Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for a method implemented by a smart device executing an artificial intelligence electronic assistant application. In at least some examples, the method includes receiving a request from an appliance in a same local network as the smart device, the request to transfer first data from the appliance to a first device located outside the local network. The method also includes facilitating the transfer of the first data from the appliance to the first device based at least in part on security policies of the smart device and content of the first data.

Abstract: Audio splicing is rendered more effective by the use of one or more truncation unit packets inserted into the audio data stream so as to indicate to an audio decoder, for a predetermined access unit, an end portion of an audio frame with which the predetermined access unit is associated, as to be discarded in playout.

Abstract: An inductive sensor arrangement includes at least two coupling devices rotatable about an axis of rotation at a different speed than a rotatable body, and at least one measured value acquisition device, which includes a multilayered circuit carrier having at least one exciter structure and at least two receiving structures, each of which is associated with one of the coupling devices. The exciter structure is coupled to at least one oscillator circuit, which generates a periodic change signal in the exciter structure. The coupling devices are designed to affect an inductive coupling between the exciter structure and the associated receiving structure. At least two receiving structures are arranged concentrically on the circuit carrier without significant overlap. An evaluation and control unit is designed to evaluate signals induced in the receiving structures, provided as at least two different measurement signals, which represent information about the rotational movement of the body.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator including: a monolithic shape memory alloy; a shape memory effect (SME) section of the alloy, configured for actuation; a pseudo-elastic (PE) section of the alloy, configured as a sensor for enabling position sensing; and a control system configured to control the actuator by controlling a current through at least the SME section based on the sensor results of the PE section. A method of controlling a shape memory actuator, the method including: applying a predetermined current through the actuator; measuring a first resistance of the SME section; measuring a second resistance of the PE section; calculating an estimated position of the actuator based on the first and second resistances; and adapting the current applied to the actuator based on the estimated position. A method of manufacturing a shape memory actuator, the method including: laser processing; thermomechanically treating; and training the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator including: a monolithic shape memory alloy; a shape memory effect (SME) section of the alloy, configured for actuation; a pseudo-elastic (PE) section of the alloy, configured as a sensor for enabling position sensing; and a control system configured to control the actuator by controlling a current through at least the SME section based on the sensor results of the PE section. A method of controlling a shape memory actuator, the method including: applying a predetermined current through the actuator; measuring a first resistance of the SME section; measuring a second resistance of the PE section; calculating an estimated position of the actuator based on the first and second resistances; and adapting the current applied to the actuator based on the estimated position. A method of manufacturing a shape memory actuator, the method including: laser processing; thermomechanically treating; and training the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator including: a nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy; and a ternary element provided to the nickel-titanium alloy such that the content of the ternary element in the alloy is selected and processed based on a predetermined operating temperature for the actuator. The ternary element may be selected from at least one of lead (Pd), Gold (Au), Platinum (Pt), Hafnium (Hf) and Zirconium (Zr). A method of making a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, the method including: preparing an SMA material; cutting the SMA material into the shape for the actuator; and processing a predetermined portion of the actuator via laser processing such that at least some material properties of the SMA material are altered to provide an altered transformation temperature. In some cases, the processing may be configured to adjust the relative amount of at least a ternary element in the predetermined portion.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator including: a monolithic shape memory alloy; a shape memory effect (SME) section of the alloy, configured for actuation; a pseudo-elastic (PE) section of the alloy, configured as a sensor for enabling position sensing; and a control system configured to control the actuator by controlling a current through at least the SME section based on the sensor results of the PE section. A method of controlling a shape memory actuator, the method including: applying a predetermined current through the actuator; measuring a first resistance of the SME section; measuring a second resistance of the PE section; calculating an estimated position of the actuator based on the first and second resistances; and adapting the current applied to the actuator based on the estimated position. A method of manufacturing a shape memory actuator, the method including: laser processing; thermomechanically treating; and training the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator including: a monolithic shape memory alloy; a shape memory effect (SME) section of the alloy, configured for actuation; a pseudo-elastic (PE) section of the alloy, configured as a sensor for enabling position sensing; and a control system configured to control the actuator by controlling a current through at least the SME section based on the sensor results of the PE section. A method of controlling a shape memory actuator, the method including: applying a predetermined current through the actuator; measuring a first resistance of the SME section; measuring a second resistance of the PE section; calculating an estimated position of the actuator based on the first and second resistances; and adapting the current applied to the actuator based on the estimated position. A method of manufacturing a shape memory actuator, the method including: laser processing; thermomechanically treating; and training the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A composite material having a first phase includes an aluminum oxide proportion of at least 65% by volume and a second phase comprising a zirconium proportion of 10 to 35% by volume. The zirconium is present as zirconium oxide. The aluminum oxide is a ceramic matrix and the zirconium oxide is dispersed therein. From 90 to 99% of the zirconium oxide is present in the tetragonal phase. A chemical stabilizer for stabilizing the tetragonal phase of the zirconium oxide is also present. The total content of chemical stabilizer is <0.2 mol % relative to the zirconium oxide content.

