Abstract: Systems and methods for initiating an action based on electronic activities of a user. Generally, a computing device receives a policy for enabling cryptographically secure tracking of electronic activities of a user and a particular electronic computing device. The policy can include definitions for a multiple actions to be taken with respect to certain electronic activities resulting from interaction by the user with the at least one computing device. The computing device can identify a particular electronic activity resulting from user interaction with the at least one computing device. The computing device can determine a particular action to take by applying the policy to the particular electronic activity. The computing device can initiate the particular action with respect to the particular electronic activity.

Abstract: A tailgate enclosure for use with a vehicle can include a plurality of cross-members, a first upright, a second upright, and only one additional upright. Each of the cross-members can be vertically spaced apart from an adjacent one of the cross-members and can include a first beam, a second beam, and a central beam having a first end and a second end, the central beam positioned at least partially between the first and second beams. The first upright can secure the first beam of each of the cross-members to a first sidewall of the vehicle and the second upright can secure the second beam of each of the cross-members to a second sidewall of the vehicle. The additional upright can be positioned along the central beam of each of the cross-members between the first and second ends of the central beam.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for automated, secure, and credential-less evaluation (e.g., grading) of data processing task results (e.g., student/learner data processing lab result or assignment completion result) in a cloud environment using a learning management system (LMS). For example, a method includes detecting verification request code received from an account of a data consumer. The verification request code includes a call to an external function and a query statement associated with a task result obtained after completion of a data processing task. The verification request code is revised with metadata to obtain revised verification request code. The call to the external function is executed to cause an evaluation of the task result. A notification of a result of the evaluation is communicated to the account of the data consumer.

Abstract: Avatars may be displayed in a multiuser communication session using various spatial modes. One technique for presenting avatars includes presenting avatars such that an attention direction of the avatar is retargeted to match the intent of the remote user corresponding to the avatar. Another technique for presenting avatars includes a pinned mode in which a spatial relationship between one or more avatars remains displayed in a consistent spatial relationship to a local user regardless of movements of the local user. Another technique for presenting avatars includes providing user-selectable presentation modes between a room scale mode and a stationary mode for presenting a representation of a multiuser communication session.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck, such as at the rear portion. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Further, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user.

Abstract: Camera head apparatus, systems, and methods for providing wide angle/panoramic images and/or video of the interior of pipes or other cavities using multiple imaging and illumination modules are disclosed.

Abstract: Cold thermal chemical vapor deposition coatings, articles, and processes are disclosed. Specifically, a cold thermal chemical vapor deposition process includes positioning an article, heating a precursor gas to at least a decomposition temperature of the precursor gas to produce a deposition gas, introducing the deposition gas to a coating vessel, and depositing a coating from the deposition gas onto the article within the coating vessel. The article remains at a temperature below the decomposition temperature throughout the introducing and depositing of the deposition gas. The coating on the article has a gradient formed by the depositing of the coating having no flow for a period of time. The coated article includes a thermally-sensitive substrate (the thermally-sensitive substrate capable of being modified by a temperature of 300 degrees Celsius) and a coating the thermally-sensitive substrate.

Abstract: Linker-drug compounds and antibody-drug conjugates that bind to human oncology targets are disclosed. The linker-drug compounds and antibody-drug conjugates comprise a splicing modulator drug moiety. The disclosure further relates to methods and compositions for use in the treatment of neoplastic disorders by administering the antibody-drug conjugates provided herein. In an embodiment, the splicing modulator comprises a pladienolide or a pladienolide derivative.

Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A semiconductor process integrates three bridge circuits, each include magnetoresistive sensors coupled as a Wheatstone bridge on a single chip to sense a magnetic field in three orthogonal directions. The process includes various deposition and etch steps forming the magnetoresistive sensors and a plurality of flux guides on one of the three bridge circuits for transferring a “Z” axis magnetic field onto sensors orientated in the XY plane.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus including a body defining an agitation chamber, an agitator partially disposed within the agitation chamber and configured to rotate about a pivot axis, and a debrider at least partially disposed within the agitation chamber. The agitator includes an elongated body having a first and a second end, a sidewall extending radially outward from the elongated body extending between the first and the second ends, and a plurality of bristles extending radially outward from the elongated body. The plurality of bristles are arranged in at least one row adjacent to the sidewall. The debrider includes a plurality of teeth configured to contact a portion of the sidewall as the agitator rotates about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a frequency based integrated circuit that selectively filters out unwanted bands or regions of interfering frequencies utilizing one or more tunable notch or bandpass filters or tunable low or high pass filters capable of operating across multiple frequencies and multiple bands in noisy RF environments. The tunable filters are fabricated within the same integrated circuit package as the associated frequency based circuitry, thus minimizing R, L, and C parasitic values, and also allowing residual and other parasitic impedance in the associated circuitry and IC package to be absorbed and compensated.

Abstract: A method of data transfer from a tenant to a service provider comprises encrypting the data with a public key of a key pair generated by a secure device within the service provider system. The data thus cannot be accessed by the service provider during transmission. The data is generated with a corresponding access control list, which specifies that a valid certificate must be presented in order to grant a particular use of the data once stored. The tenant can thus retain control of the use of the data even though it has been transferred out of the tenant system. A method of controlling use of data securely stored in the service provider system comprises issuing a use certificate having an expiry time to the party requesting use of the data. The use certificate must be validated before use of the stored data is granted. This enables the tenant to grant use of the stored data for a limited time period.

Abstract: A curved expandable interbody device for placement between vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure, and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the curved expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae and actuating the screw mechanism, wherein the deployment tool can lock to the curved expandable interbody device and pivot relative to the curved expandable interbody device.

Abstract: A slip ring for transferring electrical signals between rotating and static elements of a device includes a rotating element, a static element, an electrical contact assembly, including a plurality of subassemblies, contacting the rotating element and static element, one subassembly including a deformable PCB, and a spring element positioned to supply an axially aligned force to a face of the PCB to facilitate electrical contact between the PCB and other electrical contacts elements on another subassembly.

Abstract: Camera heads including multiple imaging elements with overlapping Fields of View (FOV) for inspecting pipes or cavities are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of data transfer from a tenant to a service provider comprises encrypting the data with a public key of a key pair generated by a secure device within the service provider system. The data thus cannot be accessed by the service provider during transmission. The data is generated with a corresponding access control list, which specifies that a valid certificate must be presented in order to grant a particular use of the data once stored. The tenant can thus retain control of the use of the data even though it has been transferred out of the tenant system. A method of controlling use of data securely stored in the service provider system comprises issuing a use certificate having an expiry time to the party requesting use of the data. The use certificate must be validated before use of the stored data is granted. This enables the tenant to grant use of the stored data for a limited time period.

Abstract: A battery pack assembly comprises a battery enclosure having a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, a fourth side panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel defining a module containing volume. The battery pack assembly may contain a plurality of battery modules in the module containing volume, the plurality of battery modules having a first battery module, a second battery module, and a third battery module. The first battery module and the second battery module are positioned in a first orientation and stacked to form a column of battery modules and the third battery module is positioned in a second orientation and positioned adjacent to the column of battery modules.

Abstract: Electrical contact assemblies for use in rotating video camera heads are disclosed. A contact assembly may include a first element movable relative to the camera head's housing on which an imager is disposed, a second element rotationally movable relative to the first element, and a slip ring including one or more PCB brush elements to transfer imager signals to an output connector.

Abstract: A tailgate enclosure for use with a vehicle can include a plurality of cross-members, a first upright, a second upright, and only one additional upright. Each of the cross-members can be vertically spaced apart from an adjacent one of the cross-members and can include a first beam, a second beam, and a central beam having a first end and a second end, the central beam positioned at least partially between the first and second beams. The first upright can secure the first beam of each of the cross-members to a first sidewall of the vehicle and the second upright can secure the second beam of each of the cross-members to a second sidewall of the vehicle. The additional upright can be positioned along the central beam of each of the cross-members between the first and second ends of the central beam.