Abstract: Modular connectors and methods are disclosed that provide two sides of a connector in modular and interchangeable fashion. The modular design can be enhanced to add various useful features to one or both sides of the connectors, including the use of rods, hooks, rod receivers of various configurations, etc. This modular approach can allow the assembly of various unique connectors from a pool of components that are interchangeable while minimizing manufacturing cost and complexity.

Abstract: Surgical instruments for interfacing with implants can include an inserter configured to dock to a unilateral portion of an implant. The inserter can include a control shaft that is configured to lock or unlock the inserter coupling with the implant. Actuation of the control shaft can occur by way of a knob that can control movement of the control shaft. The inserter can facilitate positioning of the implant relative to a surgical site and allow for application of counter-torque when imparting torque for tightening a set screw, etc. Additional instruments can also be used to manipulate the implant. For example, auxiliary instruments can be coupled to the inserter, such as a reducer instrument, to facilitate rod reduction, etc. Alternatively or in addition, a holder instrument can be used that has a threaded distal engagement feature for coupling to the implant to facilitate positioning thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are insecticidal nucleic acids and proteins of bacterial species. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest including plants, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The pesticidal proteins find use in controlling, inhibiting growth or killing Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Dipteran, fungal, Hemipteran and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a panoptic segmentation mask for an input image. The methods include receiving the input image comprising a plurality of pixels, generating a semantic mask and an instance mask from the input image, and combining the semantic mask and the instance mask to generate a panoptic mask for the input image. The semantic mask includes a single-channel mask that associates each pixel in the input image with a corresponding one of a plurality of labels. The instance mask includes a plurality of masks, where each of the plurality of masks identifies an instance of a countable object in the input image, and is associated with an indication of whether that instance of the countable object is hidden behind another object in the input image.

Abstract: In one example, a switch in the form of a network core switch includes one or more card slots. A cache memory device is also included that is configured to be received in one of the card slots. The switch further includes one or more storage node connection ports in communication with the cache memory device, and also includes one or more client communication ports in communication with the cache memory device.

Abstract: In one example, a method for data storage capacity planning includes receiving a data metrics stream that includes information concerning a client-generated data stream, receiving information concerning a data storage capacity of the client, and analyzing the received data metrics. Based on the analysis of the data metrics and based on the information concerning the data storage capacity of the client, a projected data storage capacity requirement for the client is generated. Finally, data storage assets that correspond to the projected data storage capacity need are identified.

Abstract: Defragmenting a software defined storage (SDS) system. To defragment an SDS system, the nodes associated with the SDS system are all moved to as to be close in terms of location. This may include de-provisioning nodes, provisioning nodes, and moving nodes as necessary. Multiple SDS systems can be defragmented at the same time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically provisioning and de-provisioning software defined storage (SDS) systems. Characteristics such as IOPS (Input Output operations per Second), capacity, and throughput of the SDS systems are monitored. Capacity or storage is added or removed from the SDS systems based on the relationships between the characteristics of the SDS systems with respect to upper and lower thresholds.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically provisioning and de-provisioning software defined storage (SDS) systems. Characteristics such as IPOS, capacity, and throughput of the SDS systems are monitored. Capacity or storage is added or removed from the SDS systems based on the relationships between the characteristics of the SDS systems with respect to upper and lower thresholds.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically provisioning and de-provisioning software defined storage (SDS) systems. Characteristics such as IPOS, capacity, and throughput of the SDS systems are monitored. Capacity or storage is added or removed from the SDS systems based on the relationships between the characteristics of the SDS systems with respect to upper and lower thresholds.

Abstract: A distributed data system has a network, a first organization connected to the network having a first database having personal identifiable information, the personal identifiable information divisible into a plurality of components, and having a first token associated with the personal identifiable information, and a first personal information gateways in communication with the first database and the network, wherein the personal information gateway is configured to divide the personal identifiable information into a plurality of data shreds, each data shred corresponding to a component, as well as a plurality of matching nodes connected to the network, wherein the nodes are configured to match data, wherein each data shred is configured to be transmitted to a matching node receiving only that component, wherein the matching nodes are configured to determine whether different shreds match.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for recovering scandium from scandium-containing intermediate products, formed during hydrometallurgical processing of scandium-containing feed materials, including: (a) leaching of the scandium-containing intermediate products with a suitable acid at a controlled pH selected to maximize scandium extraction and minimize the co-extraction of impurities, (b) solid/liquid separation, to obtain a scandium-containing leach solution; (c) selective precipitation of the scandium at a controlled pH from the scandium-containing leach solution using a suitable base, (d) solid/liquid separation, to obtain an upgraded scandium concentrate and a barren solution for return to the hydrometallurgical process. A further upgraded scandium concentrate can be obtained by (e) alkaline leaching of the upgraded scandium concentrate for additional removal of impurities, and (f) solid/liquid separation to obtain a further upgraded scandium concentrate and impurities-containing base solution.

