Abstract: An autonomously motile device may be controlled by speech received by a user device. A first speech-processing system associated with the user device may determine that audio data includes a representation of a command; a second speech-processing system associated with the autonomously motile device may determine that the command should be executed by the autonomously motile device. A network connection is established between the user device and the autonomously motile device, and a device manager authorizes execution of the command.

Abstract: Systems and methods for contextual messaging and information routing in a distributed ledger network are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include a distributed application executed by a sending entity node in a distributed ledger network: receiving a message or communication from a sending entity; identifying a context for the message or communication; retrieving capabilities of other nodes in the distributed ledger network; identifying potential receiving entities for the message or communication based on the capabilities; retrieving routing preferences for the sending entity; applying the routing preferences for the sending entity to identify a receiving entity from the potential receiving entities; and sending the message or communication to a receiving node for the receiving entity using the routing preferences, wherein the receiving node is configured to route the message or communication to the receiving entity using routing preferences for the receiving entity.

Abstract: Frangible firearm projectiles, firearm cartridges, and methods for forming the same. The projectiles are formed from metal powder and include an anti-sparking agent. One or more of iron, zinc, bismuth, tin, copper, nickel, tungsten, boron, and/or alloys thereof may form the metal powder. The projectiles may be formed from a compacted mixture of two or more different metal powders. The anti-sparking agent may include a borate, such as boric acid, zinc chloride, and/or petrolatum. The anti-sparking agent may be dispersed within, and/or applied as a coating on, the exterior of the projectile. The compacted mixture may be heat treated for a time sufficient to form a plurality of discrete alloy domains within the compacted mixture. Such domains may be formed by a mechanism that includes vapor-phase diffusion bonding and oxidation of the metal powders and that does form a liquid phase of the metal powder or utilize a polymeric binder.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods related to electroencephalography (EEG) electrode arrays. In particular, the present disclosure provides systems and methods relating to the manufacture and use of high-resolution electrocorticography (ECOG) electrode arrays and stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrode arrays having various combinations and arrangements of microelectrodes and macroelectrodes for recording and modulating nervous system activity.

Abstract: A disconnector device including an isolator connected between a first terminal and to a second terminal, and a sleeve positioned around the isolator and moveable between an un-extended position prior to the isolator operating and an extended position after the isolator operates, the sleeve being configured to trap debris produced by operation of the isolator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing multi-zone climate control for a vehicle. One system includes a power source, a plurality of switches, a first zone heating/cooling device, a second zone heating/cooling device, and an electronic controller. The electronic controller is configured to operate the plurality of switches to supply current bi-directionally through the first zone heating/cooling device, bi-directionally through the second zone heating/cooling device, or bi-directionally through a series connection of the first zone heating/cooling device and the second zone heating/cooling device.

Abstract: An implantable device includes an adjustable spacer and at least one anchor. The adjustable spacer is configured to be positioned between native heart valve leaflets to reduce regurgitation therebetween. The adjustable spacer can comprise a first side and a second side opposite the first side. Each side can be adjustable between a first width and a second width. Each side can be independently moved between the first width and the second width. The adjustable spacer can be made from a sponge material.

Abstract: An autonomously motile device may be controlled by speech received by a user device. A first speech-processing system associated with the user device may determine that audio data includes a representation of a command; a second speech-processing system associated with the autonomously motile device may determine that the command should be executed by the autonomously motile device. A network connection is established between the user device and the autonomously motile device, and a device manager authorizes execution of the command.

Abstract: A sandwiching device for creating pocket sandwich-type food, the sandwiching device having a punch, a die to work with the punch to cut foodstuff, and a sealer seated within the die to seal the foodstuff while being cut with the punch and die. The punch can be lowered to press against the die and the sealer. When the foodstuff is placed on the die, pressing the punch against the die and the sealer simultaneously cuts the crust off the foodstuff while sealing the edges to create a pocket sandwich. To facilitate the sealing, the perimeter edge of the sealer may have a scalloped edge.

Abstract: Movement of an autonomously motile device may be controlled by a user device. The user device may display image data captured by a camera of the autonomously motile device; a user may provide input, such as a touch gesture on a display screen, indicating a command for the autonomously motile device to move to a location indicated by the input. The autonomously motile device determines a coordinate of the input and a time of the touch input; the autonomously motile device then determines a direction and distance of a corresponding movement.

