Abstract: A tooling assembly suitable for use in infiltrating a fibrous preform comprises a first perforated plate having an outer surface and an oppositely disposed inner surface defining a plate thickness therebetween, and a plurality of tapered holes extending through the thickness. Each hole of the plurality of tapered holes has a first diameter at the outer surface and a second diameter at the inner surface, and the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes receiving audio input by a microphone of an access control device that controls access through a passageway, processing an audio signal associated with the audio input to identify and authenticate a user, determining a command corresponding with the audio signal in response to identification and authentication of the user, and performing at least one action that corresponds with the command.

Abstract: A process for forming a container from a blank, the process comprising the steps of: thermally inducing one or more fold lines on at least one surface of a container blank fabricated from a thermal insulation sheet material, wherein the blank comprises: a first panel portion; a second panel portion located adjacent the first panel portion and sharing a first common edge therewith; and a third panel portion located adjacent the second panel portion and sharing a second common edge therewith, the second common edge being substantially parallel to the first common edge, wherein the first panel portion and the third panel portion are each associated with a pair of flap members adapted for folding movement relative to the respective first and third panel portions such that, when assembled, each of the flap members overlies an edge of the second panel portion substantially perpendicular to the first common edge and the second common edge, folding the first panel portion of the container blank along a first fold lin

Abstract: A fluid transportation apparatus includes a first suction pipe having a first intake opening and a second suction pipe having a second intake opening. The first and second suction pipes are attached to a vessel on opposite sides to move in rolling motion. The first intake opening is disposed in a fluid reservoir at a position lower than the second intake opening and a valve device moves toward a maximally opened position for a first proximal end of the first suction pipe and to move toward a maximally closed position for a second proximal end of the second suction pipe, as the first and second suction pipes move with the vessel in a first rolling direction of the rolling motion. The intake openings reverse roles and the proximal ends reverse roles, as the vessel moves in a second rolling direction of the rolling motion opposite from the first rolling direction.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a compact vertiport system. The vertiport system may be efficient and compact by combining, into one space and time period, multiple activities that typically take place in different spaces and different times. For example, when an aircraft is being moved from a landing zone to a takeoff zone, the aircraft may also be charged simultaneously. Also, passenger exchange may take place while the aircraft is being moved. As a result, compact vertiport systems may fit into smaller spaces (e.g., tops of buildings, or smaller plots of land).

Abstract: A fully automated, integrated, end-to-end synchronized and compact manufacturing system produces polymer or metal case ammunition. Manufacturing stations support case assembly, sealing (gluing/welding), final product inspection, cartridge packaging or binning, and loading. Station modularity facilitates rapid changeover to accommodate ammunition of differing calibers. Sensors and apparatus may be provided to place a manufacturing cell in a wait state until all components or materials are received in a preferred orientation for proper assembly. The system may join and use multipart cases, each including a lower portion with a head end attached thereto and at least one upper portion having a necked-down transition to the open top end. Elevator feeders, vibratory bowl feeders, and robotic pick-and-place feeders may be used to deliver components for assembly.

Abstract: Damping assemblies for heat sinks and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a chassis; a first heat sink associated with an electronic component in the chassis; a second heat sink coupled to the first heat sink, the second heat sink spaced apart from the first heat sink in the chassis; and damping material proximate to the second heat sink.

Abstract: A cover plate according to certain embodiments is configured for use with a mounting plate and a control system, and has a front side and a rear side opposite the front side. The cover plate includes a support substrate, a cover plate coupler, and an electronic device. The support substrate includes an opening sized and shaped to receive a spindle of a door hardware apparatus associated with the rose assembly. The cover plate coupler is configured to releasably couple with a mounting plate coupler of the mounting plate. The electronic device is mounted to the support substrate, and includes a first electrical connector accessible from the rear side of the cover plate and configured for electrical connection with a second electrical connector of the control system, and an electronic component electrically connected with the first electrical connector.

Abstract: A fluid transportation apparatus includes a first suction pipe having a first intake opening and a second suction pipe having a second intake opening. The first and second suction pipes are attached to a vessel on opposite sides to move in rolling motion. The first intake opening is disposed in a fluid reservoir at a position lower than the second intake opening and a valve device moves toward a maximally opened position for a first proximal end of the first suction pipe and to move toward a maximally closed position for a second proximal end of the second suction pipe, as the first and second suction pipes move with the vessel in a first rolling direction of the rolling motion. The intake openings reverse roles and the proximal ends reverse roles, as the vessel moves in a second rolling direction of the rolling motion opposite from the first rolling direction.

Abstract: An object processing system is disclosed that includes a object processing system including at least one automated mobile carrier including a carrier base portion including at least two wheels for moving the automated mobile carrier in at least one horizontal direction, a carrier upper portion that includes a payload receiving portion for receiving at least one object thereon to be moved by the automated mobile carrier, and an extension system for extending the payload receiving portion horizontally away from and toward a central region of the automated mobile carrier, and an elevation system for elevating the carrier upper portion including the payload receiving portion with respect to the carrier base portion independently of the extension system.

