatar call platform is configured to generate and display a video of an animated figure that represents a caller during a call, in that the face of the animated figure moves in a way that matches what the caller is saying during the call.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed as including a first material volume with at least a hardened portion and a second material volume that includes at least two layers. The first material volume is composed of at least a hardenable alloy of steel. The at least two layers is located adjacent to a first surface comprising the hardened portion of the first material volume. The at least two layers includes a first layer composed of at least a ductile low-carbon alloy of steel and a second layer composed of at least a cobalt-based hardfacing over the first layer. The apparatus is applicable in preparing shear ram blocks and shear ram blades to provide a hardened blade edge with an adjacent hardfacing surface.

Abstract: A method of selecting a wager during a live event on a play by play wagering platform to offer to a user such that a wager includes a win condition, odds, and a wager amount based upon the previous wager history of a user. The user being provided the option to accept or decline the wager as offered.

Abstract: A method of printing on a polymeric article includes applying a decoration-forming deposit on a transfer unit. The method further includes transferring the decoration-forming deposit from the transfer unit to the polymeric article to provide a decoration on the polymeric article.

Abstract: A method of printing on a polymeric article includes applying a decoration-forming deposit on a transfer blanket. The method further includes transferring the decoration-forming deposit from the transfer unit to the polymeric article to provide a decoration on the polymeric article.

Abstract: The technical problem of generating a video feed that represents a user who is party to a video call in a manner that invokes the sense of visual presence of the caller without communicating the live video of the user is addressed by configuring a video calling system to include an avatar call platform. The avatar call platform is configured to generate and display a video of an animated figure that represents a caller during a call, in that the face of the animated figure moves in a way that matches what the caller is saying during the call.

Abstract: Cryocooler assemblies are provided that can include: a first mass configured to generate mechanical responses; a second mass operably engaged with the first mass; and an assembly between the first and second mass, the assembly configured to allow movement of the first mass in relation to the second mass. Methods for isolating mechanical responses within a cryocooler assembly are provided. The methods can include: generating a mechanical response about a first mass within a cryocooler assembly; suspending the first mass in relation to a second mass of the assembly; and operatively engaging the second mass as a cold source for the cryocooler assembly.

Abstract: A method for managing a supply of aerosolisable material for a non-combustible aerosol provision system involves receiving one or more characteristics relating to usage of the non-combustible aerosol provision system. The method also involves predicting a length of time remaining until the supply of aerosolisable material is depleted based on the one or more characteristics relating to usage and an initial supply of aerosolisable material. The method additionally involves taking a pre-emptive action before the supply of aerosolisable material is depleted.

Abstract: A pre-treatment make-up water system and method are provided. The system includes a make-up water line for providing an incoming water source, a nano-filtration system designed to filter the incoming water source, a heat rejection system designed to use the filtered incoming water source as a coolant, and a bypass line in fluid communication with the make-up water line and the heat rejection system, the bypass line designed to supply the incoming water source to the heat rejection system, wherein a tie-in for the bypass line is provided upstream of the nano-filtration system. The system can further include a controller communicatively coupled to one or more components of the system for monitoring and controlling one or more valves, probes, and sensors.

Abstract: This invention provides nonaqueous electrolyte solutions for lithium batteries. The nonaqueous electrolyte solutions comprise a liquid electrolyte medium; a lithium-containing salt; and at least one oxygen-containing brominated flame retardant.

Abstract: This invention provides nonaqueous electrolyte solutions for lithium batteries. The nonaqueous electrolyte solutions comprise a liquid electrolyte medium; a lithium-containing salt; and at least one brominated flame retardant.

Abstract: Exfoliated nanoplatelets functionalized with a non-polar moiety, such as an ethylene or propylene derived polymer, are useful for forming composites, films, and polymer blends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture of a Cannabis concentrate from dried, destemmed, and optionally ground Cannabis obtained via a closed-loop extraction using butane or propane. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a process of exposing dried, destemmed, and optionally ground Cannabis obtained via sequential CO2 and closed-loop extraction using butane or propane. Another aspect of the present invention relates to exposing Cannabis biomass to a polar solvent, filtering, then evaporating the solvent to form an extract. The solvents are then removed, for instance using heat and vacuum. Another aspect of the invention relates to compositions, such as Cannabis concentrates, that can be obtained through the processes described.

Abstract: A recharging and medication storage hub for a re-usable drug-delivery device is provided. According to some embodiments, the hub comprises a housing defining a port sized to receive at least part of the re-usable drug-delivery device, a charging station disposed on the housing configured to charge a rechargeable power source mounted on the drug-delivery device, and a medication storage chamber disposed in alignment with the port, the storage chamber configured to store a single-use medication cartridge. When at least part of the drug-delivery device is inserted through the port and into the medication storage chamber, a coupling mechanism is configured to releasably couple with and withdraw the medication cartridge from the medication storage chamber. In some embodiments, the hub may further comprise a temperature-changing device configured to control an interior temperature of the medication storage chamber.

Abstract: A method for multi-source cloud-infrastructure vulnerability management includes receiving cloud-element information related to a cloud-based element in a cloud environment. The method also includes receiving first vulnerability information from a first vulnerability source and receiving second vulnerability information from a second vulnerability source. Cloud-element context information is also received about the cloud-based element from the cloud environment. A multiple-source vulnerability database is then generated from both the first vulnerability information and from the second vulnerability information. The cloud-element information and the cloud-element context information are then evaluated using the multiple-source vulnerability database to generate a vulnerability assessment.

Abstract: A method of forming a composition having exfoliated nanoplatelets functionalized with covalently bound surface-modifiers, includes exfoliating a layered nanoclay is exfoliated with a surfactant. The method also includes reacting the exfoliated layered nanoclay with a surface modifier comprising one or more of an epoxide, a silane, or an isocyanate.