Abstract: A disconnector device including an isolator connected between a first terminal and to a second terminal, and a sleeve positioned around the isolator and moveable between an un-extended position prior to the isolator operating and an extended position after the isolator operates, the sleeve being configured to trap debris produced by operation of the isolator.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic spacer device can include an inflatable spacer having a plurality of inflatable members and a frame, the frame comprising one or more anchors and one or more clasps. The inflatable spacer can be configured to be disposed between native leaflets of a heart. The implantable prosthetic spacer can be disposed in a symmetrical or an asymmetrical configuration. The inflatable spacers can be inflatable between an uninflated and an inflated configuration.

Abstract: A variable pore size filter media including an upper plate, a retainer, and a support profile disposed between the upper plate and the retainer. The variable pore size filter media also includes a plurality of wire rings disposed on the support profile and longitudinally distributed within a region between the upper plate and the retainer, the plurality of wire rings being distributed in a non-contiguous manner to form a plurality of spaces therebetween. The variable pore size filter media further includes a plurality of pores defined by the plurality of spaces between the plurality of wire rings and a pore size adjustment mechanism configured to vary a respective distance between each of the plurality of wire rings to increase or decrease a respective size of each of the plurality of pores by increasing or decreasing a size of each of the plurality of spaces.

Abstract: Frangible firearm projectiles, firearm cartridges containing the same, and methods for forming the same. The firearm projectiles are formed from compacted metal powders that may include an anti-sparking agent. The compacted metal powders may be or include a compacted mixture of metal powders that may include powders of one or more of iron, zinc, bismuth, copper, tungsten, nickel, boron, and/or alloys thereof, and/or oxides thereof. The compacted mixture may be heat treated for a time sufficient to form a plurality of discrete alloy domains within the compacted mixture. The frangible firearm projectile may be formed by a mechanism that includes vapor-phase diffusion bonding and oxidation of the metal powders and that does not include forming a liquid phase of any of the metal powders or utilizing a polymeric binder. The anti-sparking agent may include a borate, such as boric acid.

Abstract: Traditional home-automation systems utilize a single hub for controlling secondary devices within a home. The techniques described herein, meanwhile, utilize multiple hubs within the environment and/or located remotely from the environment. For instance, an environment may include multiple electronic devices, each configured to control one or more secondary devices within the environment. In addition, a remote service may be configured to control one or more secondary devices within the environment. As such, each controlling device stores and executes an instance of a control engine, rather than relying on a single instance of a control engine located at a single controlling hub.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to facilitating voice and video communication between users independent of a location or a device. A communication request can specify users, who may be identified and located in their respective environments. For example, users can be identified and located using facial recognition imaging techniques and/or by monitoring a radio frequency (RF) signal associated with a device that is carried or worn by a user. After determining a location of a user, individual devices can be configured as a functionally grouped device to allow the users to communicate. For example, capabilities of a television, microphone, speaker, and imaging device can be combined to allow a video communication between users. Further, as a user moves around his or her environment, the location of the user can be tracked and additional functionally grouped devices can be provided for seamless communication.

Abstract: The present specification provides for and includes novel methods of curing tobacco to produce desirable smoke and flavor characteristics while reducing the undesirable compounds imparted during a conventional fire-curing process. The present specification provides for and includes cured tobacco having reduced polyaromatic hydrocarbons and TSNA as compared to conventionally fire-cured tobacco. Also provided are tobacco products made with tobacco leaf cured using the disclosed processes.

Abstract: Provided is a method for making a composite structure with exposed conductive fibers. The exposed conductive fibers can be used for static dissipation. In the present method, a liquid, gum, gel, or impermeable film mask is applied to the conductive fiber material. The mask functions to prevent infiltration of curable liquid resin into the conductive fiber material. The masked conductive fiber material is incorporated into the composite structure, along with structural fiber material. The liquid resin is cured. The mask material and cured resin are removed from the masked areas, thereby exposing the conductive fiber material. The exposed conductive fiber material can collect and drain electrostatic charges. The present method can be used to make storage tanks and other objects that require electrostatic charge dissipation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing an entertaining experience of war between players over a plurality of areas of a game board. The game board includes a plurality of areas, which may be depicted as a world map, a plurality of board playing cards, and connectors, where the connector makes adjacent a first board playing card of a first playing area with a second board playing card of a second playing area. Each player is delt a plurality of holding cards including the suit assigned to that specific player. The objective of the game is for players to alternate swap requests, swapping holding cards with board playing cards until a player accumulates a winning hand including a straight flush. The defined areas and connectors on the game board increases the interaction and frequency of battles between players making it more difficult to accumulate a winning hand.