Abstract: A method and system provides an EAMR transducer. The transducer is coupled with a laser for providing energy and has an air-bearing surface (ABS) configured to reside in proximity to a media during use. The EAMR transducer includes a composite near field transducer (NFT), a write pole and at least one coil for energizing the write pole. The write pole is configured to write to a region of the media. The composite NFT is for focusing the energy onto the region of the media. The composite NFT includes at least one metal and at least one insulator therein.

Abstract: Described is a system for object and behavior recognition which utilizes a collection of modules which, when integrated, can automatically recognize, learn, and adapt to simple and complex visual behaviors. An object recognition module utilizes a cooperative swarm algorithm to classify an object in a domain. A graph-based object representation module is configured to use a graphical model to represent a spatial organization of the object within the domain. Additionally, a reasoning and recognition engine module consists of two sub-modules: a knowledge sub-module and a behavior recognition sub-module. The knowledge sub-module utilizes a Bayesian network, while the behavior recognition sub-module consists of layers of adaptive resonance theory clustering networks and a layer of a sustained temporal order recurrent temporal order network. The described invention has applications in video forensics, data mining, and intelligent video archiving.

Abstract: Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising providing an apparatus, wherein the apparatus is configured to be coupled to (i) a peripheral device and (ii) a host device. The apparatus includes memory configured to store logic, wherein the logic is configured to (i) allow the host device and the peripheral device to communicate with each other and (ii) operate the peripheral device. The apparatus further includes a processor configured to execute the logic. The method further comprises bundling the apparatus with a consumable product for sale with the consumable product, wherein the consumable product is configured to be consumed by the peripheral device.

Abstract: In a raster stage of a graphics processor, a method for parallel fine rasterization. The method includes receiving a graphics primitive for rasterization in a raster stage of a graphics processor. The graphics primitive is rasterized at a first level to generate a plurality of tiles of pixels. The titles are subsequently rasterized at a second level by allocating the tiles to an array of parallel second-level rasterization units to generate covered pixels. The covered pixels are then output for rendering operations in a subsequent stage of the graphics processor.

Abstract: Methods of forming inserts for earth-boring tools include providing a material in a pattern adjacent a strip, arranging a plurality of superabrasive particles proximate the pattern, and securing at least some of the plurality of superabrasive particles to the strip. The material is configured to attract or secure the plurality of superabrasive particles. Some methods may include imparting like charges to each of a plurality of superabrasive particles, placing the plurality of superabrasive particles over a strip, and securing the superabrasive particles to the strip. In some methods, a first plurality of superabrasive particles may be placed in an array between a first strip and a second strip. A second plurality of superabrasive particles may be placed in an array between the second strip and a third strip. Methods of forming earth-boring rotary drill bits include forming an insert and securing the insert to a body of the bit.

Abstract: An innerduct (10) for insertion into a conduit includes at least one cell (11) which forms a compartment (14). A self opening stiffener (15) includes branches (16) attached at their ends (17). When the innerduct (10) is on a roll, the branches (16) are positioned adjacent to each other. When the innerduct (10) is being inserted into the conduit, the branches (16) move away from each other to open the compartment.

Abstract: Described is a system for content recognition, search, and retrieval in visual data. The system is configured to perform operations of receiving visual data as an input, processing the visual data, and extracting distinct activity-agnostic content descriptors from the visual data at each level of a hierarchical content descriptor module. The resulting content descriptors are then indexed with a hierarchical content indexing module, wherein each level of the content indexing module comprises a distinct set of indexed content descriptors. The visual data, generated content descriptors, and indexed content descriptors are then stored in a storage module. Finally, based on a content-based query by a user, the storage module is searched, and visual data containing the content of interest is retrieved and presented to the user. A method and computer program product for content recognition, search, and retrieval in visual data are also described.

Abstract: A projectile is utilized to introduce an item into a conduit which already has a cable therein. The projectile includes a body member having a longitudinal opening therethrough. The body member is longitudinally split so that the cable may be received in the opening. The item is attached to the body member. When the projectile with a portion of the cable received therein is put into a conduit and air under pressure is introduced into the conduit, the projectile is pushed along the cable and if the cable is undulating in the conduit, it is straightened and positioned out of the way of the item being introduced.

Abstract: A cutting element for use in a drilling bit and/or a milling bit having a cutter body made of a substrate having an upper surface, and a superabrasive layer overlying the upper surface of the substrate. The cutting element further includes a sleeve extending around a portion of a side surface of the superabrasive layer and a side surface of the substrate, wherein the sleeve exerts a radially compressive force on the superabrasive layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods for presenting tournament games. According to one embodiment, a gaming system for presenting tournament games includes a plurality of gaming devices in communication with a tournament server as well as a plurality of tournament displays positioned throughout a gaming establishment. Each gaming device is configured to enable concurrent play of a base game and on-demand tournament games in which the on-demand tournament games are player initiated. The tournament server manages play of the on-demand tournament games. The plurality of tournament displays are positioned throughout a gaming establishment, and the tournament displays are also in communication with the tournament server.

