Abstract: A database management engine provides a user interface that allows users to access and modify employee information in a database. The database includes entries for employees, and each database entry includes identifying information about the associated employee. A user can request to modify data within database entries, for instance in order to update information associated with an employee. Responsive to the request, the database management engine identifies liabilities associated with the database modification stemming from associated tax laws. Based on the identified tax liabilities, the engine computes the aggregate tax liability owed by the employer and/or employee. Before modifying a database entry, the engine modifies the user interface to include interface elements detailing the computed aggregate tax liability. The user explicitly can be required to confirm the database modification in view of the aggregate tax liability.

Abstract: A method of manufacture is provided that includes providing a preform component. The preform component includes a blind aperture in an exterior of the preform component. The exterior of the preform component is machined to provide a machined component. An exterior of the machined component is inspected to determine a characteristic of the machined component, which characteristic of the machined component is associated with the blind aperture. Whether a feature of the machined component satisfies a standard is determined based on the characteristic of the machined component.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for defining map data used in controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, telemetry data; determining, by the processor, distribution data of a path based on the telemetry data; determining, by the processor, a plurality of sample data based on a trained machine learning model and the distribution data; generating, by the processor, at least one of lane line data and road edge data based on the sample data and a second machine learning model; and storing, by the processor, the map data including the lane line data and road edge data for use in controlling the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting if a relay is present in a PEPS system for a vehicle is provided by (a) determining whether movement of an authentication device was detected within a predefined time period after the authentication device enters a PEPS entry operational region; and (b) determining if the authentication device was stationary for a predetermined time period during a PEPS entry triggering event.

Abstract: Provided are methods, systems, and apparatuses for enabling an analytics user interface to be adaptive based on, among other things, content of a user-defined query. A computing device may receive the query, which is to be applied to a dataset. The computing device way receive the query via an analytics user interface. Based on the query and using a recommendation engine, a plurality of recommended result elements and associated visualization elements may be determined. Based on the query and a selected recommended result element, a query result may be generated. The query result may contain a portion of records from the dataset, which may associated with the query and the at least one result element.

Abstract: A method for preventing collisions in a physical environment for multiple players playing in a virtual reality environment comprises creating a plurality of virtual reality areas with respect to a physical environment. Each of the plurality of players are established as an active player in one of the plurality of virtual reality areas. Each of the plurality of players have an active player avatar mapped into a single virtual reality area of the plurality of virtual reality areas. Each of the plurality of players have a non-active player avatar mapped into each of the plurality of virtual reality areas where the user does not have an active player avatar. The active player avatars and the non-active player avatars are displayed in each of the plurality of virtual reality areas. A single avatar is present in each of the plurality of virtual reality areas for each of the plurality of players.

Abstract: A system for generating a virtual reality environment includes a mocap suit having a plurality of sensors for generating at least one mocap suit output responsive to movement of an individual within the mocap suit within the virtual reality environment. At least one virtual reality player headset generates at least one virtual reality headset output responsive to actions of a player within the virtual reality environment. A virtual reality controller receives the at least one mocap suit output and the at least one virtual reality headset output and generates the virtual reality environment for display in the at least one virtual reality player headset. The virtual reality controller selectively generates an avatar associated with the mocap suit responsive to the at least one mocap suit output. The avatar being selectively inserted into the virtual reality world responsive to a first input and selectively removed from the virtual reality environment responsive to a second input.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to exfoliate a graphite grain is described. A mixture of a graphite grain and an ice grain are transferred into a vessel. The vessel includes an agitator. The agitator agitates the mixture to induce a contact between the graphite grain and the ice grain. The contact between the graphite grain and the ice grain exfoliates the graphite grain.

Abstract: Devices and methods for pre-rolled smoking tubes are described herein. The devices include a tube configured to roll a smoking tube. The tube includes a distal end having a distal opening, a proximal end spaced from the distal end along a central axis, the proximal end having at least one or a plurality of customizable proximal openings that regulate airflow in the tube, and a lumen that extends from the distal opening to the at least one proximal opening along the central axis. This configuration allows the creation of differing airflow patterns in the tube, reduced waste of desired materials during the manufacturing of filled smoking tubes, and reduced charred materials entering a user's oral cavity. The device may also be used, in whole or in part, as a mandrel during the manufacturing of pre-rolled tubes via an automated, semi-automated, or manual processes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to exfoliate a graphite grain is described. A mixture of a graphite grain and a fluid medium are transferred into a vessel. The vessel includes an agitator and a chiller. The chiller chills the mixture such that the fluid medium at least partially solidifies into an ice grain. The agitator agitates the mixture to induce a contact between the graphite grain and the ice grain. The contact between the graphite grain and the ice grain exfoliates the graphite grain.

Abstract: A method for controlling player movement within a virtual reality environment involves locating a position of a player within the virtual reality environment. It is then determined if the player is in a desired position within the virtual reality environment. A positive visual indicator is generated to the player if the player is located in the desired position. A negative visual indicator is generated to the player if the player is not located in the desired position.

