Abstract: Presented are methods and systems to universally assess composite utility consumption (1) in which a plurality of real-time and batch sensor readings such as from multiple disparate utility sensor data inputs (3) may be acquired and stored such as into a local device (2) or a central data warehouse (6). A composite utility estimated cost generator (9) can generate missing or uncorrelated data and a collected composite utility data information correlator (11) can correlate the data so it can be applied to determine some type of composite utility cost information. For real-time calculation, a disparate utility rate information accessor (8) can obtain multiple items of disparate rate information and this can use with correlated data to create a composite utility consumption and spend so a user can manage and control utility usage for a home, building, facility, plant, specific equipment, or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making a flexo plate, and plates, machines, readers, and computer readable media for use therewith. In the system, a plurality of processing machines, each configured to perform one or more process steps in a workflow, includes a controller, a variable operating parameter controlled by the controller, and a reader configured to read machine-readable indicia on the flexo plate. The machine-readable indicia (e.g. bar code, RFID tag, text) is configured for persistent readability downstream of washing (and cutting) steps, without printing in the printing step. The indicia may embody information including at least a plate identifier and instructions corresponding to the at least one variable operating parameter for each of the processing machines or information corresponding to an address in computer storage where the information resides.

Abstract: A punch according to some embodiments of the disclosure includes a body having a punching edge and a wall forming a passageway therethrough, the wall having a multi-start thread formed thereon, and a draw stud according to some embodiments of the disclosure includes an elongated cylinder having a multi-start thread thereon which is configured to be coupled to the multi-start thread of the punch. The number of starts provided on the punch corresponds to the number of starts provided on the draw stud. The multi-start thread on the punch is engaged with the multi-start thread on the draw stud in use. A method using same to punch a hole in sheet metal is also provided.

Abstract: A liquid lens can be coupled to ground, such as to impede charge from building up in the liquid lens during operation thereof. For example, an electrode that is in electrical communication with a conductive fluid of the liquid lens can be coupled to ground. A switch can be used to selectively couple the liquid lens to ground, such as for discharging the liquid lens. An electrode can be selectively coupled to ground and to driving signals using a switch. In some cases, drive signals can be provided to electrodes other than the grounded electrode for driving the liquid lens. In some cases, the liquid lens can be driven using feedback control based on one or more measured parameters indicative capacitance between a fluid and one or more electrodes in the liquid lens.

Abstract: A system for detecting Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks on one or more user profiles collects a number of invalid sign-on attempts on the one or more user profiles during every time interval. The system determines a number of invalid sign-on attempts on every user profile since the start of the first time interval. The system detects a first DoS attack on a particular user profile if a first number of invalid sign-on attempts on the particular user profile exceeds a single-user profile. The system detects a second DoS attack on multiple user profiles during the first time interval if the increase in the total number of invalid sign-on attempts since the last time interval exceeds a scan-level threshold number. The system detects a third DoS attack on multiple user profiles if the total number of invalid sign-on attempts detected during combined time intervals exceeds a third threshold number.

Abstract: A headset comprise a frame and a vibration sensor coupled to the frame. The vibration sensor may be located in a nosepad of the frame, and configured to measure tissue vibrations of a user when the headset of worn by the user. A controller receives a signal corresponding to the measured vibration data from the vibration sensor, and analyzes the received signal to infer a sequence of states of the received signal, such as a sequence of respiratory states. The controller further determines a value of a health metric based upon the inferred sequence of states, e.g., a respiratory rate of the user, and performs an action using the determined value of the health metric.

Abstract: Process control of intense stirring along a solidification front and adjustments in casting speeds during direct chill casting of 7xxx series alloys can decrease an ingot’s cracking susceptibility. Intense stirring control is used to reduce the thickness of the solidification front, promote agglomeration of hydrogen gas rejected at the solidification front, remove impurities rejected at the solidification front, and improve grain size. Intense stirring control is used to operate at faster casting speeds without risk of increasing the thickness of the solidification front. Optional reheating during casting to promote dispersoid formation is used to generate a high-strength zone of dispersoid-strengthened solidified metal in the outer periphery of the ingot, which can further decrease the ingot’s susceptibility to cracking.

Abstract: A method of applying a neural stimulus with an implanted electrode array involves applying a sequence of stimuli configured to yield a therapeutic effect while suppressing psychophysical side effects. The stimuli sequence is configured such that a first stimulus recruits a portion of the fibre population, and a second stimulus is delivered within the refractory period following the first stimulus and the second stimulus being configured to recruit a further portion of the fibre population. Using an electrode array and suitable relative timing of the stimuli, ascending or descending volleys of evoked responses can be selectively synchronised or desynchronised to give directional control over responses evoked.

Abstract: A powered latch system for motor vehicles includes at least one powered latch that can be controlled based, at least in part, on vehicle operating conditions. The system may be configured to control unlatching of the vehicle doors utilizing data relating to the vehicle speed and/or the existence of a crash event. The powered latch system can be configured as required for various vehicles, and to accommodate specific operating requirements with respect to child locks in various geographic jurisdictions.

