Abstract: A computer identifies, using software-based image processing applied to camera-generated visual data from a client device, foreground imagery representing a participant and background imagery representing content of the camera-generated visual data other than the foreground imagery. The computer determines, using a neural network, an identity of an extraneous item comprising a portion of the background imagery. The computer determines, using the neural network based on the identity of the extraneous item, to replace the extraneous item in the camera-generated visual data. The computer predicts, using replacement imagery prediction software, replacement imagery to replace the extraneous item. The computer generates a composite image comprising the foreground imagery of the camera-generated visual data and the background imagery with the extraneous item replaced by the replacement imagery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic and automated control of a heating appliance based on atmospheric pressure conditions are provided. Particularly, a controller of the heating appliance may be configured to automatically adjust the amount of gas and/or air provided to the combustion chamber of the heating appliance based on changes in atmospheric pressure in the environment of the heating appliance. Changes in atmospheric pressure may impact the combustion process within the heating appliance, which may lead to inefficiencies in the operation of the heating appliance if the rate at which gas and/or air is provided remain constant during pressure changes. To mitigate these impacts, a barometric pressure sensor may be used to measure the atmospheric pressure at any given time and may provide this data to the controller. The controller may then adjust the rate at which gas and/or air is provided within the heating appliance to reduce such inefficiencies.

Abstract: A computer stores a reference image representing a physical background within a field of view of a camera of a client device. The computer receives, via the camera and during a video conference to which the client device is connected, camera-generated visual data for output to at least one remote device connected to the video conference. The computer identifies, based on facial recognition applied to the camera-generated visual data, foreground imagery representing at least one person and background imagery representing content of the camera-generated visual data other than the foreground imagery. The computer identifies a difference between the background imagery and the reference image. The computer generates a composite image by replacing, within the background imagery of the camera-generated visual data, an item represented within the background imagery and within the identified difference with a co-located part of the reference image.

Abstract: The capture of video streams using follower devices is controlled by a leader device during a video conference. Multiple cameras located at a physical space and connected to the leader device within the physical space are identified. The multiple cameras are designated as follower devices for the video conference, in which the follower device designation enables the leader device to control the follower devices during the video conference. Each of the cameras is caused to determine and capture a select video stream depicting one or more conference participants within the physical space. At least some of the select video streams are used to represent the physical space within the video conference. The leader device and the follower devices are collectively represented as a single logical entity to the video conference.

Abstract: The output of visual content at various follower devices within a physical space is selectively controlled during a video conference. Multiple displays located at a physical space are designated as follower devices, in which the follower device designation of the multiple displays enables a leader device located at the physical space to control the multiple displays for a video conference. A configuration is enforced to cause, during the video conference, an output of first visual data associated with the video conference at a first display of the multiple displays and an output of second visual data associated with the video conference at a second display of the multiple displays. The leader device and the follower devices are collectively represented as a single logical entity to the video conference.

Abstract: A follower device within a physical space is authenticated for leader device control during a video conference. The follower device is paired to a leader device within the physical space to enable a companion mode designation for the follower device during a video conference. Based on a connection of the leader device to the video conference, the follower device is caused to connect to the video conference according to the companion mode designation, and name information identifying a conference participant using the follower device is determined. A representation of the follower device within the video conference is updated to indicate the name information. The leader device and the follower devices are collectively represented as a single logical entity to the video conference.

Abstract: Follower devices within a physical space are automatically activated and/or deactivated during a video conference. The follower devices are paired to a leader device within the physical space to enable a companion mode designation for the follower devices during a video conference. Based on a connection of the leader device to the video conference and based on the pairing between the leader device and a follower device of the follower devices, an event associated with the follower device is determined. Based on the event and the companion mode designation of the follower device, an action associated with the follower device is performed. The leader device and the follower devices are collectively represented as a single logical entity to the video conference.

Abstract: Follower devices are controlled in a companion mode designation by a leader device during a video conference. Based on a leader device and one or more follower devices within a physical space each connecting to a video conference, the one or more follower devices are designated in a companion mode in which the leader device maintains control over each of the one or more follower devices for the video conference. At each of the one or more follower devices, based on the companion mode designation for the follower device, first content of the video conference is output for display and second content to share to one or more remote conference devices connected to the video conference is captured. The leader device and the follower devices are collectively represented as a single logical entity to the video conference.

Abstract: A hot water delivery system includes a water heater, a mixing valve that is coupled to the output of the water heater, and a plurality of loads that are coupled to the output of the mixing valve. A load set point temperature of each load that is representative of a maximum temperature of the hot water that is to be delivered to the respective load is set by a user. Responsive to detecting the occurrence of an event associated with a load of the plurality of loads, a controller of the water heater controls the mixing valve to adjust the temperature of the hot water from the water heater to the load set point temperature associated with the load, provided the load set point temperature of the load is different from a water heater set point temperature at which the water heater maintains the hot water therein.

