Abstract: An end-effector of a programmable motion device is disclosed. The end-effector includes a body that provides an open interior, the open interior being coupled to a vacuum source, and the body including a contact surface for contacting an object to be grasped by the end effector. The contact surface includes at least one aperture through which a vacuum is provided, and the body includes an outer surface that faces away from the open interior. The body provides that when the flow of air drawn by the vacuum source through the at least one aperture is reduced due to the at least one aperture being at least partially blocked, the outer surface of the body engages the object being grasped at least partially within the open interior of the body.

Abstract: An end-effector for a programmable motion device is disclosed. The end effector includes a body that includes a contact portion, the body providing an open interior through which a vacuum may be provided to the contact portion, and the body includes at least one feature that is adapted to facilitate the contact portion to become substantially non-planar while grasping.

Abstract: There is provided an anti-siphon device for securing in a fluid tank inlet. The anti-siphon device comprises a housing, an inlet to the housing adapted to receive a fluid dispensing nozzle, the inlet at a proximal end of the hosing, and an outlet at a distal end of the housing. The anti-siphon device further comprises an obstruction disposed within the housing, where an outer surface of the obstruction and an inner wall of the housing define a first flow passageway. The obstruction comprises, a chamber disposed within the obstruction and configured to receive fluid, an inlet aperture in a first portion of the obstruction, and an outlet aperture in a second portion of the obstruction, where the inlet aperture, chamber, and outlet aperture define a second flow passageway, the second flow passageway being configured such that, in use, fluid can flow from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture via the second flow passageway, whilst flows from the inlet to the outlet via the first flow passageway.

Abstract: An end-effector for a programmable motion device is disclosed. The end effector includes a body that includes a contact portion, the body providing an open interior through which a vacuum may be provided to the contact portion, and the body including at least one feature that is adapted to facilitate the contact portion to become substantially non-planar while grasping.

Abstract: In the present invention, microbial inoculants that promoted leafy green plant growth were developed using Rhodococcus erythropolis, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Serratia grimesii, and Pseudomonas toyotomiensis. The microbial inoculants include probiotics effective on their own and others effective in specific combinations as follows: Rhodococcus erythropolis; Rhodococcus erythropolis and Serratia grimesii; Serratia grimesii; Serratia grimesii and Pseudomonas toyotomiensis; Pseudomonas toyotomiensis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia; Rhodococcus erythropolis, Pseudomonas toyotomiensis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia; Rhodococcus erythropolis, Pseudomonas toyotomiensis, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Serratia grimesii; Shinella zoogloeoides; and Rhodococcus erythropolis, Pseudomonas toyotomiensis, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Serratia grimesii and Shinella zoogloeoides.

Abstract: There is provided an anti-siphon device for securing in a fluid tank inlet. The anti-siphon device comprises a housing, an inlet to the housing adapted to receive a fluid dispensing nozzle, the inlet at a proximal end of the hosing, and an outlet at a distal end of the housing. The anti-siphon device further comprises an obstruction disposed within the housing, where an outer surface of the obstruction and an inner wall of the housing define a first flow passageway. The obstruction comprises, a chamber disposed within the obstruction and configured to receive fluid, an inlet aperture in a first portion of the obstruction, and an outlet aperture in a second portion of the obstruction, where the inlet aperture, chamber, and outlet aperture define a second flow passageway, the second flow passageway being configured such that, in use, fluid can flow from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture via the second flow passageway, whilst fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet via the first flow passageway.

Abstract: A fuel tank inlet assembly comprising a fuel tank inlet (200) defining an opening. The fuel tank inlet is configured for receipt by an aperture of the fuel tank (400). An anti-siphon device (300) is configured for receipt by the fuel tank inlet. The anti-siphon device defines an inlet aperture and comprises an anti-siphon portion configured to inhibit the passage of a siphon tube through the anti-siphon device. The fuel tank inlet comprises a first locking portion (206) and the anti-siphon device defines a second locking portion (307) configured to engage the first locking portion so as to secure the anti-siphon device to the fuel tank inlet such that the anti-siphon device is positioned within the fuel tank inlet entirely beyond the opening.

