Abstract: One or more computing devices, systems, and/or methods for determining a time-length of an action are provided. For example, a first data packet, of a plurality of data packets, may be received from a beacon. The first data packet may be associated with a first event and may comprise a first counter value. A second data packet, of the plurality of data packets, may be received from the beacon. The second data packet may be associated with a second event and may comprise a second counter value. A time-length of an action may be determined based upon an evaluation of the first counter value and the second counter value. Compliance with a protocol may be determined by comparing the time-length of the action with a time-limit associated with the protocol. A report may be generated based upon the time-length of the action and the compliance with the protocol.

Abstract: Operations related to performing gain operations with respect to a receive-path signal of a first device may be performed. The operations may include obtaining the receive-path signal, which includes an echo speech signal and a receive speech signal originating at a second device. In addition, the operations may include identifying a portion of the receive-path signal that includes, at a particular time, a first frequency component that corresponds to the echo speech signal and a second frequency component that corresponds to the receive speech signal in which the first frequency component is different from the second frequency component. Moreover, the operations may include attenuating the first frequency component of the portion while avoiding attenuating the second frequency component of the portion based on the first frequency component corresponding to the echo speech signal and the second frequency component corresponding to the receive speech signal.

Abstract: Described herein are improved solar tracker systems having variable profiles and related operating methods thereof. Solar-tracking PV systems with variable twisted or aerodynamic profiles offer several advantages including improved wind stability, improved shading characteristics and/or capability to correct system component misalignment. In an embodiment, motor drives (and locking devices if present) of a PV system can be driven against each other to cause a desirable twisted or aerodynamic profile of a torque tube and associated PV modules mounted on the torque tube. The desired twisted or aerodynamic profiles can range from a substantially flat horizontal plate to a twisted helix-like profile and combinations thereof so as to establish improved wind and/or shading characteristics. Advantages can also include a reduction in structural materials, increased structural strength, increased solar energy yield or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides screw holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion rigidly coupled to the spacer portion through a coupling means, wherein the plate portion contains screws holes for receiving screws. A screw back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate portion and prevents the back out of screws from the screw holes.

Abstract: An Additive Package is provided to adjust the cure properties of a two-part bonding filler across a temperature range of from 4 and 44 degrees Celsius. A low temperature additive speeds a cure rate between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius and a high temperature additive slows down a cure rate between 25 and 44 degrees Celsius. The amount of Additive Package is varied to account for the desired cure properties. The Additive Package includes a first unsaturated polyester resins with an average degree of unsaturation of 70-100 percent based on total acid and anhydride monomer content. A process for repairing a vehicle body is provided using the Additive Package. A kit for accomplishing repairs in an after-market repair setting is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing activated carbon from biomass or other solid carbonaceous feed within a housing containing boiler components, by spatial separation of drying, pyrolysis and activation zones as the feed is conveyed across the bottom of the housing, such that the thermal requirements for drying, pyrolysis, and activation of the solid carbonaceous feed occur by direct radiation from the combustion flame located above the drying, pyrolysis and activation zones. The balance of the heat not required for drying, pyrolysis, and activation is used to vaporize and superheat steam as part of a conventional steam/electric power plant.

Abstract: A rotorcraft having a rotor system including a yoke, a plurality of grip assemblies, each of which is hingedly attach a rotor blade to the yoke, a plurality of flap stops, each flap stop attached to a respective grip assembly, a channel bounded by an upper and lower retaining surfaces, and a droop ring slideably disposed in the channel of the droop limiting system. The droop ring has a body with an inner surface, an outer surface, and a first end surface between the inner surface and the outer surface. The droop ring further has a first wear element removably disposed at the first end surface and extending above the first end surface and spaces the first end surface apart from the channel. Each flap stop is arranged to contact the outer surface of the droop ring and limit a downward droop of the respective rotor blade.

Abstract: Enabling and disabling the updating of an adaptive filter for echo cancellation of a communication device is discussed. In some embodiments, an echo canceler in a communication device may include an adaptive filter enabled to update responsive to a determination that a first condition is satisfied that there is no double talk detected on the communication device, and a determination that a second condition is satisfied based, at least in part, on a performance characteristic. The adaptive filter may be disabled from updating responsive to at least one of the first condition and the second condition not being satisfied. Described is disabling the adaptive filter from updating responsive to detecting a performance characteristic of the adaptive filter to fail to meet a condition indicating that the adaptive filter is diverging. The condition may be independent of whether double-talk is determined to be present on the communication device.

