Abstract: A field-driven electroactive polymer actuator is provided with a current sensor for sensing a current flowing to the actuator. A control circuit is used for driving the actuator which includes a voltage source. The driving of the actuator is controlled in dependence on the sensed current, thereby to provide a predetermined charge delivery for particular changes in actuation level of the actuator. This provides a combined voltage-based and current-based drive scheme for a voltage-driven EAP actuator, and it enables mechanical movements of the actuator to be more reliably repeated.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and computer readable media for automated dynamic data quality assessment. One aspect of the subject matter described in this specification includes the actions of receiving a data quality job including a new data sample; and, if the new data sample is determined to be added to a reservoir of data samples, sending a quality verification request to an oracle; receiving a new data sample quality estimate from the oracle; and adding the new data sample and estimate to the reservoir. A second aspect of the subject matter includes the actions of receiving, from a predictive model, a judgment associated with a new data sample; analyzing the new data sample based in part on the judgment to determine whether to send a new data sample quality verification request to an oracle; and, if a new data sample quality estimate is received from the oracle, determining whether to add the new data sample and the judgment to the reservoir.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging device having a field generation unit configured to provide a magnetic field in an imaging volume of the magnetic resonance imaging device. The field generation unit has at least one magnet. A surface of the field generation unit directed towards the imaging volume of the at least one magnet has a concave shape, wherein a direction of access to the imaging volume is oriented essentially perpendicular to a main direction of magnetic field lines in the imaging volume.

Abstract: An additive manufactured heat exchanger includes a monolithic housing defining an outer surface, a plurality of first fluid passageways extending between a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, and a plurality of second fluid passageways extending between a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet. A cross section of the outer surface defines an irregular shape, the plurality of first fluid passageways and the plurality of second fluid passageways define a convoluted flow matrix within the monolithic housing, and the outer surface of the monolithic housing is complimentary to a space between at least two components of a vehicle. The monolithic housing can also include a plurality of third fluid passageways extending between a third fluid inlet and a third fluid outlet.

Abstract: An ultrasound interface element (10) is for establishing interface with an incident tissue surface (32) for the purpose of transfer of ultrasound waves. An ultrasound-transmissive active layer (14) is provided comprising one or more responsive material elements (16) deformable in response to an electromagnetic stimulus. The one or more elements are controlled to deform in a manner such as to progressively establish with the tissue surface (32) an outwardly expanding interface, starting from an initial point or line of contact and spreading outwards to a wider area.

Abstract: An actuator device has an electroactive polymer actuator (35) and an integrated piezoelectric transformer (30) whose primary side (32) and secondary side (34) are formed from different electroactive polymer materials. At least the secondary side (34) of the transformer shares a piezoelectric electroactive polymer layer (36) with the electroactive polymer actuator, so that lower external voltages can be applied to the device.

Abstract: Method for generating haptic feedback responses starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects first touch input on first user interface and second touch input on second user interface. Processor monitors location of the first touch input on the first user interface and location of the second touch input on the second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of first touch input on first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input on second user interface. Processor causes the first user interface and the second user interface to generate a haptic feedback response based on the distance. The haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as the distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as the distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging system (10), comprising at least one gradient coil (20), and a processing unit (30). The processing unit is configured to control a gradient coil to produce intentional noise for sedation monitoring of a patient.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A sump is a sump positioned at a bottom of the wash chamber for receiving fluid from the wash chamber. A circulation pump is connected to the sump. The dishwashing appliance also includes a mounting cable extending from the circulation pump. The circulation pump is suspended by the mounting cable.

Abstract: Compound (I), deuterated derivatives, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of any of the foregoing are disclosed. Methods of treating cystic fibrosis using these compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ground traversing, electrically driven drone travels along a preprogrammed path that corresponds to pass catcher's travel path during a play, matching the pass catcher's speed and run cuts. The play is wirelessly communicated to the drone by a handheld electronic device located remote of the drone. A target is located on the drone so that a quarterback can throw a football at the target in order to refine the quarterback's timing and accuracy for the play. Sensors onboard the drone track both the football's and quarterback's speed and travel trajectories so that such data can be collected, along with the drone's travel path, and stored onboard the drone's control unit and eventually fed into 3-D reconstruction software for analysis by the quarterback and coaching staff. The target rotates so that the target either faces in a fixed direction or constantly faces the quarterback during execution of drone's maneuvers.

Abstract: An air intake assembly has an inlet member, a fluid reservoir, and an outlet. The inlet member defines a generally vertical oriented first fluid channel. The first fluid channel has a vertically extending portion, an upper inlet end, and a lower end. The fluid reservoir has an upper region that defines a second fluid channel. The fluid reservoir is attached to a lower end of the inlet member such that the first fluid channel vertically extending portion is substantially perpendicular to the second fluid channel. The fluid reservoir has an outlet defined by an aperture in a lower region of the fluid reservoir which forms a liquid collector. The trapdoor is pivotably attached to the fluid reservoir adjacent to the outlet. The rigid trapdoor is configured to open when exposed to a predetermined open force value to allow liquid to escape the liquid collector.

Abstract: The invention of the present disclosure is that of a plumber's platform for supporting the back of a plumber or the like when replacing various plumbing fixtures under a sink, such as a kitchen or bathroom sink. In certain embodiments, a plumber's platform according to the present disclosure may be formed of a hard plastic material such as via thermoplastic molding, and may be configured with fixed or adjustable supports such as legs or feet of various types. In preferred embodiments, a plumber's platform according to the present disclosure may be configured as a lid for a toolbox of appropriate dimensions and may be affixed thereto by various means. A plumber's platform may be unitary, having legs of fixed length, or may comprise extendable or adjustable legs of the same or varying lengths. In preferred embodiments, the platform may comprise one or more tool troughs and a carrying handle cutout.

Abstract: Medical breathing tubes have a tubular body that defines a lumen extending between open terminal ends of the tubular body. An internal form is enclosed within the lumen and supportive of the tubular body. The internal form may be a coated encapsulated internal form where the coating secures the internal form to the tubular body. The internal form may provide for a series of alternative crests and troughs of the tubular body. A patient interface and/or a securement system may be attached to the tubular body.

Abstract: A drink making device including a hood, a base configured to support at least four bottles, a tower connecting the base and the hood; and a dispenser for dispensing a beverage. The hood includes at least four attachment connectors. Liquid from the bottles is selectively pumped through the connectors through the dispenser to dispense a beverage.

Abstract: A method and system to treat cooking emissions (e.g., smoke) employs a nanosecond high voltage pulse generator and a transient pulsed plasma reactor. The system is used in a scheme that substantially reduces particulate matter produced in commercial charbroiling processes (e.g., cooking of hamburger meat). Both a reduction in the size distribution and total particulate mass is achieved using the method and system described herein.

Abstract: Provided is a brush head for an oral cleaning device for cleaning teeth with a combination of brushing and emitting of a cleaning agent. The brush head comprises a bristle set for brushing the teeth and a nozzle for emitting the cleaning agent. When actuating the bristle set from a first configuration, which is optimized for brushing, to a second configuration, which is optimized for emitting of a cleaning agent, at least a part of the bristle 5 set is moved away from the nozzle and/or away from a path of the cleaning agent when being emitted from an orifice of the nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed of providing a user application with a notification message. One example method may include receiving a notification message and identifying a predetermined category of a notification bar portion of the user application to display the notification message. The method may also include associating the notification message with the identified predetermined category and determining a level of importance of the notification message. The method may also provide displaying a notification indicator on the notification bar according to the predetermined category and to the notification type that corresponds to the level of importance.