Abstract: This document describes cleaning tools, methods of manufacturing cleaning tools, and methods of using cleaning tools, for cleaning a media transport device. The cleaning tool may include a cleaning card comprising a first core layer, as well as a first cleaning layer attached to the first core layer. The first core layer and the first cleaning layer form (a) a cleaning element having a first thickness and in which the core layer is in a relaxed state, and (b) an intermediate area that has a second thickness that is less than the first thickness and in which the core layer is in a compressed state.

Abstract: Deadfront articles that include a tactile element formed on a first surface of a substrate and a visual element disposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface. The tactile element is positioned on the first surface of the substrate in a complimentary fashion to the visual element disposed on the second surface of the substrate. The tactile element may include a surface roughness portion having a surface roughness different than the surface roughness of an area bordering the surface roughness portion. The deadfront articles may be incorporated into an automobile interior to provide a visual and haptic display interface for a user.

Abstract: A cleaning card for cleaning a media transport device includes a substantially planar surface. At least one of the raised surface elements includes at least one scraping element. Optionally, at least one of the raised surface elements also include surface slits that cause asymmetrical deformation of the raised surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for bending a material to a target resultant bending parameter using a bend forming tool are disclosed. The systems and methods receive values for parameters of properties of the material and of a bending process to be performed by the bend forming tool, creating or retrieving a calibration curve relating input bending parameter and resultant bending parameter based on the values from a database of calibration curves, determining a first springback compensated input bending parameter based on the target resultant bending parameter using the calibration curve, inputting the first springback compensated input bending parameter to the bend forming tool, and in a first step of bending the material, bending the material to the first springback compensated input bending parameter by applying the bending process using the bend forming tool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a quick release weight retaining system configured to improve the safety and effectiveness of a resistance training routine. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a weight retainer that is removably mounted to a weight support member. The weight retainer includes an engaging apparatus that can retain and safely release a weight load during exercise. The weight is released by way of the exerciser activating a trigger. A weight can be safely and securely mounted to the weight retainer when pushed against the engaging apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of an image panel are provided. The image panel includes a transparent substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. A first image layer is disposed on the second major surface. A diffuser layer is disposed on the first image layer, and a second image layer is disposed on the diffuser layer. The second image layer includes mask regions and image regions. An optical density of the image panel is at least 3.0 in the mask regions and less than 3.0 in the image regions. The image regions are not visible from the first major surface when light is not incident upon the second major surface. The image regions are visible from the first major surface and form a composite image with the first image layer when light is incident upon the second major surface.

Abstract: A cleaning card for cleaning a media transport device includes a substantially planar surface, having a cleaning surface made of unbroken loop material, a core layer made of a plastic, and a raised surface element, in which the unbroken loop material is at least partially embedded into the plastic.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for providing secure access to a digital asset, comprising a computing device configured to divide the digital asset into a plurality of portions and to encrypt each of the portions in the plurality using an asset key such that they may be stored on a decentralized peer-to-peer file sharing system; the computing device may be configured to create a manifest document based upon the division of the digital asset and storage of the portions thereof on the decentralized peer-to-peer file sharing system, such that given the access key and the manifest document, the digital asset may be securely reassembled by a user operating a client computing system.

Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided for detecting movement of a subject, the system having an optical tracking system including a camera, a display, and a controller electrically coupled with the optical tracking system and the display. The controller has a processor coupled with a memory and is configured to receive a data signal from the optical tracking system and recognize and continuously monitor optical tracking markers on the subject within a field of view of the camera, and provide an alert on the display when movement of the optical tracking markers on the subject falls within predefined parameters.

