Abstract: A multi-purpose combination writing instrument is provided. The instrument can comprise a writing instrument holder, with 2 casing members connected together by a retractable unwinding tool. The retractable unwinding tool can be automatically retractable. One or more removable individual writing instruments can be reversibly attached to the writing instrument holder. An individual writing instrument is provided that comprises a male connector adapted to be mated to a corresponding female connector or that comprises an external screw thread. A casing member of a writing instrument holder is provided, comprising an automatic retracting mechanism stored in the casing member and adapted to be attached to a retractable unwinding tool and adapted to allow the retractable unwinding tool to automatically retract. Another multi-purpose combination writing instrument is provided, comprising a writing instrument holder that is fan-shaped (like a hand-held fan).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for irradiating a fluid containing a material to be irradiated, comprising at least one irradiation chamber having at least one inlet port and outlet port, at least one fluid cooling chamber having at least one inlet port and outlet port, one or more UV radiation sources coupled to the irradiation chamber(s); and at least one heat exchange mechanism thermally coupled to the radiation source(s) and the cooling chamber(s). At least a portion of the interior surface of the cooling chamber(s) may comprise at least a portion of the exterior surface of the irradiation chamber(s) so the cooling chamber(s) is in fluid communication with the irradiation chamber(s).

Abstract: In described examples, an apparatus is arranged to generate a linear term, a quadratic term, and a constant term of a transcendental function with, respectively, a first circuit, a second circuit, and a third circuit in response to least significant bits of an input operand and in response to, respectively, a first, a second, and a third table value that is retrieved in response to, respectively, a first, a second, and a third index generated in response to most significant bits of the input operand. The third circuit is further arranged to generate a mantissa of an output operand in response to a sum of the linear term, the quadratic term, and the constant term.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and systems for spatially remote controlling a network controllable device in a physical user environment. An exemplary method may include tracking, by a processor, a position and orientation of a remote control device based on sensor data. The sensors may be one or more of a gyroscope, accelerometer, and a magnetometer. Based on the tracking, a ray extending from the remote control device in a direction the remote control device is pointing is determined. The determined ray is compared to a predefined map, the predefined map including a spatial location associated with each of one or more network controllable devices. The method may include, based on the comparing, selecting a network controllable device of the one or more network controllable devices corresponding to the determined ray. In response to receiving a user input, a control signal is then transmitted to the selected network controllable device.

Abstract: A device for marking a runway section, the device comprising: a light source; and a light director.

Abstract: An information handling system may include a processor, a memory, modules including one or more information handling resources and having a corresponding airflow impedance associated therewith, and a cooling system that includes a controller and of air movers. The controller may be configured to, in response to a determination that a first module of the plurality of modules has a first airflow impedance higher than an upper threshold impedance and that a second module of the plurality of modules has a second airflow impedance lower than a lower threshold impedance: determine a scaling factor based on the first and second airflow impedances, scaling factor being usable by the controller to adjust an amount of airflow provided by the plurality of air movers; and control the plurality of air movers in an open-loop fashion according to the scaling factor.

Abstract: A method, system, computer readable media and cloud systems are provided for generating views of a virtual reality environment for a spectator. One example method includes enabling a spectator to view into a virtual reality environment, and control what specific content within the environment the spectator wishes to see. By allowing the spectator to move closer or further away from specific content, the spectators movement toward or away will cause an automatic scaling of content within the virtual-reality content being generated by an HMD player, that is sharing the content with the spectator. Other features include allowing a spectator to adjust the viewing angle of the content. The viewing angle of the content can be moved by allowing the spectator to reach into the content or control the content scene, and then position the content in the viewing angle that is most comfortable to the position of the spectator.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dimensioning a moving freight in motion along a path. An example system includes a plurality of laser line generators configured to emit coplanar laser beams forming a laser curtain oriented perpendicular to the floor and angled towards the direction of the path of the moving freight. A camera is configured to capture a series of two-dimensional images of the freight as it passes through the laser curtain. Additionally a positioning sensor is configured to detect the position and orientation of the moving freight as it passes through the laser curtain. A computing device in communication with the camera and the positioning sensor correlates each successive two-dimensional image with each corresponding position and orientation of the freight to obtain a composite three-dimensional shape of the freight. Furthermore, the computing device processes the composite three-dimensional shape of the freight to dimension the freight.

Abstract: A ranging system captures successive point clouds from moving freight, and a tracking system tracks successive positions and orientations of the moving freight. A computing device correlates each successive point cloud with each successive position and orientation and time of the moving freight, combines the correlated point clouds to obtain a composite point cloud of the moving freight, and processes the composite point cloud to dimension the moving freight. Once the freight is dimensioned, it may, for example, be efficiently loaded into a container.