Abstract: An object processing system is disclosed that includes a vertical structure extending in a vertical direction and at least one automated mobile carrier adapted for movement with respect to the vertical structure. The at least one automated mobile carrier includes a carrier base portion including at least two wheels for moving the automated mobile carrier in at least one direction that is generally orthogonal with respect to the vertical direction, a carrier upper portion for receiving at least one object thereon to be moved by the automated mobile carrier, and an elevation system for lifting the carrier upper portion of the automated mobile carrier with respect to the carrier base portion of the automated mobile carrier such that an engagement system of the carrier upper portion engages the vertical structure.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected finding that a hydrocarbon traction resin can be dispersed into the oil used in making an oil extended emulsion and solution rubbers to attain improved performance characteristics. For instance, this technique allows for the hydrocarbon traction resin to be incorporated into the rubber at a higher level than would ordinarily be possible using conventional mixing techniques. In tire tread compounds this provides improved wet traction characteristics without compromising cured stiffness (dry traction) and ultimate properties (chip/chunk resistance). This technique can be used to incorporate a resin into virtually any synthetic rubber that can benefit from being oil extended. It is of particular value in making resin modified solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR), emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (ESBR), high cis-1.4-polybutadiene rubber, and synthetic polyisoprene rubber which are formulated for use in tire tread compounds.

Abstract: A medical device, including an implantable portion of the medical device, the implantable portion including at least one electrode, wherein the implantable portion is configured to, while implanted in a human, obtain data indicative of wear of the at least one electrode. In an exemplary embodiment, the medical device is a cochlear implant.

Abstract: A fully automated, integrated, end-to-end synchronized and compact manufacturing system produces polymer or metal case ammunition. Manufacturing stations support case assembly, sealing (gluing/welding), final product inspection, cartridge packaging or binning, and loading. Station modularity facilitates rapid changeover to accommodate ammunition of differing calibers. Sensors and apparatus may be provided to place a manufacturing cell in a wait state until all components or materials are received in a preferred orientation for proper assembly. The system may join and use multipart cases, each including a lower portion with a head end attached thereto and at least one upper portion having a necked-down transition to the open top end. Elevator feeders, vibratory bowl feeders, and robotic pick-and-place feeders may be used to deliver components for assembly.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for setting operational parameters of an implantable medical device system based on a combination of at least one monopolar stimulation measurement and one or more multipolar (focused) stimulation measurements. In particular, the techniques presented herein perform at least one objective or behavioral measurement using monopolar stimulation, and the same objective or behavioral measurement using focused stimulation with one or more degrees of focusing. Hearing outcomes/responses evoked in response to each of the measurements are captured/recorded and evaluated relative to one another to set one or more operational parameters, such as the degree of focusing, of the implantable medical device or implantable medical device system.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for assessing one or more outcomes associated with implantation of one or more electrodes into the inner ear of a recipient.

Abstract: A fully automated, integrated, end-to-end synchronized and compact manufacturing system produces polymer or metal case ammunition. Manufacturing stations support case assembly, sealing (gluing/welding), final product inspection, cartridge packaging or binning, and loading. Station modularity facilitates rapid changeover to accommodate ammunition of differing calibers. Sensors and apparatus may be provided to place a manufacturing cell in a wait state until all components or materials are received in a preferred orientation for proper assembly. The system may join and use multipart cases, each including a lower portion with a head end attached thereto and at least one upper portion having a necked-down transition to the open top end. Elevator feeders, vibratory bowl feeders, and robotic pick-and-place feeders may be used to deliver components for assembly.

Abstract: In certain embodiments methods of treating X-Linked Hyper-IgM Syndrome (XHIM) in a mammal am provided where the methods comprise: i) providing differentiated T cells and/or stem/progenitor cells from the mammal; ii) performing a targeted insertion of a corrective CD40L cDNA at the CD40LG gene locus in said cells to provide a corrected CD40LG gene wherein said targeted insertion places said corrective CD40L cDNA downstream and operably linked to the endogenous CD40LG enhancer/promoter, and iii) introducing said cells into said mammal where said corrected CD40LG gene is expressed in a physiologically regulated manner.

Abstract: A process for forming a container from a blank, the process comprising the steps of: thermally inducing one or more fold lines on at least one surface of a container blank fabricated from a thermal insulation sheet material, wherein the blank comprises: a first panel portion; a second panel portion located adjacent the first panel portion and sharing a first common edge therewith; and a third panel portion located adjacent the second panel portion and sharing a second common edge therewith, the second common edge being substantially parallel to the first common edge, wherein the first panel portion and the third panel portion are each associated with a pair of flap members adapted for folding movement relative to the respective first and third panel portions such that, when assembled, each of the flap members overlies an edge of the second panel portion substantially perpendicular to the first common edge and the second common edge, folding the first panel portion of the container blank along a first fold lin

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for assessing one or more outcomes associated with implantation of one or more electrodes into the inner ear of a recipient.