Abstract: An exemplary method and system are disclosed to flexibly and adaptably manufacture and assemble a workpiece by using recordings of a user in machine learning/artificial intelligence algorithms to train a robot for subsequent automated manufacture. Machine learning and artificial intelligence learning can generate libraries of generalized dynamic motion primitives that can be subsequently combined for any type of manufacturing or assembling activity. The exemplary method and system can flexibly generate a model of an existing workpiece as a template or primer workpiece that can then be used in conjunction with the DMP operations to fabricate subsequent workpieces.

Abstract: A tape head assembly—which tapes flaps of boxes on a conveyor—includes power-assist functionality to stretch a first spring used to power a trailing roller to press tape against a trailing case sidewall of a case. A force by the case moving on the conveyor acting upon a leading roller may provide some of the energy to stretch the first spring. However, a roller-assist air cylinder uses compressed air to assist or fully stretch the first spring. A knife assembly may be used to cut the tape applied to a case. A second spring may be stretched by the force of the moving case acting upon a knife arm. The second spring may be used later operate the knife blade. However, a knife-assist air cylinder uses compressed air to assist or fully stretch the second spring. Both assist assemblies may be turned off to operate the tape head in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A tape head assembly-which tapes flaps of boxes on a conveyor-includes power-assist functionality to stretch a first spring used to power a trailing roller to press tape against a trailing case sidewall of a case. A force by the case moving on the conveyor acting upon a leading roller may provide some of the energy to stretch the first spring. However, a roller-assist air cylinder uses compressed air to assist or fully stretch the first spring. A knife assembly may be used to cut the tape applied to a case. A second spring may be stretched by the force of the moving case acting upon a knife arm. The second spring may be used later operate the knife blade. However, a knife-assist air cylinder uses compressed air to assist or fully stretch the second spring. Both assist assemblies may be turned off to operate the tape head in a conventional manner.

Abstract: Fraud detection and response associated with various access points is disclosed. Characteristics associated with events or activity on an access point can be compared to thresholds to detect risky behavior and measures implemented in response to the risky behavior. In one instance, operations can include monitoring one or more events associated with at least one account at a financial institution, analyzing characteristics associated with a first event of the one or more events, determining whether to designate the first event or the access point as risky, and implementing one or more measures in response to a risky designation.

Abstract: A tape head assembly—which tapes flaps of boxes on a conveyor—includes power-assist functionality to stretch a first spring used to power a trailing roller to press tape against a trailing case sidewall of a case. A force by the case moving on the conveyor acting upon a leading roller may provide some of the energy to stretch the first spring. However, a roller-assist air cylinder uses compressed air to assist or fully stretch the first spring. A knife assembly may be used to cut the tape applied to a case. A second spring may be stretched by the force of the moving case acting upon a knife arm. The second spring may be used later operate the knife blade. However, a knife-assist air cylinder uses compressed air to assist or fully stretch the second spring. Both assist assemblies may be turned off to operate the tape head in a conventional manner.

Abstract: The disclosure describes techniques for erecting cases, and particularly example structures and example methods for use in a case erecting system using a robotic arm. A tool for use in robotic case erecting may be used in conjunction with a robotic arm. Use of the tool assists in keeping a case level as the case moves along a conveyor, where a plow closes the major flaps and a tape head tapes edges of the flaps together, thereby sealing the bottom of the case. The tool also assists in regulating the gap between the major flaps, so that the gap and/or any overlap of the flaps is minimized. Accordingly, the tool assists the robotic arm to close the case in a more precise manner.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for decontaminating both contaminated waters and sorbent filter media, either separately or simultaneously, in a single system. Contaminants in a liquid flowing through a reaction chamber are removed by first generating a plasma within the liquid in the chamber, with the contaminants being broken into smaller particles at the interfaces between the generated plasma and the liquid. The combined plasma-liquid solution is then passed through a solid filter, which captures the smaller contaminant particles to decontaminate the liquid. To decontaminate the filter media, plasma flows through the filter material without the presence of liquid, the plasma reacting with the filter material to remove contaminants previously adsorbed by the filter.

Abstract: A tape head assembly—which tapes flaps of boxes on a conveyor—includes power-assist functionality to stretch a first spring used to power a trailing roller to press tape against a trailing case sidewall of a case. A force by the case moving on the conveyor acting upon a leading roller may provide some of the energy to stretch the first spring. However, a roller-assist air cylinder uses compressed air to assist or fully stretch the first spring. A knife assembly may be used to cut the tape applied to a case. A second spring may be stretched by the force of the moving case acting upon a knife arm. The second spring may be used later operate the knife blade. However, a knife-assist air cylinder uses compressed air to assist or fully stretch the second spring. Both assist assemblies may be turned off to operate the tape head in a conventional manner.

Abstract: An exemplary method and system are disclosed to flexibly and adaptably manufacture and assemble a workpiece by using recordings of a user in machine learning/artificial intelligence algorithms to train a robot for subsequent automated manufacture. Machine learning and artificial intelligence learning can generate libraries of generalized dynamic motion primitives that can be subsequently combined for any type of manufacturing or assembling activity. The exemplary method and system can flexibly generate a model of an existing workpiece as a template or primer workpiece that can then be used in conjunction with the DMP operations to fabricate subsequent workpieces.

