Abstract: This document describes multi-modal platforms that receive multi-modal inputs and generates interactive experiences based on the inputs. In one aspect, a method includes receiving input data comprising one or more images of an area of a sports venue. A person is detected in the one or more images. Apparel information including at least one of a team identifier or player identifier on athletic apparel of the person is identifier in the one or more images. An interactive experience that includes a particular sports-related character is selected based at least on the apparel information. The interactive experience is initiated on an interactive display. The interactive experience includes video of the particular sports-related character delivering a message to the person.

Abstract: This document describes a platform that processes multi-modal inputs received from multiple sensors and initiates actions that cause the user to transition to a target state. In one aspect, a method includes detecting, based on data received from sensors, a current state of a user. A set of candidate states to which the user can transition from the current state is identified based on the current state. A target state for the user is selected based on the data received from the sensors and/or the current state of the user. For each of multiple candidate states, a probability at which the user will transition from the current state to the target state through the candidate state is determined. A next state for the user is selected based on the probabilities. One or more actions are determined and initiated to transition the user from the current state to the next state.

Abstract: This document describes multi-modal platforms that receive multi-modal inputs and generates interactive experiences based on the inputs. In one aspect, a method includes receiving input data comprising one or more images of an area of a sports venue. A person is detected in the one or more images. Apparel information including at least one of a team identifier or player identifier on athletic apparel of the person is identifier in the one or more images. An interactive experience that includes a particular sports-related character is selected based at least on the apparel information. The interactive experience is initiated on an interactive display. The interactive experience includes video of the particular sports-related character delivering a message to the person.

Abstract: A rolling pin includes a cylindrical working barrel with oppositely extending handles. The handles are contoured with strategically shaped surfaces and indentations configures to comfortably accommodate the shape of the user's hands, thereby alleviating stress and fatigue during protracted use.

Abstract: A collapsible and adjustable tripod for support of a camera or other apparatus is disclosed. The tripod includes a central column having three sides, each side having a channel longitudinally formed therein. Three leg assemblies, each comprising a leg member and a brace, unfold to support the tripod and collapse to a closed position within the channel in each side of the central column. A first latch mechanism associated with each leg assembly allows the top of each leg member to be slidable within each channel and lockable in a series of positions within each channel. Each brace is pivotably mounted to the bottom of the central column. A second latch mechanism allows the opposite end of each brace to be slidable along the leg member and lockable in a series of positions on each leg member. A neck telescopically extends from the top of the central column. A third latch mechanism allows the neck to be lockable in a series of positions above the top of the column.

Abstract: The invention provides a furnace for the controllable combustion of thermite. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention comprises a furnace housing having a combustion chamber into which thermite, in the form of rods, wires, or ribbons of encapsulated pellets, may be fed by an automatic feeder. An electric arc within the housing ignites the thermite. Coils embedded in the furnace housing circulate fluids for drawing off the energy product of thermite combustion beyond the furnace housing for utilization. The rate of combustion may be controlled by use of a vented flue, an adjustable feeder, and by cutter edges which snip the thermite to prevent further burning. The furnace housing contains insulation for retaining combustion heat product so that heat retained by the housing may continue to be drawn off by the coils. The invention provides a compact and thermally efficient furnace for diverse energy purposes, such as home heating or producing steam for driving turbine generators.

Abstract: A folding and adjustable tripod for support of a camera or other apparatus and including a central column having slots extending longitudinally of the column in which the upper end of tripod legs are slidable. The legs are of fixed length and each include a slot along a portion of the length thereof within which one end of an arm is slidably adjustable, the other end of the arm being pivotably attached to the lower portion of the column. The legs are extensible by sliding within the column slots while the angular extent of the legs is adjustable by slidable adjustment of the interconnecting arms.