Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses and computer-readable media for receiving data associated with a structure or home are presented. Data may be received from an insurance provider associated with the structure, from publicly available sources and/or from a user. A template of items to evaluate associated with the structure may be generated. User input may be received associated with one or more of the items and a determination may be made as to whether a potential issue exists with respect to the item. Other aspects relate to receiving data associated with a plurality of items from the template and prioritizing potential issues identified for each item. Other aspects relate to providing options or images to a user for selection. The user may select an option or image based on the similarity to the item in the structure, which may prompt additional options or images to be provided to the user for selection.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for an automated system for analyzing damage and processing claims associated with an insured item, such as a vehicle. An enhanced claims processing server may analyze damage associated with the insured item using photos/video transmitted to the server from a user device (e.g., a mobile device). The mobile device may receive feedback from the server regarding the acceptability of submitted photos/video, and if the server determines that any of the submitted photos/video is unacceptable, the mobile device may capture additional photos/video until all of the data are deemed acceptable. To aid in damage analysis, the server may also interface with various internal and external databases storing reference images of undamaged items and cost estimate information for repairing previously analyzed damages to similar items. Further still, the server may generate a payment for compensating a claimant for repair of the insured item.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for an automated system for analyzing damage and processing claims associated with an insured item, such as a vehicle. An enhanced claims processing server may analyze damage associated with the insured item using photos/video transmitted to the server from a user device (e.g., a mobile device). The mobile device may receive feedback from the server regarding the acceptability of submitted photos/video, and if the server determines that any of the submitted photos/video is unacceptable, the mobile device may capture additional photos/video until all of the data are deemed acceptable. To aid in damage analysis, the server may also interface with various internal and external databases storing reference images of undamaged items and cost estimate information for repairing previously analyzed damages to similar items. Further still, the server may generate a payment for compensating a claimant for repair of the insured item.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses and computer-readable media for receiving data associated with a structure or home are presented. Data may be received from an insurance provider associated with the structure, from publicly available sources and/or from a user. A template of items to evaluate associated with the structure may be generated. User input may be received associated with one or more of the items and a determination may be made as to whether a potential issue exists with respect to the item. Other aspects relate to receiving data associated with a plurality of items from the template and prioritizing potential issues identified for each item. Other aspects relate to providing options or images to a user for selection. The user may select an option or image based on the similarity to the item in the structure, which may prompt additional options or images to be provided to the user for selection.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) has a shortened overall laser cavity by combining the gain section with a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR). The overall cavity length can be contracted by placing gain structures inside the DBR. This generally applies to a number of semiconductor material systems and wavelength bands, but this scheme is very well suited to the AlGaAs/GaAs material system with strained InGaAs quantum wells as a gain medium, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments facilitating a holistic engagement with a user across multiple communication channels of an organization or an enterprise based at least in part on a determined user intent. As users interact with various services associated with the organization through one or more communication channels, interaction data can be captured and stored. In various examples, the interaction data that is stored by the various services can be obtained and organized according to a predefined schema. The organized interaction data can be applied to a trained intent model that outputs a user intent based at least in part on observations of other users with similar histories. The predicted intent can be provided to the different services such that subsequent interactions between the user and the organization can be based at least in part on the intent in a consistent manner, regardless of the communication channel associated with the interaction.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments facilitating a holistic engagement with a user across multiple communication channels of an organization or an enterprise based at least in part on a determined user intent. As users interact with various services associated with the organization through one or more communication channels, interaction data can be captured and stored. In various examples, the interaction data that is stored by the various services can be obtained and organized according to a predefined schema. The organized interaction data can be applied to a trained intent model that outputs a user intent based at least in part on observations of other users with similar histories. The predicted intent can be provided to the different services such that subsequent interactions between the user and the organization can be based at least in part on the intent in a consistent manner, regardless of the communication channel associated with the interaction.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments facilitating a holistic engagement with a user across multiple communication channels of an organization or an enterprise based at least in part on a determined user intent. As users interact with various services associated with the organization through one or more communication channels, interaction data can be captured and stored. In various examples, the interaction data that is stored by the various services can be obtained and organized according to a predefined schema. The organized interaction data can be applied to a trained intent model that outputs a user intent based at least in part on observations of other users with similar histories. The predicted intent can be provided to the different services such that subsequent interactions between the user and the organization can be based at least in part on the intent in a consistent manner, regardless of the communication channel associated with the interaction.