Abstract: A composite material consisting of aluminium oxide as a ceramic matrix and zirconium oxide dispersed therein. A method for the production thereof, components containing the composite and methods of using the same are also provided.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for hip endoprosthetics for inserting socket inserts into endoprosthetic hip sockets having holding claws which are connected to a substantially ring-shaped support element through spring elements, wherein the insertion instrument can be placed on the socket insert and can be connected to said socket insert through the holding claws. In order for the user to receive direct palpatory information about the events in the operation areas and to not suffer a perceived loss of control, it is proposed that the support element surround a freely accessible, substantially circular effective insertion area, the center point of which is located on the longitudinal axis of the insertion instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic surface replacement prosthesis (I) for the natural femur head (3), comprising an outer spherical surface (5) and an inner receiving space (7) with an inner lateral surface (4). The aim of the invention is to prevent necrosis of the bone tissue as a result of the implantation process, thus also preventing a loss of inner bone tissue. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the inner lateral surface (4) is provided with an osseointegrative coating (6) or is designed in an osseointegrative manner at least in some areas, and/or the lateral surface (4) is designed as a self forming thread (8).

Abstract: A composite material consisting of aluminium oxide as a ceramic matrix and zirconium oxide dispersed therein. A method for the production thereof, components containing the composite and methods of using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A composite material consisting of aluminium oxide as a ceramic matrix and zirconium oxide dispersed therein. The invention also relates to a method for the production thereof and components containing same.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for hip endoprosthetics for inserting socket inserts into endoprosthetic hip sockets having holding claws which are connected to a substantially ring-shaped support element through spring elements, wherein the insertion instrument can be placed on the socket insert and can be connected to said socket insert through the holding claws. In order for the user to receive direct palpatory information about the events in the operation areas and to not suffer a perceived loss of control, it is proposed that the support element surround a freely accessible, substantially circular effective insertion area, the center point of which is located on the longitudinal axis of the insertion instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a mold or mold face includes a container having at least one opening. The apparatus also includes a flexible membrane that is retained to the container that extends across the opening of the container. The apparatus for making a mold further includes support media that is disposed within the container along with a vacuum valve that is connected to the container.

Abstract: A ceramic heating element arrangement in which a ceramic heating element made of SiC having electrical NTC (negative temperature coefficient) properties is provided for a circuit. At least one segment is provided in the circuit, whose resistance saturates at least quasi-asymptotically at the current flow required for a desired heat development.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a mold or mold face includes a container having at least one opening. The apparatus also includes a flexible membrane that is retained to the container that extends across the opening of the container. The apparatus for making a mold further includes support media that is disposed within the container along with a vacuum valve that is connected to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a mold or mold face includes a container having at least one opening. The apparatus also includes a flexible membrane that is retained to the container that extends across the opening of the container. The apparatus for making a mold further includes support media that is disposed within the container along with a vacuum valve that is connected to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a mold or mold face includes a container having at least one opening. The apparatus also includes a flexible membrane that is retained to the container that extends across the opening of the container. The apparatus for making a mold further includes support media that is disposed within the container along with a vacuum valve that is connected to the container.