Abstract: Techniques for allowing a customer to order goods on-line or remotely and to pick-up the goods at a desired location or store are disclosed. The techniques include receiving a customer order. The customer order includes at least one good. The techniques further include establishing a list of alternative goods if one or more of the goods in the customer order are unavailable and allowing the customer to choose one of the alternative goods as a substitute good and establishing a revised customer order.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing input by a computing device are presented. One method includes operations for receiving images of a control device that includes an object section, and for determining a location of the control device utilizing image analysis for each captured image. Additionally, the movement of the control device is tracked based on the determined locations, where the tracking of the movement includes receiving inertial sensor information obtained by sensors in the control device, and determining an orientation of the control device based on the sensor information. Additionally, the method includes an operation for translating the movement and orientation of the control device into input for a game executing in the computing device, where the input is translated into a motion and orientation of an object in the game based on the movement of the control device.

Abstract: A method of determining a direction of rotation of a shaft is disclosed, as well as an integrated circuit chip that uses the disclosed method. The method includes receiving a first binary signal and a second binary signal from a transducer attached to the shaft, with the first and second binary signals being in quadrature. A present quadrant identification number, QIDPRESENT, is determined as a two-digit binary number by left-shifting a value of the first signal and adding a value of the second signal. After a sampling interval has elapsed, the method sets a past quadrant identification number, QIDPAST, to the value of said QIDPRESENT, determines a new value of QIDPRESENT and calculates a value of a transition code using an equation that operates on QIDPRESENT and QIDPAST. The method uses the transition code to determine a direction of rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A multi-purpose combination writing instrument is provided. The instrument can comprise a writing instrument holder, with 2 casing members connected together by a retractable unwinding tool. The retractable unwinding tool can be automatically retractable. One or more removable individual writing instruments can be reversibly attached to the writing instrument holder. An individual writing instrument is provided that comprises a male connector adapted to be mated to a corresponding female connector or that comprises an external screw thread. A casing member of a writing instrument holder is provided, comprising an automatic retracting mechanism stored in the casing member and adapted to be attached to a retractable unwinding tool and adapted to allow the retractable unwinding tool to automatically retract. Another multi-purpose combination writing instrument is provided, comprising a writing instrument holder that is fan-shaped (like a hand-held fan).

Abstract: A system is provided, including the following: an input device, the input device including, a light emitting diode (LED) array; an image capture device configured to capture images of an interactive environment in which the input device is disposed, the image capture device configured to generate captured image data that is processed to determine a movement of the input device in the interactive environment; wherein a gearing is established that adjusts an amount by which the movement of the input device is mapped to movement of an image that is rendered to a display, the gearing changing to different settings during the movement of the image as the movement of the image is rendered to the display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to communicate via a weld cable are disclosed. An example welding accessory includes a first port to receive input power via a first weld cable, a power converter to convert the input power to output power, a second port to output the input power via a second weld cable, and one or more output switches to selectively divert the input power from the power converter to the second port.

Abstract: A method for managing multi-player interactivity with an interactive application is provided, including the following operations: determining locations of a first controller, a second controller, a first user, and a second user; pairing the first controller to the first user based on the location of the first controller and the location of the first user; pairing the second controller to the second user based on the location of the second controller and the location of the second user; presenting a split-screen view of the interactive application, wherein presenting the split-screen view includes setting positions of a first view and a second view within the split-screen view based on one or more of the locations of the first user, the second user, the first controller, or the second controller.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for removing a dissolved heavy metal from an aqueous solution. The method comprises dissolving in the aqueous solution a foaming agent of formula (I) or a salt thereof. The method further comprises passing a gas through the aqueous solution to form a foam and separating the foam from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: Consumer electronic devices have been developed with enormous information processing capabilities, high quality audio and video outputs, large amounts of memory, and may also include wired and/or wireless networking capabilities. Additionally, relatively unsophisticated and inexpensive sensors, such as microphones, video camera, GPS or other position sensors, when coupled with devices having these enhanced capabilities, can be used to detect subtle features about users and their environments. A variety of audio, video, simulation and user interface paradigms have been developed to utilize the enhanced capabilities of these devices. These paradigms can be used separately or together in any combination. One paradigm automatically creating user identities using speaker identification. Another paradigm includes a control button with 3-axis pressure sensitivity for use with game controllers and other input devices.

Abstract: A method of producing a custom dental anchor application appliance may be provided. The appliance may be for mounting one or more anchors to teeth of a patient. The appliance may be for use in orthodontic aligner treatment. The method may include forming a dental appliance. The forming may be done using a three-dimensional printing approach. The appliance may include a body. The body may include at least one anchor-locating area. The anchor-locating area may be shaped to conform to a mounting area on a surface of a tooth. The appliance may include a receiving structure. The receiving structure may be configured to removably support a dental anchor. The dental anchor may be of a predefined configuration in a fixed position and orientation relative to the body.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods, apparatus and systems for enabling interactive interfacing with a computer game program are provided. One system includes an input device to accept and transmit user input to the computer game program. The system also includes a computing device for executing the computer game having an interactive component that is responsive to the user input. The computing devices is in communication with the input device for receiving and processing the user input. The computer device is also configured to apply a gearing parameter during processing of the user input, wherein the applied gearing parameter defines a scaling ratio between the user input and a rate at which the interactive component responds during execution of the computer game.