Abstract: An unmanned turret having a turret ring gear and first and second electrical force-producing devices with the unmanned turret being rotatably mounted to a vehicle chassis, the turret drive mechanism including at least one ring gear independent of the turret ring gear, at least one manually-operable input component rotatably coupled to the at least one ring gear, the at least one input component accessible within the vehicle chassis, and at least one output component mechanically coupled to at least one of the first and second electrical force-producing devices of the unmanned turret to cause rotation of the at least one of the first and second electrical force-producing device. Another turret drive mechanism and an unmanned turret are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel tank inlet assembly comprising a fuel tank inlet (200) defining an opening. The fuel tank inlet is configured for receipt by an aperture of the fuel tank (400). An anti-siphon device (300) is configured for receipt by the fuel tank inlet. The anti-siphon device defines an inlet aperture and comprises an anti-siphon portion configured to inhibit the passage of a siphon tube through the anti-siphon device. The fuel tank inlet comprises a first locking portion (206) and the anti-siphon device defines a second locking portion (307) configured to engage the first locking portion so as to secure the anti-siphon device to the fuel tank inlet such that the anti-siphon device is positioned within the fuel tank inlet entirely beyond the opening.

Abstract: An unmanned turret having a turret ring gear and first and second electrical force-producing devices with the unmanned turret being rotatably mounted to a vehicle chassis, the turret drive mechanism including at least one ring gear independent of the turret ring gear, at least one manually-operable input component rotatably coupled to the at least one ring gear, the at least one input component accessible within the vehicle chassis, and at least one output component mechanically coupled to at least one of the first and second electrical force-producing devices of the unmanned turret to cause rotation of the at least one of the first and second electrical force-producing device. Another turret drive mechanism and an unmanned turret are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for provisioning a communication client. The method comprises receiving via a communication network a request from the communication client. The method further comprises determining a positioning object associated with the communication client. The method further comprises, based on the positioning object, determining a subscription profile associated with the communication client. The method further comprises, based on the subscription profile, compiling a configuration file, which is released. The configuration file comprises data for enabling said communication client to log into a communication service provided by a network element.

Abstract: A method for allowing a calling party to leave a message for a called party. The method comprises: receiving a command provided by the calling party and indicative of a desire of the calling party to leave a message for the called party; obtaining message destination information associated with the called party; receiving a voice message provided by the calling party; generating an electronic message representative of the voice message; and causing transmission of the electronic message based on the message destination information. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment is a dispensing apparatus including a dispensing head for a fluid, wherein the dispensing head comprises an actuator, a pump mechanism and a locking member. The actuator is movable relative to the pump mechanism from a lock position to a first pump position and moveable relative to the pump mechanism between a first pump position and a second pump position for actuating said pump mechanism. The dispensing apparatus is configurable into a locked configuration, in which the actuator is in the lock position and in which the locking member is braced between the actuator and the pump mechanism to prevent movement of the actuator from the lock position, and an unlocked configuration in which the locking member allows movement of the actuator from the lock position, and wherein the dispensing head is adapted to revert from the unlocked configuration when the actuator is returned to the lock position.

Abstract: A method for allowing a calling party to leave a message for a called party. The method comprises: receiving a command provided by the calling party and indicative of a desire of the calling party to leave a message for the called party; obtaining message destination information associated with the called party; receiving a voice message provided by the calling party; generating an electronic message representative of the voice message; and causing transmission of the electronic message based on the message destination information. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for retrofitting fire hydrants with additional structure for reducing the potential that those with ill intent can foul municipal water supplies by introducing toxins or other materials into fire hydrants. Various embodiments include a seat and elongated member for efficient and cost effective installation and cooperation with valves, which close off portions of the hydrant otherwise available for receipt of toxic or other materials when the fire hydrant nozzle cap is unscrewed and open.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing a fire hydrant actuator rod with additional structure for allowing air to reach the area of a fire hydrant below a secondary valve. Various embodiments include an actuator rod with openings and hollow portions and configured to provide air from the area of a hydrant above the secondary valve to the area of a hydrant below a secondary valve. In some embodiments of the present invention, a check valve is provided with the actuator rod that is adapted to prevent the flow of fluid in at least one direction.