Abstract: An optical fiber has at least one optical sensor with at least two interconnects with associated insertion losses. A first optical sensing interrogator is coupled through an interconnect to one end of the optical fiber with the sensors, and a second optical sensing interrogator is coupled through an interconnect to an opposite end of the optical fiber on an opposite side of the sensors. The first optical sensing interrogator and the second optical sensing interrogator determine one or more fiber insertion losses associated with the optical path in between the sensors and the interrogators, and between sensors if there are two or more sensors, without foreknowledge of the sensor reflectivity.

Abstract: A backstop configured to be implemented on a shelf. The backstop includes a bottom portion, a back portion in continuous communication with a back edge of the bottom portion, and a plurality of prongs disposed along a front edge of the bottom portion.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, an issuer system receives payment card information from a payment processing system, wherein the payment card information is received from a payment card via a user computing device using near field communication. The issuer system generates an unpredictable number for the payment card and communicates the unpredictable number to the payment card via the payment processing system and the user computing device. The payment card calculates a cryptographic checksum based on the unpredictable number and a shared secret and communicates the checksum to the issuer system via the user computing device and payment processing system. The issuer system verifies the checksum using the shared secret and the unpredictable number. The issuer system generates a token associated with the payment card and transmits the token to the user computing device via the payment processing system for use in an online transaction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein include methods, compositions, and kits suitable for use in spatiotemporal regulation of therapeutic T-cells through a combination of molecular and physical actuation. There are provided, in some embodiments, thermal bioswitches that allow T-cells to sense small changes in temperature and use them as inputs for the actuation of genetic circuits. Also disclosed herein are T cell activity sensors. Genetic circuits capable of inducing expression of a payload upon thermal stimulation and/or immune cell stimulation are provided. There are provided, in some embodiments, thermally actuated immune cells and methods of using are provided. Oscillator circuits and methods of preventing T cell exhaustion are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving ticket and invoice data. The method further includes comparing the ticket and invoice data to rules to identify anomalies. The method further includes generating a graphical user interface displaying information related to the anomalies and selectable options to assign the anomalies to user accounts. The method further includes, in response to receiving a selection of an option to assign a particular anomaly to a user account, storing data assigning the particular anomaly to the user account. The method further includes, in response to receiving a request to access the user account, generating a graphical user interface displaying information related to the particular anomaly.

Abstract: The present invention provides both compositions comprising Methylobacterium and compositions comprising Methylobacterium that are depleted of substances that promote growth of resident microorganisms on a lettuce plant or seed. Also provided are methods for improving lettuce production, methods of making the compositions, and methods of treating a lettuce plant or seed with the compositions comprising Methylobacterium.

Abstract: An automatic condition monitoring and control system for a work machine may include an electronic control module configured for arrangement on the work machine. The electronic control module may be configured to monitor multiple conditions of the work machine and compare the multiple conditions to respective thresholds. The electronic control module may also be configured to start an engine of the work machine based on at least one of the comparisons, activate a heating or cooling system based on at least one of the comparisons, or both.

Abstract: A Railroad Tie Management System is disclosed that can provide an efficient and organized method of inspecting and auditing ties in a rail system. Tie mark files can be retrieved by a client from a server or database in operable communication with the client, and upon instantiation of an inspection process governed by the system, an inspection information table and tie grid can be generated. The tie grid can operable to receive commands from a user, and the inspection information table is operable to automatically increment and decrement fields contained within in response to changes within the tie grid. The tie grid can also be configured to incorporate data from tie scans and serve the data to the client in a useful and user-friendly manner.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating three-dimensional (3D) graphics. The technique includes matching a layout of a plurality of display surfaces within a 3D space to a plurality of mappings between the plurality of display surfaces and a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) regions. The technique also includes determining (i) a location of a graphical element within a first region included in the plurality of 2D regions and (ii) a mapping that is associated with the region and included in the plurality of mappings. The technique further includes converting the location into a set of spatial attributes associated with the plurality of display surfaces based on the mapping and causing the graphical element to be displayed in a display surface included in the plurality of display surfaces based on the set of spatial attributes.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for placing graphical elements on display surfaces. The technique includes generating a first visualization of a first display surface based on a first two-dimensional (2D) parameterization of the first display surface. The technique also includes receiving a first user input that specifies a first location within the first visualization and converting the first location into a second location within the first 2D parameterization. The technique further includes causing a first graphical element to be displayed at a third location on the first display surface based on the second location and displaying, within the first visualization, a first representation of the first graphical element at the first location.

Abstract: A system for detecting truck damage is disclosed. The system includes a work machine that has a detection unit located on the work machine. The detection unit is used to generate a first image data and a second image data of a loading area of a truck. A controller of the system is used to receive the first image data, generate a 3D objected from the first image data, and receive the second image data that is generated later in time that the first image data. After receiving the second image data, the controller updates the 3D object and detects any indication of damage between the generating of the first image data and the second image data to the loading area.