Abstract: A potentiostat circuit is described for the detection and analysis of analytes within an uncompartmented or galvanically connected pool of liquid and which permits sequential and simultaneous measurements to be performed in multiple electrochemical cells within the uncompartmented or galvanically connected pool of liquid by one or more potentiostats. Accordingly, the potentiostat circuit includes a grounded counter electrode that is configured to prevent against electrical interference when measuring analytes in a fluid sample. The grounded counter electrode can completely surround a working electrode and a reference electrode and can be held at a common potential voltage during operation. The grounded counter electrode can have a U-shape for surrounding on three sides the working electrode and the reference electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is described that includes a counter electrode that prevents against electrical interference when measuring analytes in a fluid sample. The counter electrode can completely surround a working electrode and a reference electrode and can be held at a common potential voltage during operation. The counter electrode can have a U-shape for surrounding on three sides the working electrode and the reference electrode.

Abstract: A method of dispensing includes the steps of exerting a force on an actuator of a dispenser having a conduit with an inlet and an outlet in a first non-actuation state, to place the actuator in a second actuation state. When the actuator is in the second actuation state, the inlet and the outlet of the actuator are moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A volatile material dispensing system includes a housing having at least one opening in a sidewall thereof and at least one engagement member extending from the housing. The volatile material dispensing system further includes a base adapted to interact with the housing, wherein the base includes a mechanical assembly. A reservoir contains a volatile material, wherein the reservoir rotates from a first position to a second position when the at least one engagement member contacts the mechanical assembly.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a dispenser, at least one sensor, and a shroud including at least one aperture. A virtual shield is provided between the sensor and the shroud to reduce background noise.

Abstract: An actuator includes a conduit and first and second tabs protruding from the conduit. Each tab includes a first angled face and a first flat face disposed adjacent a first end of the tab and a second angled face and a second flat face disposed adjacent a second end of the tab.

Abstract: A surgical port placement system is to be adjacent a surgical table. The surgical port placement system may include a surgical port placement device for storing parameter sets respectively associated with past surgical procedures, generating a surgical port placement model based upon the parameter sets, receiving a given parameter set for a given surgical procedure for a given patient, the given parameter set having physical characteristics of the given patient, and generating a surgical port placement position for the given patient for the given surgical procedure based upon the given parameter set and the surgical port placement model.

Abstract: A volatile material dispensing system includes a housing having at least one opening in a sidewall thereof and at least one engagement member extending from the housing. The volatile material dispensing system further includes a base adapted to interact with the housing, wherein the base includes a mechanical assembly. A reservoir contains a volatile material, wherein the reservoir rotates from a first position to a second position when the at least one engagement member contacts the mechanical assembly.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a dispenser, at least one sensor, and a shroud including at least one aperture. A virtual shield is provided between the sensor and the shroud to reduce background noise.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for preparing cheese with low fat content and with improved texture, color and baking properties. The compositions and methods of the invention include acidification of the cheese base and the addition of glycerides to manufacture processed or heated curd cheese with improved properties such as texture, stickiness, color and baking properties.

Abstract: A method of dispensing includes the steps of exerting a force on an actuator of a dispenser having a conduit with an inlet and an outlet in a first non-actuation state, to place the actuator in a second actuation state. When the actuator is in the second actuation state, the inlet and the outlet of the actuator are moved from a first position to a second position.