Abstract: Various techniques facilitate the development of an image library that can be used to train and/or validate an automated visual inspection (AVI) model, such an AVI neural network for image classification. In one aspect, an arithmetic transposition algorithm is used to generate synthetic images from original images by transposing features (e.g., defects) onto the original images, with pixel-level realism. In other aspects, digital inpainting techniques are used to generate realistic synthetic images from original images. Deep learning-based inpainting techniques may be used to add, remove, and/or modify defects or other depicted features. In still other aspects, quality control techniques are used to assess the suitability of image libraries for training and/or validation of AVI models, and/or to assess whether individual images are suitable for inclusion in such libraries.

Abstract: A microwave mode coupling device for transferring electromagnetic (EM) energy from a first structure to a second structure while providing a pressure barrier between the first structure and the second structure, the coupling device comprising first and second transmission line sections separated by an intermediate waveguide section.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in certain embodiments, a system for depositing material from a metal feedstock. The system includes a feedstock guide configured to guide a metal feedstock from a material feeder to extend beyond a terminal end of the feedstock guide. The system includes a ceramic collar disposed at the terminal end of the feedstock guide and configured to guide the metal feedstock extending from the terminal end of the feedstock guide to a deposition outlet of the ceramic collar. An induction coil disposed adjacent to the ceramic collar and configured to heat a portion of the metal feedstock within the ceramic collar, such that material of the metal feedstock can be deposited on a surface from the deposition end of the ceramic collar.

Abstract: A transmitter assembly is useful in optimizing the delivery of wireless power to a plurality of receivers. Each receiver measures its own battery need for power and transmits that measurement as a request to the transmitter. The transmitter is configured to normalize and compare battery need requests. The transmitter then allocates pulses of wireless power among the requesting receivers according to their battery need.

Abstract: A transmitter assembly is useful in optimizing the delivery of wireless power to a plurality of receivers. Each receiver measures its own battery need for power and transmits that measurement as a request to the transmitter. The transmitter is configured to normalize and compare battery need requests. The transmitter then allocates pulses of wireless power among the requesting receivers according to their battery need.

Abstract: A method of using a water distribution system can include measuring a property of water in the system, the system including: a multi-port service saddle mountable on a water pipe and including main and secondary ports; and a water sensing assembly including: a housing received within the main port; a generator positioned inside the housing; a sensor coupled to the secondary port and configured to be exposed to water flow within the water pipe; and a turbine coupled to a generator shaft of the generator, the turbine movable from and between a first position and a second position, the turbine in fluid communication with the water flow within the water pipe in the first position but to be in fluid communication with the water flow within the water pipe in the second position; and moving the housing to one of the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods of measuring properties of water in a water distribution system are provided. An analysis system, according to one embodiment, comprises a plurality of water sensors connected at various points to the water distribution system, each of the plurality of water sensors configured to measure a property of water. The analysis system also includes a computer server configured to communicate with the plurality of water sensors via a network and receive water measurement data from the plurality of water sensors. The computer server comprises a processor, a database configured to store the water measurement data, and a system health monitoring module configured to evaluate the health of the water distribution system to obtain health data. The analysis system further includes at least one client device configured to communicate with the computer server via the network and receive the health data from the computer server.

Abstract: Computer vision and image characteristic search is described. The described system leverages visual search techniques by determining visual characteristics of objects depicted in images and comparing the determined characteristics to visual characteristics of other images, e.g., to identify similar visual characteristics in the other images. In some aspects, the described system performs searches that leverage a digital image as part of a search query to locate digital content of interest. In some aspects, the described system surfaces multiple user interface instrumentalities that include images of patterns, textures, or materials and that are selectable to initiate a visual search of digital content having a similar pattern, texture, or material. The described aspects also include pattern-based authentication in which the system determines authenticity of an item in an image based on a similarity of its visual characteristics to visual characteristics of known authentic items.

Abstract: Systems and methods of measuring properties of water in a water distribution system are provided. An analysis system, according to one embodiment, comprises a plurality of water sensors connected at various points to the water distribution system, each of the plurality of water sensors configured to measure a property of water. The analysis system also includes a computer server configured to communicate with the plurality of water sensors via a network and receive water measurement data from the plurality of water sensors. The computer server comprises a processor, a database configured to store the water measurement data, and a system health monitoring module configured to evaluate the health of the water distribution system to obtain health data. The analysis system further includes at least one client device configured to communicate with the computer server via the network and receive the health data from the computer server.

Abstract: Systems and methods of measuring properties of water in a water distribution system are provided. An analysis system, according to one embodiment, comprises a plurality of water sensors connected at various points to the water distribution system, each of the plurality of water sensors configured to measure a property of water. The analysis system also includes a computer server configured to communicate with the plurality of water sensors via a network and receive water measurement data from the plurality of water sensors. The computer server comprises a processor, a database configured to store the water measurement data, and a system health monitoring module configured to evaluate the health of the water distribution system to obtain health data. The analysis system further includes at least one client device configured to communicate with the computer server via the network and receive the health data from the computer server.