Abstract: A modular catheter system includes a guiding sheath and multiple catheter inserts configured to couple to the guiding sheath. The guiding sheath can include a navigation sensor coupled to a distal portion of the guiding sheath shaft. A location of a distal portion of a respective catheter insert can be determined based on electrical signals from the navigation sensor. The catheter insert can be electrically coupled to the guiding sheath to provide electrical connection to an electrode assembly on the distal portion of the respective catheter insert. The guiding sheath may include a deflection mechanism that deflects the distal portion of the guiding sheath and a distal portion of a catheter shaft of the catheter insert. The modular catheter system may be configured to be tracked and moved without the catheter inserts requiring a navigation sensor or a deflection mechanism.

Abstract: A dynamic catheter system and methods for use of the dynamic catheter system. The system can comprise a guide catheter, a guide extension catheter positioned within the guide catheter and configured to extend from a distal end of the guide catheter, and a valve (e.g., a hemostatic valve) at a proximal end of the guide catheter. The guide catheter and the guide extension catheter can include varying diameters and wall thicknesses so that an inner diameter of the guide extension catheter can be maximized to receive a variety of different tools or equipment. The system can further include a wire control mechanism configured to separate two or more wires. The wire control mechanism can be integral with or configured to be removably coupled to the valve.

Abstract: High-gain, omni-directional antenna systems for MIMO technologies are disclosed herein. An example antenna system comprises two arrays of horizontally polarized radiating elements and two arrays of vertically polarized radiating elements. Each array has a roughly 180-degree radiation pattern, disposed about a central axis in a common horizontal plane. The horizontally polarized radiating elements comprise a plurality of slot elements and the vertically polarized radiating elements comprise a plurality of dipole elements. Each of the two arrays of horizontally polarized radiating elements and each of the two arrays of vertically polarized radiating elements arrays are fed using a corporate feed. The example antenna system further comprises at least one printed circuit board that includes a corporate feed that is fabricated onto the at least one printed circuit board.

Abstract: A pump comprising a bore pump fluid end having a reciprocating element bore, a discharge valve assembly comprising a discharge valve seat and a discharge valve body, and a suction valve assembly comprising a suction valve seat and a suction valve body; a hollow, cylindrical reciprocating element; a hollow reciprocating element adapter comprising a first end having a fluid inlet opposite a second end having a fluid outlet, wherein the second end of the reciprocating element adapter is connected to and in fluid communication with the fluid intake end of the reciprocating element; a pump power end having a push rod connected to the first end of the reciprocating element adapter; and a movable manifold comprising a reciprocating element end and a fluid intake end, wherein the reciprocating element end of the movable manifold is connected to and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the reciprocating element adapter.

Abstract: A pump fluid end having a reciprocating element a discharge valve assembly, a suction valve assembly, and a suction valve stop. The reciprocating element is disposed at least partially within a reciprocating element bore of the pump fluid end. The suction valve assembly is coupled with a front end of the reciprocating element. The suction valve stop is positioned within the reciprocating element bore such that the suction valve stop contacts and applies a closing force to the suction valve assembly when the suction valve assembly is stuck open at the end of a discharge stroke of the reciprocating element.

Abstract: Described herein is a diamond and diamond products comprising: a NV0 or SiV0 defect, wherein the NV0 or SiV0 defect comprises a nitrogen atom or silicon atom replacing a carbon atom in the diamond and a neutral vacancy replacing a carbon atom adjacent to the nitrogen atom or silicon atom in the diamond; a NV? or SiV? defect, wherein the NV? or SiV? defect comprises a nitrogen atom or silicon atom replacing a carbon atom in the diamond and a negatively-charged vacancy replacing a carbon atom adjacent to the nitrogen atom or silicon atom in the diamond; and a halide atom.

Abstract: A system for detecting carryback within a dump body of a haul truck may include at least one camera and at least one controller. The at least one camera is configured to generate a scan of an interior surface of the dump body. The at least one controller is configured to receive the scan of the interior surface of the dump body and determine a type of dump body by comparing the scan of the interior surface of the dump body with at least one scan of an interior surface of a known dump body.

Abstract: An adaptive workpiece support system comprising a wear plate comprising a precision datum face and a plurality of tool holes, and accessories interactive with the plurality of tool holes of the wear plate to support, locate, and hold a workpiece against the wear plate for machining the workpiece. The plurality of tool holes is laid out in a grid and extending through the precision datum face, a thickness of the wear plate, and a backside face of the wear plate. The wear plate is configured to locate a workpiece relative to three axes of a machine.

Abstract: Omni-directional orthogonally-polarized antenna system for MIMO applications are disclosed herein. An example antenna system comprises two arrays of horizontally polarized radiating elements, and two arrays of vertically polarized radiating elements, each array having roughly 180-degree radiation pattern, disposed about a central axis in a common horizontal plane, arrays of common polarization separated by 180-degrees. Also, the example antenna system includes at least one printed circuit board having a saw tooth pattern, wherein uniform coverage in both vertical and horizontal polarization over 360 degrees is provided using beamforming and polarization diversity.