Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for implementing and utilizing interactive neural game engines in interactive gaming platforms. In a gaming platform that includes a user device that includes or is coupled to a display, and an interactive neural game engine that includes one or more circuits, input data and interaction data may be processed using artificial intelligence (AI). Based on the processing of the input data and the interaction data, output data for a game playable via the user device may be generated using the artificial intelligence (AI), for use during playing of the game via the user device. The output data includes data relating to one or both of rendering of a game environment associated with the game and/or one or more game entities associated with the game, and rendering of interactions with the game environment and/or the one or more game entities.

Abstract: Generating expanded responses that guide continuance of a human-to computer dialog that is facilitated by a client device and that is between at least one user and an automated assistant. The expanded responses are generated by the automated assistant in response to user interface input provided by the user via the client device, and are caused to be rendered to the user via the client device, as a response, by the automated assistant, to the user interface input of the user. An expanded response is generated based on at least one entity of interest determined based on the user interface input, and is generated to incorporate content related to one or more additional entities that are related to the entity of interest, but that are not explicitly referenced by the user interface input.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed to spotlights changing beam direction during use so as to reach one or more subjects different distances away. One aspect of the invention automates the adjustment of beam parameters including beam size, shape, edge, and intensity to manage the effects resulting from causes including changes in fixture-to-subject distance/“throw”, focal length, and color/color correction. In one aspect, changes in beam elevation are used to calculate corrections for changing dstance/throw without the requirement to determine the location of the fixture or actual change in distance.

Abstract: An endwise joining of truss sections is disclosed. A section end is provided with at least two fittings, connecting with suitable fittings on another truss section end, locked together by inserting a pin through suitable openings in both fittings. Savings in time and labor are achieved by using the same pin for both fittings, the diameter of the openings in the fittings differing.

Abstract: A cable assembly suitable for distributing both power and low voltage control signals to a plurality of discrete devices is disclosed. Power and control signal input plugs are attached by cable to a housing. A first set of power and control signal output connectors is attached by flexible cable to the same housing. A second set of power and control signal output connectors is attached to the housing. Corresponding contacts of all three power connectors and of all three control signal connectors having the same function are made electrically common, such that power and control signals applied to the plugs are available at both output connectors. The structure reduces the number of components and connections required to share power and data relative to prior art methods.

Abstract: Units for distributing three-phase power to a plurality of chain motors are provided, as are used to raise and suspend production elements such as lighting, sound, video, and scenery. Remote switching and phase reversal of such power are also provided. In the prior art, such switching has been performed by large, heavy contactors inserted between the single power input and its distribution to plural outputs for motors, making the unit difficult to handle and ship. Provided herein are power switching and phase reversal performed by a plurality of parallel such means, reducing the current requirements for each, and thereby the size, weight, and cost of the whole. In some embodiments, the single power input is replaced by a by a cable delivering a plurality of two-phase circuits to the unit which derives the three-phase circuits necessary for chain motors therefrom.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed to known twist-lock electrical connectors, whose plug blades form parallel segments of a common cylindrical form. After insertion in a compatible receptacle, rotating the connectors relative to each other engages features intended to prevent accidental separation, but which do not positively lock. An improved plug is disclosed providing positive locking and with prior art receptacles.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for interactive gaming platform scene generation utilizing captured visual data and artificial intelligence-generated environment, with the gaming platform including at least a user device that has or is coupled to a display, with the gaming platform configured to obtain recorded footage associated with an environment pertinent to a game playable via the user device, to generate, based on the recorded footage, one or more video frames for use during playing of the game via the user device, and to display the one or more video frames via the display during the playing of the game via the user device. The recorded footage may be processed using artificial intelligence, and the one or more video frames may be generated using the artificial intelligence and based on the processing of the recorded footage.

Abstract: Disclosed here are pipette tips useful for acquiring or dispelling liquids, and include one or more design that may increase fluid delivery precision and/or accuracy, and may reduce certain repetitive motions.

Abstract: An improved dimming apparatus is disclosed. Major economies are achieved by the ability to distribute groups of dimmers in proximity to the lamp loads that they control. Variations in the location and distance between the apparatus and lamp loads, as well as in the differing connector types installed on such loads, are addressed by terminating the six power stages contained in a common enclosure in a six-circuit multi-pole connector, such that a variety of prior art “break-out” adaptors between said multi-pole connector and individual circuit connectors can be selected among. The power input to the enclosure can be made re-configurable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method includes the steps of attaching a single integrated sensor, for example, near the throat of the person proximate to the larynx and detecting an electrical signal through the sensor. The method further includes the steps of extracting features from the detected electrical signal and continuously transforming them into speech sounds without the need for further modulation. The method also includes comparing the extracted features to a set of prototype features and selecting a prototype feature of the set of prototype features providing a smallest relative difference.

