Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a transmit symbol sequence implemented in a coherent receiver include receiving a nominally error-free information bit sequence subsequent to Forward Error Correction (FEC) decoding; determining a nominally error-free estimate of the transmitted bit sequence based on the nominally error-free information bit sequence; and determining a nominally error-free estimate of the transmit symbol sequence by mapping the transmit bit sequence to transmit symbols. The system and methods can further include comparing a transmit optical field based on the transmit symbols to a received optical field for one or more measurements.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a clamp (406) configured to receive an object (402). The clamp defines at least one channel (408) configured to pass a fluid at a first fluid temperature. The lithographic apparatus also includes a chuck (404) coupled to the clamp. The chuck (404) defines at least one void (464) configured to thermally insulate the chuck from the clamp.

Abstract: A foot abduction brace is disclosed herein. The foot abduction brace can include a crossbar having a planar bottom end. The foot abduction brace can also include a first end disposed on one side of the crossbar. The foot abduction brace can further include a first locking hub removably coupled to the first end in a first position of a plurality of positions, where the first locking hub is disposed in the first keyhole and includes a first coupling feature disposed at a top end of the first locking hub. The foot abduction brace can also include a first footplate having a first complementary coupling feature that removably couples to the first coupling feature of the first locking hub. The foot abduction brace can further include a first foot restraint mechanically coupled to the first footplate.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to monitor mobile Internet activity are disclosed. An example method comprises assigning a port of a proxy to the mobile device associated with a panelist. A property list file is transmitted to the mobile device, the property list file instructing the mobile device to transmit future requests for media to the port of the first proxy. A first request for media is received on the port of the proxy, the first request originating from the mobile device. The first request for media is associated with a demographic of the panelist associated with the mobile device based on an identifier of the port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ply blending. A desired thickness and a desired stiffness distribution for a composite structure are received. A model of the composite structure is split into a plurality of panels. Lamination parameters and a quantity of plies for each panel of the plurality of panels are determined using the desired thickness and the desired stiffness distribution for the composite structure. Ply shapes for each ply of the plurality of panels are determined using an objective function. A fiber angle is determined for each ply of the plurality of panels. Each ply of a first half of a panel of the plurality of panels has a different fiber angle value than each other ply of the first half of the panel.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies for determining a property or environment of an optical fiber, including: measuring a frequency dependent electrostrictive response of an optical fiber; and based on the measured frequency dependent electrostrictive response, determining a property of the optical fiber. The property or environment of the optical fiber includes one or more of optical fiber type, optical fiber material type, optical fiber material property, optical fiber area, optical fiber geometry, optical fiber condition, optical fiber stress and strain, optical fiber environment, optical fiber temperature, optical fiber routing, optical fiber spooling, and optical fiber radiation exposure.

Abstract: A HVAC system for a vehicle has a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor, a variable accumulator comprising a piston and an actuator, and a control system operatively connected to the actuator. Fluid flows in a circuit from the condenser, to the evaporator, to the compressor, and to the condenser. The variable accumulator is arranged between the evaporator and the compressor. The control system operates the actuator to displace the piston to alter at least one characteristic of the HVAC system.

Abstract: A wheel stud press assembly comprising a frame assembly comprising a frame member and a drive system comprising a drive rod. The drive system is supported by a shoulder portion of the frame member to displace the drive rod along the drive axis. The frame member is configured such that, when and anchor member is detachably attached to the frame member, the drive axis is offset from the main portion of the frame member. When the drive rod engages the wheel stud to force the wheel stud out of the wheel opening, at least a portion of the anchor member engages wheel flange adjacent to the wheel stud to allow the wheel stud to be forced out of the wheel opening, and the anchor portion is offset from the drive axis to allow the wheel stud to be displaced out of the wheel opening.

Abstract: A method at one or more computers having memory and one or more processors includes detecting establishment of a connection between a first process and a second process; determining whether an augmented communications service is available for the connection between the first process and second process; in accordance with a determination that the augmented communications service is available, configuring the connection between the first process and the second process to make use of the augmented communications service with no modification to the executable codes of the first process and the second process; and in accordance with a determination that the augmented communications service is not available, configuring the connection between the first process and the second process to make use of a non-augmented communications service.