Abstract: An end-of-arm tool and an associated robotic arm are configured to place items (e.g., soft-sided merchandise) into a case. In an example, an end-of-arm tool is configured to grasp a surface (e.g., the top surface) of an item of merchandise and deposit the item into the case. Accordingly, as an item is deposited, the tool uses contact with that item to move previously placed items back into their preferred locations. After the penultimate item in a row of items is put in place, it may move out of position. As a final item is added to a row, the tool pivots the final item so that a side surface of the final item pushes the penultimate item into its correct position. The tool then pivots the final item to orient the top surface of the item horizontally, and places it in a predetermined position.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating reservations between a first creative entity and a first venue. Digital audio data for a first creative entity is analyzed to determine acoustic attributes. A plurality of potential venues are determined. A machine learning model is used to calculate an estimated demand metric for the first creative entity for each of the plurality of potential venues, based on a venue profile for the respective venue and acoustic attributes for the first creative entity. Two or more venues are selected and a proposed itinerary is created. A digital order is generated based on the proposed itinerary. User profile data for the first creative entity is updated, upon successful completion of the digital order, and a digital transaction is generated to automatically charge a determined first amount to an account for the first venue and to transfer a determined second amount to an account for the first creative entity.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for the atomization of fluid are disclosed herein. In one aspect, an apparatus for atomization of fluid includes a piezoelectric transformer comprising an electrode which is in communication a source of alternating current (AC) voltage at a proximate end of the piezoelectric transformer. A wick which is capable of absorbing a liquid is in contact with the piezoelectric transformer at the distal end, and the piezoelectric transformer is capable of inducing an electrospray of the liquid at the distal end.

Abstract: Systems and methods of fraud prevention are discussed. One such method can include the acts of monitoring one or more events associated with at least one account at a financial institution; analyzing characteristics associated with a first event of the one or more events; determining whether to designate the first event as risky; and implementing one or more measures in response to the designation of the first event as risky.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for the atomization of fluid are disclosed herein. In one aspect, an apparatus for atomization of fluid includes a piezoelectric transformer comprising an electrode which is in communication a source of alternating current (AC) voltage at a proximate end of the piezoelectric transformer. A wick which is capable of absorbing a liquid is in contact with the piezoelectric transformer at the distal end, and the piezoelectric transformer is capable of inducing an electrospray of the liquid at the distal end.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) may be deployed within a patient's right atrium at a location near a right atrial appendage of the patient's heart in order to pace the patient's heart and/or to sense electrical activity within the patient's heart. In some cases, an IMD may be implanted within the right atrial appendage. The IMD may include an expandable anchoring mechanism configured to secure the IMD in place.

Abstract: An end-of-arm tool and an associated robotic arm are configured to place items (e.g., soft-sided merchandise) into a case. In an example, an end-of-arm tool is configured to grasp a surface (e.g., the top surface) of an item of merchandise and deposit the item into the case. Accordingly, as an item is deposited, the tool uses contact with that item to move previously placed items back into their preferred locations. After the penultimate item in a row of items is put in place, it may move out of position. As a final item is added to a row, the tool pivots the final item so that a side surface of the final item pushes the penultimate item into its correct position. The tool then pivots the final item to orient the top surface of the item horizontally, and places it in a predetermined position.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for a situational proximity observation by a Mobile data processing System (MS) using one or more automated senses of the MS, for example as directed by a user of the MS, to cause an alert to be delivered to one or more other Mobile data processing Systems (MSs) for notifying those other users of the MSs that they are potentially involved in, or affected by, the sensing carried out by the MS making the observation. Specifically, a Situational Proximity Observation Device Reporter (SPODR) captures vital signs associated with a user and a TRaveling Observation Device Recipient (TRODR) can be notified when captured data is relevant to the TRODR. There is a variety of events and conditions under which the alert is provided, including in accordance with a variety of privileges configured between users.

Abstract: In one example of a vertical load case packer, guide rods provide horizontal adjustment of a tipping conveyor assembly to position the tipping conveyor assembly at a desired distance from the at least one bucket assembly. In operation, an indexing assembly advances case(s) into the tipping conveyor assembly. Side belts in the tipping conveyor assembly move and grip the case(s). A pivot rotates the tipping conveyor from a position wherein an open end of a case is oriented upwardly to a position wherein the open end is oriented horizontally to receive the product. Each bucket assembly receives product and delivers it to a case. A sliding bottom plate in the bucket assembly supports horizontally loaded product and advances the product into a case. A pusher plate prevents product from withdrawing from the case as the sliding bottom plate is withdrawn and further inserts the product into the case if needed.

Abstract: A system for sensing electrical cardiac activity and for providing therapy to a patient's heart. The system may include a first implantable device implanted within a patient and a second implantable device implanted near or within the heart of the patient. In some cases, the first implantable device may at least partially power the second implantable device by periodically recharging a rechargeable battery or other power source within the second implantable device. In some cases, the first implantable device may at least partially power the second implantable device by periodically, intermittently or continuously transmitting energy that may be stored by a battery, capacitor or other power storage device within the second implantable device.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) may be deployed within a patient's right atrium at a location near a right atrial appendage of the patient's heart in order to pace the patient's heart and/or to sense electrical activity within the patient's heart. In some cases, an IMD may be implanted within the right atrial appendage. The IMD may include an expandable anchoring mechanism configured to secure the IMD in place.