Abstract: An example rotating swashplate ring to rotor mast connection includes a polygon-shaped drive tube secured to the rotor mast and a gimbal joint connected between the rotating swashplate ring and the polygon-shaped drive tube, wherein the gimbal joint rotates with the rotor mast and can translate axially along the polygon-shaped drive tube.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for detecting an object, such as a person. For example, a sensing system may comprise a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement may comprise a passive sensor and an active sensor. The active sensor may be placed into a sleep state (e.g., a relatively low powered state) until awakened by the passive sensor. For example, responsive to detecting a presence of an object (e.g., a nurse entering a patient's room), the passive sensor may awaken the active sensor from the sleep state to an active state for detecting motion and/or distance of the object within a detection zone to create object detection data (e.g., an indication of a hygiene opportunity for the nurse). The active sensor may transition from the active state to the sleep state responsive to a detection timeout and/or a determination that the object left the detection zone.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes an outer sub and a mandrel positioned within the outer sub. The outer sub and the mandrel are tubular. The interior of the mandrel defines a bore flow path, and the annular space between the outer sub and the mandrel defines an annular flow path. One or more nozzle ports are formed in the mandrel to fluidly couple the bore flow path and the annular flow path. A nozzle is positioned in each nozzle port. The nozzle includes a nozzle body having a flow path formed therein to fluidly couple the bore flow path to the annular flow path through the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for use in the movement of goods and includes a transportable goods storage area or trailer. The trailer can be moved to a position adjacent a platform of lifting apparatus to allow goods to be moved to and from the trailer. A bridging assembly including one or more bridge portions is provided to form a bridge between the plat form and floor of the trailer. In one embodiment weight detection means are provided to allow the weight of the transportable goods storage area or trailer, and the goods therein, to be detected and compared to predetermined weight limits.

Abstract: A joint spacer therapeutically maintains separation of bones of a joint. A carriage is slideably retained within the frame and has at least one ramped surface. An actuator screw is threadably engaged with the frame, and rotatably connected to the carriage, to cause the carriage to slideably move within the frame when the actuator screw is rotated. First and second endplates engage the bones of the joint, and each has at least one ramped surface that is mateable with the ramped surface of the carriage, whereby when the carriage is slideably moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates ramped surface slides against the carriage ramped surface to cause the endplates to move along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the frame, to increase the height of the spacer. Piercing elements are connected to the carriage to pierce bone of the joint when the carriage is moved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing activated carbon from biomass or other solid carbonaceous feed within a housing containing boiler components, by spatial separation of drying, pyrolysis and activation zones as the feed is conveyed across the bottom of the housing, such that the thermal requirements for drying, pyrolysis, and activation of the solid carbonaceous feed occur by direct radiation from the combustion flame located above the drying, pyrolysis and activation zones. The balance of the heat not required for drying, pyrolysis, and activation is used to vaporize and superheat steam as part of a conventional steam/electric power plant.

Abstract: A solar-tracking photovoltaic (PV) system having a motor drive vertically below a PV module, is described. In an example, the motor drive rotates a torque tube holding the PV module. The motor drive may include a gearbox having a worm drive, and a gearmotor having an offset gear. The offset gear may be coupled to a planetary gear train along an axis of a worm of the worm drive, and the offset gear may be coupled to a motor along a shaft axis offset vertically below the worm axis. Accordingly, the motor may be offset vertically below the worm drive, i.e., farther from the PV laminate than the worm drive, and a rotational clearance for the PV laminate may be increased.

Abstract: Intervertebral spacer assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A method of insertion includes inserting an intervertebral spacer and plate together using an insertion tool and, upon removal of the insertion tool, the intervertebral spacer and plate are no longer considered connected/coupled and act as separate components.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for identifying and prioritizing targets, specifically key genetic loci underlying one or more fertility disorders, for non-hormonal female contraceptive drug development.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for reducing a vertebral compression fracture, comprising a superior end plate and an inferior end plate disposed along a vertical axis. The superior end plate and the inferior end plate are slidably separable in a vertical direction along the vertical axis. An interior chamber is provided in fluid communication with a port extending from an exterior to the interior chamber. The device is deployable within a vertebral body and expandable within the vertebral body by injecting a flowable material into the interior chamber thereby displacing the superior and inferior end plates along the vertical axis.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to novel biocompatible firefighting foam compositions that include a deep eutectic solvent. Disclosed are methods of making and using firefighting foams containing deep eutectic solvents, which may also be used in existing fire foam compositions as drop in solvent additives. The deep eutectic solvents may also be used in or as a principle component of surrogate firefighting foam compositions.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for reducing a vertebral compression fracture, comprising a superior end plate and an inferior end plate disposed along a vertical axis. The superior end plate and the inferior end plate are slidably separable in a vertical direction along the vertical axis. An interior chamber is provided in fluid communication with a port extending from an exterior to the interior chamber. The device is deployable within a vertebral body and expandable within the vertebral body by injecting a flowable material into the interior chamber thereby displacing the superior and inferior end plates along the vertical axis.