Abstract: Methods and system are provided for monitoring a queue. A method includes receiving by sensors a non-visual identifier at predefined locations of a queue. Further, the method includes capturing by image capture devices images of an object possessing the non-visual identifier at the predefined locations of the queue. Further, the method includes visually tracking another object in the queue based on transformations of a predefined feature extracted from the images of the object possessing the non-visual identifier at the predefined locations.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for processing promotions, including a universal product code (UPC) injection sub-system coupled between a UPC reader device and a point-of-sale (POS) device. The universal product code (UPC) injection sub-system including an interface device coupled between the UPC reader device and the POS device and incorporating an OR function to prevent disruption of an existing data stream between the POS device and the UPC reader device; and a controller device coupled to the interface device. The controller device via the interface device is configured to detect a UPC transmitted between the UPC reader and the POS device, block a UPC transmitted between the UPC reader and the POS device, and inject a UPC into the POS device. The POS device performs a POS function based on a received UPC from the controller device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a parameter of a measurement device during polishing, damage to a specimen during polishing, a characteristic of a polishing pad, or a characteristic of a polishing tool are provided. One method includes scanning a specimen with a measurement device during polishing of a specimen to generate output signals at measurement spots on the specimen. The method also includes determining if the output signals are outside of a range of output signals. Output signals outside of the range may indicate that a parameter of the measurement device is out of control limits. In a different embodiment, output signals outside of the range may indicate damage to the specimen. Another method includes scanning a polishing pad with a measurement device to generate output signals at measurement spots on the polishing pad. The method also includes determining a characteristic of the polishing pad from the output signals.

Abstract: A system is provided for refitting a tire system on a four-wheel-drive compact tractor which typically comes equipped with a set of industrial tires mounted on standard industrial size wheels. The tractor has a frame size falling within an industry classification of extra large frame, large frame, mid-frame or small frame. A set of replacement agricultural tires or turf tires is provided. The industrial tires are replaced with the replacement agricultural tires or turf tires without changing at least the front wheels on the compact tractor. The replacement tires are selected so as to maintain a front tire overspeed within manufacturer specified ranges for the majority of tractors falling within the industry classification.

Abstract: A touchscreen system for increasing the dynamic range of the system comprising a touchscreen coupled to an offset cancellation element and a capacitance measuring element. The offset cancellation element is configured to be dynamically changed in capacitance such that it offsets parasitic and sensor capacitances of the touchscreen sensors thereby leaving only touch event capacitance to be measured by the measuring element. The offset cancellation element is able to adjust to the initial unwanted capacitances of each sensor as well as dynamically adjust to changes in the unwanted capacitance due to the environment. In some embodiments, the offset cancellation element is a capacitance digital-to-analog converter that is controlled by a controller for offsetting the unwanted capacitance. As a result, the touchscreen system is able to utilize a small integrating capacitor thereby lowering cost and improving the dynamic range of the system.

Abstract: In a method for controlling pricing of a product, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag having at least one processor is attached to a monitored product. A value indicative of a degree of exposure to an environmental condition is obtained. The obtained value is compared with a predetermined value range. A price of the monitored product is adjusted when the result of the comparison falls outside the predetermined value range.

Abstract: A method of producing a drill bit, such as for drilling a well into an earth formation, includes forming a bit body having a plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades includes a forward facing face with respect to a direction of rotation of the bit. The forward facing face includes individual cutter pockets at least partially recessed into the forward facing face. The method also includes securing a cutting element at least partially within each of the individual cutter pockets. Each cutting element has an abrasion resistance. Each of the plurality of blades is formed of a blade material having an abrasion resistance that is less than the abrasion resistance of the cutting element.

Abstract: An attic fire protection system is provided. The system comprises a fluid supply manifold for supplying a fluid, positioned at an effective height below and parallel to the underside of a roof having a non-zero pitch angle. The system contains a plurality of fittings each having at least one exit port for directing the flow of the fluid, the fittings being spaced within at most a maximum effective distance apart from each other and being connected to receive fluid from the supply manifold, wherein the exit ports are structured to supply the fluid in a direction parallel to the underside of the roof. Most broadly, however, the fittings are structured or arranged to supply the fluid in a direction forming an oblique angle with the horizontal and the vertical, which may or may be exactly the same as the pitch angle of the roof. The system also includes a plurality of horizontal sidewall sprinklers each connected to a respective exit port of one or another of the fittings.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for modulating energy metabolism and weight in mammals, in particular by modulating thermogenesis associated with brown fat, including thermogenesis by brown fat or brown fat cells, adaptive thermogenesis by brown fat or brown fat cells, thermogenic capacity of brown fat or brown fat cells, or a combination thereof. More specifically, methods and compositions provided herein for treating or preventing obesity, or methods and compositions for identifying compounds effective for treating or preventing obesity are taught in connection with ligands such as B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), their receptors, and molecules that modulate the interactions between the ligands and receptors.

Abstract: Described herein are processes and devices that authorize and manage wagering agents and associated accounts. One of the devices described is a wagering game system. The wagering game system can detecting a request from a first player account to utilize a shared wagering fund to wager on a wagering game. The shared wagering fund can be funded by a second player account. The wagering game system can make the shared wagering fund available to the first player account to wager on a wagering game. The wagering game system can determine a game award produced by the wagering game. The system can then allocate a portion of the game award to the second player account.