Abstract: Paper towel rolls that exhibit novel combinations of physical properties, such as Basis Weight, Roll Density, and Roll Diameter, such that the paper towel rolls meet consumers' needs, and method for making such novel paper towel rolls and marketing such novel paper towel rolls are provided.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to generating expressive avatars using multi-modal three-dimensional face modeling and tracking. One example includes a computer system comprising a processor coupled to a storage system that stores instructions. Upon execution by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to receive initialization data describing an initial state of a facial model. The instructions further cause the processor to receive a plurality of multi-modal data signals. The instructions further cause the processor to perform a fitting process using the initialization data and the plurality of multi-modal data signals. The instructions further cause the processor to determine a set of parameters based on the fitting process, wherein the determined set of parameters describes an updated state of the facial model.

Abstract: Paper towel rolls that exhibit novel combinations of physical properties, such as Basis Weight, Roll Density, and Roll Diameter, such that the paper towel rolls meet consumers' needs, and method for making such novel paper towel rolls and marketing such novel paper towel rolls are provided.

Abstract: The stress reducing sleep mask uses a construction of layered lightweight fabrics that, when combined through the manufacturing process, effectively block light, enhance air flow, and improve comfort. The unique combination of materials and molded construction (forming) allows the mask to conform as needed around specific facial anatomical landmarks, reducing gaps that allow light filtration. This device includes a refined headband adjustment, which eliminates the need for uncomfortable buckles, or applications that create other forms of discomfort due to sleeping position or hair entanglements. An integrated acupressure device, which has been shown in clinical studies to induce calm and relaxation, helps users to fall asleep more easily. The pressure of the device can be controlled through adjustment of the headband.

Abstract: An optical apparatus (10) for routing an optical signal (12) comprises a body (14) comprising a material. A waveguide (16) is formed in the body (14) by laser modification of the material. The optical apparatus (10) further comprises a region (18) comprising a lower refractive index than the material of the body (14) and defines an interface (24) between the region (18) and the waveguide (16). The waveguide (16) and the interface (24) are aligned relative to each other for routing the optical signal (12) therebetween and reflecting the optical signal (12) at the interface (24).

Abstract: The stress reducing sleep mask uses a construction of layered lightweight fabrics that, when combined through the manufacturing process, effectively block light, enhance air flow, and improve comfort. The unique combination of materials and molded construction (forming) allows the mask to conform as needed around specific facial anatomical landmarks, reducing gaps that allow light filtration. This device includes a refined headband adjustment, which eliminates the need for uncomfortable buckles, or applications that create other forms of discomfort due to sleeping position or hair entanglements. An integrated acupressure device, which has been shown in clinical studies to induce calm and relaxation, helps users to fall asleep more easily. The pressure of the device can be controlled through adjustment of the headband.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (I), as described herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of Formula (I), and methods of treating, e.g., metabolic diseases using the compound of Formula (I) are also provided.

Abstract: A gaming system, gaming device, and method using a deck of cards containing statistics and identifying information from real-world sports players is described. The cards in the deck may contain the player scores for a set of games or matches as well as other player-related information. The gaming system and device randomly generate a hand and randomly select one of the player's pre-determined scores for each of the cards. The user's score may be determined through a variety of methods utilizing the player scores on the cards in the user's hand. The outcome of the user's hand may be determined by matching the user's score with a pay table, or for a multi-user game, the outcome may be determined by finding the highest scorer among the participating users.

Abstract: Optical apparatus and methods of manufacture thereof An optical apparatus (20) for evanescently coupling an optical signal across an (interface (30) is described. The optical apparatus (20) comprises a first substrate (22) and a second substrate (24). The optical signal is evanescently coupled between a first waveguide (26) formed by laser inscription of the first substrate (22) and a second waveguide (28) of the second substrate (22). The first waveguide (26) comprises a curved section (34) configured to provide evanescent coupling of the optical signal between the first and second waveguides (26, 28) via the interface (30).

Abstract: A pivot motor for a hair clipper is provided, including a stator with a plurality of laminations, a bobbin located in operational relation to the stator and having a coil of wire wound around the bobbin, an armature being configured for driving a hair clipper moving blade at one end, and having at least one magnet at an opposite end, the armature having a pivot point, and the motor being configured for operation between 2.5 and 4.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus in a wireless network that allow devices, such as client devices and access points (APs), having software defined radios (SDRs) to change operating behavior depending on network RF environment conditions are disclosed. The devices may be instructed to operate according to differently defined behavior profiles that may be chosen based on RF environment conditions. The profiles may be stored in a database. A particular profile may be obtained from the database for one or more devices based on an interference level within an RF environment of the devices. The profiles may be implemented to change device operating behavior so that interference is reduced or minimized in higher levels of interference. The profiles may also be implemented to change device behavior so that interference is reduced in lower levels of interference while also freeing up resources for more efficient use in the network during lower levels of interference.