Abstract: A system for controlling player movement within a fixed virtual reality play area includes a plurality of panels defining an X by Y virtual reality play area, a transport area associated with the X by Y virtual reality play area and a virtual reality system. The virtual reality system displays a virtual reality environment to players. The virtual reality system divides the X by Y virtual reality play area defined by the plurality of panels into a plurality of virtual reality environment play areas. Each of the plurality of virtual reality environment areas comprises a portion of the virtual reality play area. The virtual reality system associates a first virtual reality player group with a first virtual reality environment play area of the plurality of virtual reality environment play areas and associates a second virtual reality player group with a second virtual reality environment play area of the plurality of virtual reality environment play areas.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting if a relay is present in a PEPS system for a vehicle is provided which includes (a) transmitting LF signals from antennas associated with a vehicle to a key fob using a 3D LF receiver to measure the LF signal level on the x, y and z-axes; (b) selecting two or more parallel antennas associated with the vehicle that are orthogonal to the antenna at the PEPS triggering location; (c) normalizing the x, y and z vectors that are measured by the key fob for the selected two or more parallel antennas associated with the vehicle; and (d) determining if the normalized x, y and z vectors for the selected two or more parallel antennas associated with the vehicle are within a predefined range.

Abstract: A system for providing a virtual reality experience includes a plurality of wall panels at a plurality of wall panel locations defining an X by Y area within the interior of the plurality of wall panels. At least one haptic feedback device associated with at least one of the plurality of wall panels for providing haptic feedback to a user. A transition area is associated with the X by Y area. A virtual reality system displays a first virtual reality environment to the user within at least a portion of the X by Y area. The first virtual reality environment defines a first virtual reality pathway for the user within the X by Y area to the at least one haptic feedback device. The virtual reality system displays a second virtual reality environment different from the first virtual reality environment within at least a portion of the X by Y area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to exfoliate a graphite grain is described. A mixture of a graphite grain and a fluid medium are transferred into a vessel. The vessel includes an agitator and a chiller. The chiller chills the mixture such that the fluid medium at least partially solidifies into an ice grain. The agitator agitates the mixture to induce a contact between the graphite grain and the ice grain. The contact between the graphite grain and the ice grain exfoliates the graphite grain.

Abstract: A method of manufacture is provided that includes providing a preform component. The preform component includes a blind aperture in an exterior of the preform component. The exterior of the preform component is machined to provide a machined component. An exterior of the machined component is inspected to determine a characteristic of the machined component, which characteristic of the machined component is associated with the blind aperture. Whether a feature of the machined component satisfies a standard is determined based on the characteristic of the machined component.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a multi-phase fluid skincare composition comprising (a) at least one cream phase; and (b) at least one gel phase; wherein the cream phase and the gel phase are visually distinct phases that are packaged in physical contact: wherein the viscosity ratio of the cream phase to the gel plastic is 1.25 or greater: 1 or 1:1.25 or greater, preferably 1.25 or greater 1; wherein the viscosity of the cream phase is at least 15 Pa-s; wherein the viscosity of the gel phase is at least 10 Pa-s; wherein the cream plastic and the gel phase are present in the composition at a level such that the weight ratio of cream phase to the gel phase is within the range of from 65:35 to 35:65; and wherein the viscosity is measured at 23° C.

Abstract: A system for providing a virtual reality experience includes a plurality of wall panels at a plurality of wall panel locations defining an X by Y area within the interior of the plurality of wall panels. At least one haptic feedback device associated with at least one of the plurality of wall panels for providing haptic feedback to a user. A transition area is associated with the X by Y area. A virtual reality system displays a first virtual reality environment to the user within at least a portion of the X by Y area. The first virtual reality environment defines a first virtual reality pathway for the user within the X by Y area to the at least one haptic feedback device. The virtual reality system displays a second virtual reality environment different from the first virtual reality environment within at least a portion of the X by Y area.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing a circumferential gap between a first machine component and a second machine component which is rotatable relative to the first machine component about a longitudinal axis. The seal assembly includes a seal carrier, a primary seal, a mid plate, at least one secondary seal, and a front plate. The at least one secondary seal interfaces with the front plate and the mid plate. A harder material is introduced at the interface of the mid plate and the front plate with the at least one secondary seal, that is made from a more wear resistant material than the other components at the interface, to provide the other component/s as a wear component that is replaced more often.

Abstract: Examples provide a system for cold-chain compliance of items on a smart storage cart. The smart storage cart includes a plurality of bins, a memory, a processor, and a data storage device storing a perpetual inventory (PI) of items on the cart. The cart automatically updates the PI in response to removal of items from the cart or addition of items to the cart. The smart storage cart activates bin restock indicators to identify bins for removal of items or addition of items to the cart. The cart monitors entrance into or exiting from geofence areas. A cold-chain compliance component calculates the smart storage cart's dwell-time outside temperature-controlled areas. The cart outputs an alert recommending return of the smart storage cart to a temperature-controlled area if the cart's dwell time approaches the maximum dwell-time and/or outputs an alert if the smart storage cart's dwell-time exceeds the maximum dwell-time.