Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical palpation device for evaluating a mechanical property of a sample material. The device comprises a body having a sensing portion and a sensing layer positioned at the sensing portion of the body and having a sensing surface positioned for direct or indirect contact with a surface area of the sample material. The sensing layer is deformable and has a predetermined deformation-dependent optical property. The device further comprises a light detector positioned to detect light transmitted through at least a portion of the sensing layer.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a system and method of automated object launching, for replicating ball trajectories, for example with a baseball. The system receives an input from a user that includes trajectory information and then launches an object based on that trajectory. The system includes subsystems that control the orientation of the object to be launched and the position of the system itself. The system also includes a results tracking database to provide analytics and the like for the user.

Abstract: Features related to a system and method for scheduling a resources to perform discrete tasks are described. The scheduling features include generating schedules predicted to appeal to the tasked resource (e.g., delivery partner) such as by time, day of the week, location, item types, etc. Using machine learning, the schedule and terms thereof can be dynamically generated to suit the tastes of each tasked resource and the overall demand for services. Using historical data, the modeling also accounts for likelihood an offer will be accepted and risk of cancellation for a given resource. The machine learning may be based on a mixed integer problem as constrained by partner and system capacity parameters.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical palpation device for evaluating a mechanical property of a sample material. The device comprises a body having a sensing portion and a sensing layer positioned at the sensing portion of the body and having a sensing surface positioned for direct or indirect contact with a surface area of the sample material. The sensing layer is deformable and has a predetermined deformation-dependent optical property. The device further comprises a light detector positioned to detect light transmitted through at least a portion of the sensing layer.

Abstract: Features related to a system and method for scheduling a resources to perform discrete tasks are described. The scheduling features include generating schedules predicted to appeal to the tasked resource (e.g., delivery partner) such as by time, day of the week, location, item types, etc. Using machine learning, the schedule and terms thereof can be dynamically generated to suit the tastes of each tasked resource and the overall demand for services. Using historical data, the modeling also accounts for likelihood an offer will be accepted and risk of cancellation for a given resource. The machine learning may be based on a mixed integer problem as constrained by partner and system capacity parameters.

Abstract: Features related to a system and method for scheduling a resources to perform discrete tasks are described. The scheduling features include generating schedules predicted to appeal to the tasked resource (e.g., delivery partner) such as by time, day of the week, location, item types, etc. Using machine learning, the schedule and terms thereof can be dynamically generated to suit the tastes of each tasked resource and the overall demand for services. Using historical data, the modeling also accounts for likelihood an offer will be accepted and risk of cancellation for a given resource. The machine learning may be based on a mixed integer problem as constrained by partner and system capacity parameters.

Abstract: A suction cleaner (60) comprising a body (50); a compartment (42) for accommodating a dust collection bag (44); and a source of suction (32) for causing suction airflow into a bag in the compartment, wherein the source of suction is disposed at least partially beneath the compartment and communicates therewith by a passage (46) which extends from an upper region of the compartment.

Abstract: A suction cleaner (60) comprising a body (50); a compartment (42) for accommodating a dust collection bag (44); and a source of suction (32) for causing suction airflow into a bag in the compartment, wherein the source of suction is disposed at least partially beneath the compartment and communicates therewith by a passage (46) which extends from an upper region of the compartment.