Abstract: A stress corrosion cracking-resistant aluminum alloy product may include aluminum and a plurality of alloying elements. The plurality of alloying elements may include 3 wt. % to 10 wt. % magnesium and at least one of 0.001 wt. % to 0.1 wt. % calcium. In some embodiments, the plurality of alloying elements may further include 0.001 wt. % to 0.1 wt. % strontium. In some embodiments, the plurality of alloying elements may further include silver.

Abstract: Fiber optic terminals having at least one loopback assembly comprising a loopback optical fiber providing optical communication between a first output connection port and a second output connection port of the terminal along with fiber optic networks using the terminals are disclosed. The loopback optical fiber is terminated with a first optical connector and a second optical connector. The first optical connector is attached to the first output connection port of the terminal and the second optical connector of the loopback assembly attached to the second output connection port of the terminal, thereby allowing the network operator to send a test signal to the terminal and receive a return signal when the terminal is installed in a fiber optic network.

Abstract: A method for producing a flexible tooling liner for casting a ceramic core is presented. The method includes the steps of producing a three-dimensional (3D) reference object representative of a ceramic core to be cast, disposing the reference object into a containment vessel configured to receive a liquid flexible tooling material, filling the containment vessel with the liquid tooling material so that the reference object is encapsulated by the liquid tooling material on the surface whose topography is intended to be imparted, allowing the liquid tooling material to cure, and separating the cured flexible tooling along a parting surface into opposing portions and removing the reference the reference object.

Abstract: A method for generating a metallic particle slurry in a regenerator, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating metallic particles on a surface of a cathode by applying a forward current for a forward current period; (b) displacing the metallic particles from the surface of the cathode by applying a displacement force for a displacement period; (c) dissolving residual metallic particles by applying a reverse current for a reverse current period; (d) providing a plurality of regenerator cells; and (e) establishing an airlock by isolating aqueous electrolyte between cavities of regenerator cells.

Abstract: A method, electromagnetic switch, controller and program product, when energizing an electromagnetic coil to urge a selected shoe into a diverting path downstream of the electromagnetic switch, reverse current flow during at least a portion of the time that the electromagnetic coil is energized to recover energy from the electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A docking station at a service site fluidly connectable to a mobile water treatment system having one or more deionization units comprises a fluid inlet configured to receive processed water from the mobile water treatment system and a fluid outlet configured to deliver the processed water to a point of use. The docking station also comprises a monitoring system configured to monitor at least one water quality parameter of the processed water, and a processor configured to receive the monitored water quality parameter and communicate with a central monitoring system disposed remotely from the station regarding the monitored water quality parameter.

Abstract: A bone plate and one or more locking assemblies that help prevent screw backout without impinging on therapeutically valuable settling of the screws. In some cases, the locking assembly is configured to be attached to the plate, to be securely but efficiently locked, to be readily unlocked for revision surgery, and/or to reduce the possibility of operator error in installation by providing simplified visible and tactile indicia of the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A method of applying a neural stimulus with an implanted electrode array involves applying a sequence of stimuli configured to yield a therapeutic effect while suppressing psychophysical side effects. The stimuli sequence is configured such that a first stimulus recruits a portion of the fibre population, and a second stimulus is delivered within the refractory period following the first stimulus and the second stimulus being configured to recruit a further portion of the fibre population. Using an electrode array and suitable relative timing of the stimuli, ascending or descending volleys of evoked responses can be selectively synchronised or desynchronised to give directional control over responses evoked.

Abstract: Techniques regarding microfluidic chips with one or more vias filled with sacrificial plugs and/or manufacturing methods thereof are provided herein. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise an apparatus, which can comprise a silicon device layer of a microfluidic chip comprising a plurality of vias extending through the silicon device layer. The plurality of vias comprise greater than or equal to about 100 vias per square centimeter of a surface of the silicon device layer and less than or equal to about 100,000 vias per square centimeter of the surface of the silicon device layer. Additionally, the apparatus can comprise a plurality of sacrificial plugs positioned in the plurality of vias.

Abstract: A method of in vivo conditioning of an indwelling sensor to reduce run-in time, (stabilization time) comprising: a) applying a first potential to the sensor and measuring a first current at the first potential; b) applying a second potential to the sensor and measuring a second current at the second potential; c) determining a relationship of the first current measured to the second current measured; repeating a, b, and c until the relationship between the first current measured and the second current measured has stabilized, thereby reducing sensor run-in time.

Abstract: Grain size of a deliverable metal product can be improved by pre-setting recrystallization-suppressing dispersoids during casting. The outer regions of a direct chill cast embryonic ingot can undergo reheating before casting is complete. Through unique wiper placement and/or other reheating techniques, the temperature of the ingot can be permitted to reheat (e.g., up to approximately 410° C. to approximately 420° C.), allowing dispersoids to form. Stirring and/or agitation of the molten sump can facilitate formation of a deeper sump and desirably fine grain size as-cast. The formation of dispersoids during and/or immediately after casting can pin the grain boundaries at the desirably fine grain size, encouraging the same grain sizes even after a later recrystallization and/or solutionizing step.