Abstract: A wireless electric vehicle charging system comprises base-side equipment for generating a magnetic field and vehicle-side equipment for receiving energy via the magnetic field to supply power to a vehicle-driving battery. Monitoring circuitry monitors one or more of voltage, current, or phase associated with the base-side equipment and halts generation of the magnetic field in response to a change in the voltage, current, or phase associated with the operation of the base-side equipment that indicates a fault condition at the vehicle-side equipment, which may include a loss of power or disconnection of a battery. Based on detection of the change, the monitoring circuitry can halt generation of the magnetic field to prevent damage at the vehicle-side equipment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting weld defects, and methods for manufacturing vehicles using such methods or systems, are provided. An exemplary method includes receiving an input indicating a weld material and material thickness by a portable computing device and determining, with the portable computing device, a detection protocol for the weld material and material thickness. Further, the method includes communicating the detection protocol from the portable computing device to a portable heating source and to a portable thermographic sensor, heating a weld with the portable heating source according to the detection protocol, and recording thermographic data from the weld with the portable thermographic sensor according to the detection protocol.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing food processing and inventory. Food inventory held at food holding locations can be monitored. Food can be transferred among holding locations and served from holding locations. A prioritized food type list indicates food types to be processed and lists food types in order of determined priority. Food may be transferred to default destination holding locations. Food may be moved to and served from primary holding locations. Buttons associated with holding location displays can be actuated by different types of user engagement for executing various food management operations.

Abstract: A system for evaluating a rigidity of an angle bracket includes a test system having a first test fixture and a second test fixture. The system includes an angle bracket coupon including a first wall, a second wall coupled to the first wall at a bend to define an angle between the first wall and the second wall, and at least one three dimensional feature defined at the bend that extends between the first wall and the second wall. The angle bracket coupon is to be coupled to at least one of the first test fixture and the second test fixture to evaluate the rigidity of the angle bracket.

Abstract: Air management systems are provided for optimizing airflow in laser welding with deflectors. A system for a welder includes a blower to generate an airflow stream. A plenum receives the airflow stream, directs it toward the workpiece, and defines an outlet facing the workpiece to expel the airflow stream toward the workpiece. A deflector adjacent the outlet is formed as a conical section converging from the plenum toward the workpiece, and is defined by an angled wall with an open center. The deflector concentrates the airflow stream to impart a velocity increase to the airflow stream after leaving the outlet and to impart a favorable directional component to the airflow stream toward a weld zone, as well as protecting the laser lens by increasing the downward momentum force of the air stream to eliminate the potential of spatter impinging the lens.

Abstract: Products containing a nicotine-polymer complex are provided herein, which can optionally further include one or more, different nicotine components. Certain such products are pouched products including an outer water-permeable pouch defining a cavity containing a composition comprising a water-soluble component capable of being released through the water-permeable pouch. The disclosure further provides methods of preparing such products.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure, the imaging system involving an optical assembly having moveable zoom optics and moveable focus optics, a zoom actuator and a focus actuator for positioning the zoom and focus optics, respectively, a controller for controlling the zoom and focus actuators independently in response to received control input, a camera for capturing an image of the target from the optical assembly, the system capable of performing autofocus during a medical procedure.

Abstract: Improved flow control assemblies for fluid systems (e.g., industrial and/or commercial systems) are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for advantageous ball valve assemblies for fluid systems. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for improved ball valve assemblies and related features, systems and methods of use. Exemplary ball valve assemblies of the present disclosure offer advantages over conventional assemblies including, without limitation, advantages in the sealing mechanisms of the ball valve assemblies, and advantages with the user interfaces of the ball valve assemblies (e.g., advantages with the lockout mechanisms). Improved, convenient and effective systems and methods for utilizing improved ball valve assemblies in fluid systems are provided.

Abstract: A method of customizing a vehicle body includes inputting a selected customized embellishment to a laser controller, directing a beam of the laser onto a surface of the vehicle body, and guiding the beam of the laser with the laser controller to impart the selected customized embellishment to the surface.

Abstract: The present description provides methods, assays and reagents for linearly expanding a peptide. The methods and/or linear expanded peptide described herein have several uses such as, but not limited to, peptide (protein) sequencing, high-resolution interrogation of the proteome and enabling ultrasensitive diagnostics critical for early detection of diseases.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing food processing and inventory. Food inventory held at food holding locations can be monitored. Food can be transferred among holding locations and served from holding locations. A prioritized food type list indicates food types to be processed and lists food types in order of determined priority. Food may be transferred to default destination holding locations. Food may be moved to and served from primary holding locations. Buttons associated with holding location displays can be actuated by different types of user engagement for executing various food management operations.