Abstract: A hot water delivery system includes a water heater, a mixing valve that is coupled to the output of the water heater, and a plurality of loads that are coupled to the output of the mixing valve. A load set point temperature of each load that is representative of a maximum temperature of the hot water that is to be delivered to the respective load is set by a user. Responsive to detecting the occurrence of an event associated with a load of the plurality of loads, a controller of the water heater controls the mixing valve to adjust the temperature of the hot water from the water heater to the load set point temperature associated with the load, provided the load set point temperature of the load is different from a water heater set point temperature at which the water heater maintains the hot water therein.

Abstract: A docking plate apparatus is provided for motorized floor conveyor vehicles, such as conveyance tuggers, that is particularly structured to provide tactile feedback at a determined stop position for improved docking and/or stopping placement. The docking plate apparatus has a structure and dimensions to ensure that the motorized floor conveyor vehicle is docked exactly in a determined stop position that is deemed most optimal for interaction with a delivery system. The docking plate apparatus can comprise body, which is a flat panel structure, and a docking aperture that is structured in a portion of the body. The docking aperture receiving at least one wheel of a motorized floor conveyor vehicle to dock the motorized vehicle in a determined stop position for interaction with the delivery system.

Abstract: A computer stores a reference image representing a physical background within a field of view of a camera of a client device. The computer receives, via the camera and during a video conference to which the client device is connected, camera-generated visual data for output to at least one remote device connected to the video conference. The computer identifies, based on facial recognition applied to the camera-generated visual data, foreground imagery representing at least one person and background imagery representing content of the camera-generated visual data other than the foreground imagery. The computer identifies a difference between the background imagery and the reference image. The computer generates a composite image by replacing, within the background imagery of the camera-generated visual data, an item represented within the background imagery and within the identified difference with a co-located part of the reference image.

Abstract: Systems and methods of lifting and installing a fuel tank on a vehicle are provided. In particular, a lifting apparatus may (1) receive fasteners and fuel tank bands prior to lifting, the fasteners secured/extended through fastener openings of the fuel tank bands; (2) lift, in a first lifting stage, the received fuel tank bands to a ground-facing surface of a fuel tank (the fuel tank may be resting on a pedestal or a similar support structure) such that the fuel tank bands cradle the fuel tank; and (3) lift, in a second lifting stage, the received fuel tank bands and the cradled fuel tank to the underside of a vehicle for installation.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel torque brace for inhibiting rotation of a vehicle wheel includes a brace body including a relatively thick stopper portion and a relatively thin wedge portion that is stepped down in thickness relative to the wedge portion. The wedge portion decreases in thickness from one side of the brace body to an opposite side of the brace body. A contact pad is carried by the wedge portion. The contact pad and wedge portion are shaped and sized to be wedged between a tire of the vehicle wheel and a strut assembly to inhibit rotation of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel torque brace for inhibiting rotation of a vehicle wheel includes a brace body including a relatively thick stopper portion and a relatively thin wedge portion that is stepped down in thickness relative to the wedge portion. The wedge portion decreases in thickness from one side of the brace body to an opposite side of the brace body. A contact pad is carried by the wedge portion. The contact pad and wedge portion are shaped and sized to be wedged between a tire of the vehicle wheel and a strut assembly to inhibit rotation of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A medical device server can include a plurality of artificial intelligence medical devices, each trained for rendering a prediction related to a disease or medical condition. A healthcare provider can obtain patient data, including medical tests results, and send them to the medical device server as a request to obtain disease or health condition predictions. The patient data can be provided to an applicable artificial intelligence medical device whose input fields data type match and are present in the patient data embedded in a request received from the healthcare provider. The applicable artificial intelligence medical devices can render disease or health condition predictions, which are communicated to the healthcare provider in response to the request.

Abstract: A computer stores a reference image representing a physical background within a field of view of a camera of a client device. The computer receives, via the camera and during a video conference to which the client device is connected, camera-generated visual data for output to at least one remote device connected to the video conference. The computer identifies, based on facial recognition applied to the camera-generated visual data, foreground imagery representing at least one person and background imagery representing content of the camera-generated visual data other than the foreground imagery. The computer identifies a difference between the background imagery and the reference image. The computer generates a composite image by replacing, within the background imagery of the camera-generated visual data, an item represented within the background imagery and within the identified difference with a co-located part of the reference image.

Abstract: Methods are described for forming a mounting surface on a slider body. In one method, an adhesion layer can be deposited on a top surface of a slider body. A first photolithography cycle deposits a first metal layer having a first thickness of at least 8 ?m. A second photolithography cycle deposits a second metal layer having a second thickness of at least 8 ?m over the first metal layer. The first and second layer form a mounting support on the top surface. In another method, the top surface is etched to form a mounting support.

Abstract: A vehicle moving device for moving a vehicle from a first location to a second location includes a frame having a first end and a second end. A driving wheel is coupled to the first end of the frame and configured to contact a vehicle wheel at a first wheel location. A holding arm is coupled to the second end of the frame opposite the driving wheel and configured to contact the vehicle wheel at a second wheel location. The holding arm holds the vehicle wheel in contact with the driving wheel as the driving wheel rotates the vehicle wheel.