Abstract: Optical apparatus and methods of manufacture thereof An optical apparatus (20) for evanescently coupling an optical signal across an (interface (30) is described. The optical apparatus (20) comprises a first substrate (22) and a second substrate (24). The optical signal is evanescently coupled between a first waveguide (26) formed by laser inscription of the first substrate (22) and a second waveguide (28) of the second substrate (22). The first waveguide (26) comprises a curved section (34) configured to provide evanescent coupling of the optical signal between the first and second waveguides (26, 28) via the interface (30).

Abstract: Utilities (e.g., systems, methods, etc.) that make use of a secure input/output (I/O) channel between system firmware (e.g., BIOS) and the SP to allow the BIOS to securely send data (e.g., error data) for secure consumption by the SP while preventing or limiting other sources from sending falsified data or the like the SP. The secure I/O channel includes interface hardware (e.g., Field-programmable gate array (FPGA)) that is configured to be unlocked by the BIOS using a security key received from a key generator over a separate security channel. After such data is securely sent to the interface hardware, the BIOS may then pass error interrupt(s) to the OS for performing of any necessary recovery actions. At any appropriate time, the SP may read or consume error data from the memory register of the interface hardware and perform any appropriate diagnoses and/or handling of the error data.

Abstract: An optical apparatus (10) for routing an optical signal (12) comprises a body (14) comprising a material. A waveguide (16) is formed in the body (14) by laser modification of the material. The optical apparatus (10) further comprises a region (18) comprising a lower refractive index than the material of the body (14) and defines an interface (24) between the region (18) and the waveguide (16). The waveguide (16) and the interface (24) are aligned relative to each other for routing the optical signal (12) therebetween and reflecting the optical signal (12) at the interface (24).

Abstract: A gaming system, gaming device, and method using a deck of cards containing statistics and identifying information from real-world sports players is described. The cards in the deck may contain the player scores for a set of games or matches as well as other player-related information. The gaming system and device randomly generate a hand and randomly select one of the player's pre-determined scores for each of the cards. The user's score may be determined through a variety of methods utilizing the player scores on the cards in the user's hand. The outcome of the user's hand may be determined by matching the user's score with a pay table, or for a multi-user game, the outcome may be determined by finding the highest scorer among the participating users.

Abstract: In a first device incorporating a processor and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory includes executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to control the first device to perform functions of receiving a bit error pattern of data traffic transmission from the first device to a second device, the bit error pattern including a number and locations of bit errors which occurred during the data traffic transmission; and adapting at least one transmission parameter of the first device based on the received bit error pattern. The error pattern allows more refined data traffic decisions.

Abstract: A network controller is configured to receive a data packet from a core network for routing to a device in a wireless network. The controller may then select an antenna set from a plurality of antenna sets that are distributed across different base stations operable to transmit data packets to the destination device. The antenna set may be selected from the plurality of antenna sets based on a distribution pattern. For example, the distribution pattern may be a pseudo-randomly generated distribution pattern. The controller may then route the at least one data packet to the base station which the selected antenna set is implemented for transmission to the device. The antenna sets may be implemented on one base station, or implemented so that the antennas of an antenna set are distributed across multiple base stations. The antenna sets may also be configured to be of any number of antennas.

Abstract: An optical apparatus 20 for evanescently coupling an optical signal across an interface 30 is described. The optical apparatus 20 comprises a first substrate 22 and a second substrate 24. The optical signal is evanescently coupled between a first waveguide 26 formed by laser inscription of the first substrate 22 and a second waveguide 28 of the second substrate 22. The first waveguide 26 comprises a curved section 34 configured to provide evanescent coupling of the optical signal between the first and second waveguides 26, 28 via the interface 30.

Abstract: Utilities (e.g., systems, methods, etc.) that make use of a secure input/output (I/O) channel between system firmware (e.g., BIOS) and the SP to allow the BIOS to securely send data (e.g., error data) for secure consumption by the SP while preventing or limiting other sources from sending falsified data or the like the SP. The secure I/O channel includes interface hardware (e.g., Field-programmable gate array (FPGA)) that is configured to be unlocked by the BIOS using a security key received from a key generator over a separate security channel. After such data is securely sent to the interface hardware, the BIOS may then pass error interrupt(s) to the OS for performing of any necessary recovery actions. At any appropriate time, the SP may read or consume error data from the memory register of the interface hardware and perform any appropriate diagnoses and/or handling of the error data.