Abstract: Computer vision and image characteristic search is described. The described system leverages visual search techniques by determining visual characteristics of objects depicted in images and comparing the determined characteristics to visual characteristics of other images, e.g., to identify similar visual characteristics in the other images. In some aspects, the described system performs searches that leverage a digital image as part of a search query to locate digital content of interest. In some aspects, the described system surfaces multiple user interface instrumentalities that include images of patterns, textures, or materials and that are selectable to initiate a visual search of digital content having a similar pattern, texture, or material. The described aspects also include pattern-based authentication in which the system determines authenticity of an item in an image based on a similarity of its visual characteristics to visual characteristics of known authentic items.

Abstract: A device for indicating the status of a valve includes a position indicator, wherein the position indicator includes a monitoring element, and a communication element. A method for indicating the status of at least one valve includes monitoring positions of a device enclosed by a first valve with a position indicator and communicating the positions of the device enclosed by the first valve with a communications element.

Abstract: A veterinary incubator is disclosed, that features a modular hygienic design ceramic infrared based veterinary incubator that fully disassembles for disinfection. The invention heats a puppy more deeply and can be tailored to the specific condition of the puppy, allowing for better processing of colostrum and food—leading to a better weight gain, a stronger immune system and eyes opening sooner that competitive products with puppies from the same litter. The invention can be fully disassembled with 100% user replaceable modular components to allow for more effective disinfecting and elimination of service calls. The invention created a microenvironment that compliments a small animal's ability to seek our warmer and cooler parts of their environment to regulate body temperature and can be adjusted to allow for only good choices based upon the small animal's condition.

Abstract: A system for managing and updating an internal product catalog, including an internal product catalog database, at least one external product catalog database, and an application program interface. The internal product catalog database includes a plurality of existing item files in which each existing item file is associated with a product and includes at least one attribute of the product. The at least one external product catalog database includes a plurality of external item files in which each external item file is associated with a product and includes at least one attribute of the product. The application program interface is communicatively coupled with the internal product catalog database and the at least one external product catalog database. The application program interface is configured to accept a user search request to search for a new product in which the user search request includes at least one attribute of the new product.

Abstract: A transmitter assembly is useful in optimizing in the delivery of wireless power to a plurality of receivers. Each receiver measures its own battery need for power and transmits that measurement as a request to the transmitter. The transmitter is configured to normalize and compare battery need requests. The transmitter then allocates pulses of wireless power among the requesting receivers according to their battery need.

Abstract: A force damping dental bridge assembly which damps compressive, tensile, and lateral forces on a prosthetic tooth and jawbone through use of synthetic periodontal ligament fibers in the form of a damping membrane. Multiple layers of arcuate components and Morse taper interconnections secure the assembly. A threaded implant that penetrates the jawbone defining a tapered, conical inner cavity which receives a shank protruding downwardly from a full bar. An arcuate damping membrane positions on the bar and a half-bar positions over the membrane; whereby the damping membrane is sufficiently resilient to enable lateral and axial movements by the prostheses affixed to the half-bar.

Abstract: A method of damping compressive, tensile, and lateral compressive and tensile forces on one or more prosthetic teeth and an implant recessed into jawbone through use of synthetic periodontal ligament fibers in the form of a damping membrane within a dental bridge assembly. An arcuate damping membrane positions on a full bar and a half-bar positions over the membrane; whereby the damping membrane is sufficiently resilient to enable lateral and axial movements by the prostheses affixed to the half-bar.

Abstract: Computer vision and image characteristic search is described. The described system leverages visual search techniques by determining visual characteristics of objects depicted in images and comparing the determined characteristics to visual characteristics of other images, e.g., to identify similar visual characteristics in the other images. In some aspects, the described system performs searches that leverage a digital image as part of a search query to locate digital content of interest. In some aspects, the described system surfaces multiple user interface instrumentalities that include images of patterns, textures, or materials and that are selectable to initiate a visual search of digital content having a similar pattern, texture, or material. The described aspects also include pattern-based authentication in which the system determines authenticity of an item in an image based on a similarity of its visual characteristics to visual characteristics of known authentic items.

Abstract: Computer vision and image characteristic search is described. The described system leverages visual search techniques by determining visual characteristics of objects depicted in images and comparing the determined characteristics to visual characteristics of other images, e.g., to identify similar visual characteristics in the other images. In some aspects, the described system performs searches that leverage a digital image as part of a search query to locate digital content of interest. In some aspects, the described system surfaces multiple user interface instrumentalities that include images of patterns, textures, or materials and that are selectable to initiate a visual search of digital content having a similar pattern, texture, or material. The described aspects also include pattern-based authentication in which the system determines authenticity of an item in an image based on a similarity of its visual characteristics to visual characteristics of known authentic items.