Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure can help improve the functionality of virtual assistant (VA) systems by identifying various goals for a user (e.g., with regard to the user's employment, fitness, health, finances, etc.) and steps that can be taken by the user and/or the VA to achieve such goals. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure help users track progress on their goals and provide recommendations and information to help users achieve their goals.

Abstract: An automatic actuator assembly including a passive actuator assembly and a detection assembly is operatively coupled to an arc reduction assembly. The passive actuator assembly is coupled to the arc reduction assembly and structured to move the arc reduction assembly between a disengaged, first configuration and an engaged, second configuration.

Abstract: Machines, processes and methods in relation to processing of waste, in particular food waste or organic waste are provided. Some embodiments of described machines, processes and methods include a drum to receive waste, mixing blades to process waste, a source of air that is rich in reactive oxygen species, an air flow system comprising a heater to circulate air through the drum, and sensors provided in the machine to monitor operating parameters. A control system is configured to control operation of the machine.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for indicating a status of an instrument via visible colored light is described. Status is preferably indicated according to which color is displayed on the apparatus, which is preferably configured to illuminate on or within the handle of the instrument. Statuses may be configured by the end user, or may be pre-established according to specific uses of the instrument.

Abstract: A computerised method of generating a first trainable transform arranged to be used in localisation of an entity, the transform being arranged to transform a first representation of an environment to a second, different, representation of the environment, the method comprising processing a plurality of first training representations of an environment using the first trainable transform to generate a transformed first training representation; performing at least one of: i)) running at least one known process on the first training representation and a modified version of the first training representation to generate an error signal where in the process is selected such that the first trainable transform is arranged to enhance features within the first training representation; and ii) running at least one known process on a second training representation, corresponding to the first training representation, but under a different lighting condition, and on the modified version of the first training representation

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filter kit including filters for processing a biological sample. Some embodiments include a filter cap in a tube kit with a first tube containing a buffer solution and a second tube containing a lyophilized master mix. Some embodiments include a method of processing a sample using the kit including mixing a biological sample in a first tube with the buffer solution, positioning the filter cap in the first tube, positioning a second tube on the filter cap, flipping the first tube, the filter cap, and the second cap to filter the biological sample and buffer solution mixture with the filter cap as it flows from the first tube to the second tube. Some embodiments include structure enabling transfer of materials through inline flow between the tubes. Some further embodiments include integrated structure for sample pulverization with integrated buffer and lyophilized master mix.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an array of pixels. At least a first pixel in the array of pixels includes a first detector to generate a first electrical signal in response to irradiation by incident radiation, a first transistor electrically coupled to the first detector, and at least one logic gate to implement a Boolean AND logic function. The logic gate includes a first input terminal to receive a first exposure signal, a second input terminal to receive a first reset signal, and an output terminal, electrically coupled to the first transistor, to output to the first transistor a first control signal to variably control a first variable exposure time of the first detector and to reset the first detector.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an array of pixels. At least a first pixel in the array of pixels includes a first detector to generate a first electrical signal in response to irradiation by incident radiation, a first transistor electrically coupled to the first detector, and at least one logic gate to implement a Boolean AND logic function. The logic gate includes a first input terminal to receive a first exposure signal, a second input terminal to receive a first reset signal, and an output terminal, electrically coupled to the first transistor, to output to the first transistor a first control signal to variably control a first variable exposure time of the first detector and to reset the first detector.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filter kit including filters for processing a biological sample. Some embodiments include a filter cap in a tube kit with a first tube containing a buffer solution and a second tube containing a lyophilized master mix. Some embodiments include a method of processing a sample using the kit including mixing a biological sample in a first tube with the buffer solution, positioning the filter cap in the first tube, positioning a second tube on the filter cap, flipping the first tube, the filter cap, and the second cap to filter the biological sample and buffer solution mixture with the filter cap as it flows from the first tube to the second tube. Some embodiments include structure enabling transfer of materials through inline flow between the tubes. Some further embodiments include integrated structure for sample pulverization with integrated buffer and lyophilized master mix.

Abstract: An automatic actuator assembly including a passive actuator assembly and a detection assembly is operatively coupled to an arc reduction assembly. The passive actuator assembly is coupled to the arc reduction assembly and structured to move the arc reduction assembly between a disengaged, first configuration and an engaged, second configuration.

Abstract: A method of forming individual tubes or sachets containing fluent material, and a packaging machine for doing so, are described. The side of the foil which will be in contact with the fluent material when the package is formed is exposed to plasma mist or aerosol form as the tube or sachet is formed from a strip of laminate material (1), which is folded about a former (2) into a closed tube or sachet which passes over the open end of a dispensing tube (3) from which the fluent material is dispensed. A mist of plasma is injected into the interior of the material tube as it is formed, extracted from the area once it has passed over the interior walls of the laminate tube.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for indicating a status of an instrument via visible colored light is described. Status is preferably indicated according to which color is displayed on the apparatus, which is preferably configured to illuminate on or within the handle of the instrument. Statuses may be configured by the end user, or may be pre-established according to specific uses of the instrument.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filter kit including filters for processing a biological sample. Some embodiments include a filter cap in a tube kit with a first tube containing a buffer solution and a second tube containing a lyophilized master mix. Some embodiments include a method of processing a sample using the kit including mixing a biological sample in a first tube with the buffer solution, positioning the filter cap in the first tube, positioning a second tube on the filter cap, flipping the first tube, the filter cap, and the second cap to filter the biological sample and buffer solution mixture with the filter cap as it flows from the first tube to the second tube. Some embodiments include structure enabling transfer of materials through inline flow between the tubes. Some further embodiments include integrated structure for sample pulverization with integrated buffer and lyophilized master mix.

Abstract: An automatic actuator assembly including a passive actuator assembly and a detection assembly is operatively coupled to an arc reduction assembly. The passive actuator assembly is coupled to the arc reduction assembly and structured to move the arc reduction assembly between a disengaged, first configuration and an engaged, second configuration.

Abstract: A method of localizing a transportable apparatus (102) within an environment around the apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a sequence of images (200) of the environment and generating one or more sequences of transformed images (204) from the sequence of images wherein an image from the sequence of images has undergone a transformation to provide a transformed image within the sequence of transformed images. Processing circuitry (112) is then used to compare one or more images from the sequence of transformed images (204) and one or more images from at least one of the sequence of images (200) and a further sequence of transformed images against a representation of the environment. The comparison determines corresponding features within the images (200) and/or transformed images (204) and the representation. The transportable apparatus (102) is then localized according to a position of the one or more corresponding features.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for indicating a status of an instrument via visible colored light is described. Status is preferably indicated according to which color is displayed on the apparatus, which is preferably configured to illuminate on or within the handle of the instrument. Statuses may be configured by the end user, or may be pre-established according to specific uses of the instrument.