Abstract: Units for distributing three-phase power to a plurality of chain motors are provided, as are used to raise and suspend production elements such as lighting, sound, video, and scenery. Remote switching and phase reversal of such power are also provided. In the prior art, such switching has been performed by large, heavy contactors inserted between the single power input and its distribution to plural outputs for motors, making the unit difficult to handle and ship. Provided herein are power switching and phase reversal performed by a plurality of parallel such means, reducing the current requirements for each, and thereby the size, weight, and cost of the whole. In some embodiments, the single power input is replaced by a by a cable delivering a plurality of two-phase circuits to the unit which derives the three-phase circuits necessary for chain motors therefrom.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a personal interaction game platform and may include, in a human-controlling gaming platform comprising a first communication device and a second communication device, each comprising a user input mechanism and a display: receiving commands in the first device via its user input mechanism; communicating the received commands to the second device; relaying the communicated commands to a user of the second device; sensing data regarding actions taken by the user of the second device in response to the relayed commands; and communicating the sensed data to the first device. The commands may be relayed to the user of the second device via an audio output. The commands may be relayed to the user of the second device via the display. One or more tactile sensors may be operatively coupled to the second device for sensing the data regarding actions of the receiver.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to “leg carriage” type trusses, which rely for shipping on elevation by a pair of U-shaped wheeled temporary supports, each having two legs connected by a low horizontal member. The upper ends of the legs are inserted in receiving sleeves installed in the four corners of the truss structure. The clearance between the outer dimensions of the leg and the inner dimensions of the sleeve impact the ease with which legs can be inserted and removed, as well as the lateral “play” in the connection between the leg and truss, which impacts its stability in handling and therefore safety. The disclosure addresses the previous conflict between the two objects by the use of asymmetrical clearances. A relatively relaxed tolerance in the elongated axis of the truss eases insertion and removal. A lesser relative tolerance across the axis of the truss width has no significant impact on leg insertion and removal yet improves stability.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed to known twist-lock electrical connectors, whose plug blades form parallel segments of a common cylindrical form. After insertion in a compatible receptacle, rotating the connectors relative to each other engages features intended to prevent accidental separation, but which do not positively lock. An improved plug is disclosed providing positive locking and with prior art receptacles.

Abstract: A portable assembly suitable for distributing both power and low voltage control signals to a plurality of discrete devices is disclosed. Power and control signal input connectors are attached by flexible cable to a junction point. A first set of power and control signal output connectors are attached by flexible cable to the same junction point. A second set of power and control signal output connectors is located proximate to the junction point. Contacts of all three power connectors and of all three control signal connectors having the same function are made electrically common, such that power and control signals applied to the input connectors are available at both output connectors. The arrangement of elements reduces the number of cables and connections required to share power and data relative to prior art methods.

Abstract: Genetically-modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) overexpressing an acyloxyacyl hydrolase (AOAH) polypeptide, such as MSCs comprising a recombinant nucleic acid encoding the AOAH polypeptide, are described. The MSCs may further overexpress a second polypeptide of interest, such as angiopoeitin-1 (ANGPT1). Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the genetically-modified MSCs are also described. The use of such genetically-modified MSCs and/or pharmaceutical compositions comprising same as a medicament, for example for the treatment of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis, is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method includes the steps of attaching a single integrated sensor, for example, near the throat of the person proximate to the larynx and detecting an electrical signal through the sensor. The method further includes the steps of extracting features from the detected electrical signal and continuously transforming them into speech sounds without the need for further modulation. The method also includes comparing the extracted features to a set of prototype features and selecting a prototype feature of the set of prototype features providing a smallest relative difference.

Abstract: An improved portable stand for followspots is disclosed. The stand has a lower portion resting on a load bearing surface and an upper portion coupled to the lower portion for rotation about a vertical axis. First and second standards extend upwardly from the second portion, supporting the fixture housing between them on tilt pivots, which are aligned on a horizontal axis. The tilt pivots can be displaced vertically relative to the coupling between first and second portions while remaining attached to both standards and housing. The improved stand permits a greater range in tilt angle and tilt axis height, including such that the followspot can be relocated while remaining fully assembled.

Abstract: System and method for detecting a likely threat from a malicious attack is disclosed. Communication between a user computer and a destination computer is monitored by a security appliance. Selective information from the communication is extracted. One or more weak signals of a threat is detected based on the selective information. One or more weak signals are evaluated for a likely threat based on a threshold value. A corrective action is initiated for the likely threat, based on the evaluation.