Abstract: Imaging-based methods for detecting defects in an extruded cellular ceramic article having a web array are disclosed. The methods may include capturing a digital image of the web array to establish an intensity-based initial web array representation. The methods also may include performing an intensity threshold process on the initial web array representation to define an intensity-based high-resolution web array representation having sub-pixel resolution, and performing piecewise cubic spline fits to define corresponding web skeletons. The method may also include comparing intensities of the high-resolution web array representation along the web skeletons to a threshold intensity to determine the defect locations and sizes. The methods can be applied to determining the size and location of skin defects as well.

Abstract: The present description relates to the field of fabricating microelectronic packages, wherein a microelectronic device may be attached to a microelectronic substrate with a compensator to control package warpage. The warpage compensator may be a low coefficient of thermal expansion material, including but not limited to silicon or a ceramic material, which is positioned on a land-side of the microelectronic device to counteract the thermal expansion effects of the microelectronic device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable storage mediums including computer-readable instructions and/or circuitry for generating deceptive indicia profiles may implement operations including, but not limited to: receiving one or more signals from at least one of a plurality of connected devices; determining a vocabulary for each of the plurality of connected devices to generate a system vocabulary; identifying one or more commands from the one or more signals based on the system vocabulary; and generating one or more command responses based on the one or more commands.

Abstract: Detecting user input based on multiple gestures is provided. One or more interactions are received from a user via a user interface. An inferred interaction is determined based, at least in part, on a geometric operation, wherein the geometric operation is based on the one or more interactions. The inferred interaction is presented via the user interface. Whether a confirmation has been received for the inferred interaction is determined.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the temperature of items such as a sample in a vessel or a specimen, in a thermal bath using thermally efficient pellets as the thermal media. The pellets are typically oblong metallic or oblong metallic-coated pellets with rounded edges, a hardened surface, a smooth polished finish, and characteristics that enable efficient thermal communication between the bath's thermal source, the pellets, and the items that are inserted into the mass of pellets. Further, the pellets are dry and moisture and gas impermeable, and they resist microbial growth and are readily decontaminated by several methods including applying an antimicrobial compound to the pellets. The thermal source is controlled to achieve the desired temperature of the items inserted into the pellets.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing generating and managing profiles. Such systems and methods may be implemented to control access to a function of a web server or site based on a level of trust associated with a user or device profile. According to one exemplary method, session information associated with a request to access a function of a web server is identified. At least one processor determines whether the request is associated with a trusted device profile based on the at least the session information. Access to the requested function is provided when the request is associated with a trusted device profile.

Abstract: Communications connectors include a housing and a plurality of substantially rigid conductive pins that are mounted in the housing. The conductive pins are arranged as a plurality of differential pairs of conductive pins that each include a tip conductive pin and a ring conductive pin. Each conductive pin has a first end that is configured to be received within a respective socket of a mating connector and a second end.

Abstract: A device for use in performing minimally invasive surgery. A system for performing minimally invasive surgery comprising the device according to the present invention. A method for performing minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A method of classifying ciliary motion includes receiving digital video data representing the ciliary motion generated by an image capture device, wherein the digital video data includes a plurality of frames. The method further includes receiving an indication of a region of interest applicable to each of the frames, wherein the region of interest includes a plurality of pixels in each of the frames, calculating time series elemental motion data for at least one elemental motion parameter for the region of interest based on the digital video data, and using the time series elemental motion data to classify the ciliary motion.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a boom, a cutter head, a valve, and an actuator. The boom defines an internal chamber and includes a first end coupled to a frame, a second end, and an opening in fluid communication with the internal chamber. The cutter head includes a plurality of cutting bits and is supported on the second end of the boom. The valve is coupled to the boom and is movable between a closed position in which the opening is covered and an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered. The actuator is coupled to the valve to selectively move the valve between the closed position and the opened position.

Abstract: A device is described that includes a sensor portion and a chassis portion. The sensor portion includes a plurality of sensing devices. The chassis portion is connected to the sensor portion and includes a first track and a second track. The second track is positioned adjacent the first track. The first and second tracks cooperate to substantially cover an entire width of the chassis portion.