Abstract: A vacuum system comprising a storage tray, a vacuum assembly, and a hose. The storage tray defines a storage chamber comprising an inlet portion defining a storage chamber inlet, an outlet portion defining a storage chamber outlet, a first portion in communication with the inlet portion, a second portion in communication with the outlet portion, and an intermediate portion in communication with the first and second portions. The intermediate portion is configured such that the first and second portions are adjacent to each other. The vacuum assembly is operatively connected to the storage chamber outlet. When the hose is in a stored position, at least a portion of the hose is arranged within the first portion, the intermediate portion, and the second portion of the storage chamber. When the vacuum system is in use, at least a portion of the hose is arranged outside of the storage chamber.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for making a near net shape article are provided. The method includes depositing a first material using an additive manufacturing technique to form a near net shape article, such as tooling. The first material has a low carbon content yet possesses sufficient hardness so that the article may be used in various tooling applications.

Abstract: A smoking article is provided, having a component housing including a power source, and a tubular housing having a first end and a longitudinally-opposed second end, wherein the first or second end is configured to receive the component housing. The tubular housing includes an outer wall defining a cylindrical cavity. An aerosol-generating element is configured to be received within the cylindrical cavity, wherein the aerosol-generating element is configured to produce an aerosol in response to heat. An associated aerosol-generating element and related production methods are also provided.

Abstract: Multi-material tooling and methods of making multi-material tooling are provided. The multi-material tooling includes a core formed of a first material having a hardness (Rockwell C scale) of up to 30 HRC, and a shell layer adjacent to the core. The shell layer is formed of a second material having a hardness of 33 HRC to 70 HRC. The method of making multi-material includes depositing a first layer of a first material using an additive manufacturing technique to form a core. The first material that forms the core has a hardness of up to 30 HRC. The method also includes depositing a second layer of a second material to form a shell layer adjacent to the core. The second material that forms the shell layer has a hardness of 33 HRC to 70 HRC.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for making a near net shape article are provided. The method includes depositing a first wire material using a wire fed additive manufacturing technique to form a near net shape article. The first wire material may be a Cr/Ni-rich composition or a Cr/Mn-rich composition. The additively manufactured near net shape article exhibits minimal distortion and good fatigue strength.

Abstract: In some implementations, a computer-implemented method of displaying alert information with a mobile communication device includes displaying device status indicators to a user of a mobile device in a status area; receiving information from an application to display an alert in the status area; displaying in the status area a first level of information for the alert and a user-selectable control; and displaying, in response to a selection of the user-selectable control, a second level of information for the alert that provides greater detail than the first level of information.

Abstract: An analyzer module may identify a plurality of users and a plurality of files that have been accessed by at least one of the users. Pairs of users may be identified where each user of a pair has accessed at least one same file. A weight value may be calculated for each of the identified pairs. The weight value may be calculated based on a number of same files that each of the users of an identified pair have accessed. Collaboration information associated with the users may be determined based on the weight values.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for trust agents. Trust agents may be enabled. A state determination may be received from each of the enabled trust agents. The state determination may indicate either a trusted state or an untrusted state. The received state determinations may be combined to determine a security state. A security measure may be enabled or disabled based on the determined security state.

Abstract: A vehicle that includes in-vehicle controller(s) coupled to an external network transceiver, and configured to register a key fob and/or a mobile device configured as a key fob, which include an authentication code, and which enable remote control of the vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate autonomously with remote servers to respond to a key fob signal received from the server, which includes the authentication code and a remote control command generated by the key fob and/or mobile device configured as the key fob. In further variations, the key fob is also configured to be paired and/or registered by an external mobile device, by the authentication code, and to generate the remote control command via the mobile device. In response to the key fob signal, the controller(s) autonomously adjust vehicle systems, such as locking or unlocking, arming and disarming a security system, adjusting cabin and/or seat temperature and configuration preferences, as well as other driver vehicle preferences.

Abstract: A bedpan housing is provided. The bedpan housing has a base, sidewalls and a top surface that a user may rest their body on. The bedpan housing defines an open front through which a bedpan may pass. In use, the bedpan housing may allow the bedpan to be properly positioned for use and removed after use without excess interference by a patient using the bedpan.

Abstract: A gas regulator for a rifle, having: an elongated member having a first end and a second end; a head portion located at the first end; a pair of openings passing through the elongated member, wherein one of the pair of openings is larger than the other one of the pair of openings; a recessed area located at the second end; and a pair of detent openings located on a portion of the elongated member, the pair of detent openings being spaced from each other and located within another recessed area located on a surface of the elongated member between the first end and the second end, wherein one of the pair of detent openings is closer to the first end than the other one of the pair of detent openings.