Abstract: Probe assembly includes a modular device configured to detect external signals or emit energy. The modular device has a device array that includes at least one of electrical contacts or optical fiber ends. The probe assembly also includes a cable assembly that is configured to communicatively couple the modular device to a computing system and transmit data signals therethrough. The cable assembly includes an array connector having a connector body that includes a mating side and channels extending through the mating side and the connector body. The cable assembly includes a plurality of communication lines that are disposed within corresponding channels of the connector body. The communication lines have respective end faces that are positioned proximate to the mating side to form a terminal array. The terminal array is aligned with and coupled to the device array of the modular device.

Abstract: Array connector includes a connector body having a mating side. The connector body includes a plurality of substrate layers that are stacked side-by-side and have respective mating edges that form the mating side. The substrate layers form a plurality of interfaces in which each interface is defined between adjacent substrate layers. The adjacent substrate layers of each interface are shaped to form a plurality of channels. The array connector also includes communication lines that are disposed within corresponding channels of the connector body such that the communication lines extend along the interfaces. The communication lines are at least one of wire conductors or optical fibers. The communication lines have respective mating terminals that are positioned proximate to the mating side and form a terminal array.

Abstract: Improvements in interlocking cushioned tiles from crumb rubber for the bulk of the tile to be made from recycled tire rubber with virgin material at interlocking areas of the tiles is disclosed. The use of recycled rubber reduces the amount of material in landfills. The density and size of the crumbs is variable to alter the amount of cushion for the tiles. Virgin material bonds easily together and the bonded virgin material has high integrity to keep the interlocking keyed elements together. The interconnection exists on all sides of the tiles and allows for a nearly infinite amount of tiles that can be connected to cover small and large areas. The connection details are essentially lollipop type interconnection male and female members. The interlocking cushioned tiles further include a drain and area for wiring to run under the tiles.

Abstract: A personal wireless navigation system operable on wireless phone devices provides a platform for empowering a merchant-paid search. Performance of a navigation functionality in a personal wireless navigation system is higher and more comparable and competitive with portable navigation devices and in-car navigation systems, and the search capability is comparable and competitive with the most popular web search engines. A user interface (UI) and look and feel of the personal wireless navigation system is provided which is enhanced so that users do not simply want to use the product—they covet it. The personal wireless navigation system may be constructed such that a subset of it with fewer features and functions can be productized, marketed and deployed to users.

Abstract: A personal wireless navigation system operable on wireless phone devices provides a platform for empowering a merchant-paid search. Performance of a navigation functionality in a personal wireless navigation system is higher and more comparable and competitive with portable navigation devices and in-car navigation systems, and the search capability is comparable and competitive with the most popular web search engines. A user interface (UI) and look and feel of the personal wireless navigation system is provided which is enhanced so that users do not simply want to use the product—they covet it. The personal wireless navigation system may be constructed such that a subset of it with fewer features and functions can be productized, marketed and deployed to users.

Abstract: An elastic band or elastic strap retention system, used for example in exercise equipment, encompasses a pin with one end of the elastic strap wrapped around the pin and with a series of hog rings or other fastening devices encircling the wrapped assembly of elastic strap end and pin. The assembly is encapsulated in a ridged thermoplastic or thermoset resin system in order to inhibit the movement of the hog rings or other components of the assembly. The resulting attachment is stronger than the elastic material of the elastic strap.

Abstract: An elastic band or elastic strap retention system, used for example in exercise equipment, encompasses a pin with one end of the elastic strap wrapped around the pin and with a series of hog rings or other fastening devices encircling the wrapped assembly of elastic strap end and pin. The assembly is encapsulated in a ridged thermoplastic or thermoset resin system in order to inhibit the movement of the hog rings or other components of the assembly. The resulting attachment is stronger than the elastic material of the elastic strap.