Abstract: A modulation system for AM stereo transmission wherein in a combination of amplitude modulation and phase modulation allows a pair of unique audio channel signals to be modulated onto an AM carrier. When a monophonic audio signal is provided, there is no phase modulation present. However, when a first audio signal (e.g., a “right” channel) differs from a second audio signal (e.g., a “left” audio channel), phase modulation occurs simultaneously with amplitude modulation. The modulation system accepts non-matrixed audio signals and produces quadrature modulation compatible with the industry standard C-QUAM system.

Abstract: A system can include a first transmitter unit having a first communication engine that controls a first local network, where the first transmitter unit is positioned at a first location. The system can also include a first remote device communicably coupled, using the first local network, to the first transmitter unit. The system can further include a receiver unit having a second communication engine that controls a second local network, where the receiver unit is positioned at a second location. The system can also include a smart device having an application that is communicably coupled, using the second local network, to the receiver unit. The system can further include a bridge network that wirelessly communicably couples the first transmitter unit to the receiver unit. The first local network and the second local network are wireless networks.

Abstract: An electrical contactor has a first terminal having a first fixed contact; a second terminal having a second fixed contact; a first electrically-conductive movable arm in electrical communication with the first terminal and having a first movable contact thereon; a second electrically-conductive movable arm in electrical communication with the second terminal and having a second movable contact thereon, counter-opposed to the first moveable arm; and an actuator for moving the first and second moveable arms in opposing directions. The first moveable contact and the second fixed contact form a primary contact set, and the second moveable contact and the first fixed contact form a secondary contact set, first and second moveable arms thereby forming a current-sharing arm pair between first and second terminals.

Abstract: A radiant heating panel, for typical use as cover for interior walls and ceilings, is provided, that is manufactured in a continuous process involving at least one sheet material, a settable material and a heating element. A method of installing such a heating panel is also provided, along with an apparatus and method required to terminate the heating panel.

Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting the setting(s) of a printer having a control circuit in communication with a sensory system and a database. The database is located in a storage medium and the data in the database includes one or more defined parameter settings corresponding to one or more media types. The sensory system is used to obtain a media identifier from media loaded into the printer. The control circuit determines the type of media from the media identifier. The media type is then compared to the database entries and used to retrieve any defined parameter setting(s) corresponding to the media type identified by the media identifier. Instructions to adjust the printer setting(s) according to the defined parameter setting(s) are determined at the control circuit. The control circuit then sends the instructions to the appropriate systems of the printer to adjusted the printer setting(s) according to the defined parameter setting(s).

Abstract: A method for predicting failure of a crossing warning system is disclosed. The method includes monitoring an electrical characteristic of a first route when an electric current is injected into the first route. The first route has a crossing intersection with a second route and a crossing signal at the crossing intersection. The electrical characteristic is monitored to detect when a vehicle is approaching the crossing intersection on the first route and to determine when to activate the crossing signal at the crossing intersection. The method also includes identifying one or more changes in the electrical characteristic of the first route, and, based on the one or more changes that are identified, predicting a failure mode of the first route that interferes with detection of the vehicle approaching the crossing intersection.

Abstract: A portable active fluid-powered ankle foot orthosis. A lower leg mount and a foot bed are pivotally coupled at or proximate to an ankle position. A fluid powered rotary actuator is configured to receive power from a wearable fluid power source and provide controlled force and resistance to aid or inhibit relative rotation of the foot bed and the lower leg mount. An integral controller is provided for receiving data from sensors and controlling the fluid powered rotary actuator to actively assist gait of a user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a circuit interrupter assembly coupled to a solenoid actuator and configured to move along an assembly axis in a direction normal to a major surface of the electrical isolation member to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle contact structures in a reset state and to interrupt the electrical continuity to effect a tripped state. The circuit interrupter assembly including at least one portion configured to pivot relative to the assembly axis to effect the reset state or the tripped state.