Abstract: A computer-implemented method for alerting passenger vehicles of approaching emergency vehicles is implemented by an alert management computing device. The method includes receiving an emergency vehicle alert request message from an emergency vehicle transmitter, receiving passenger vehicle location data from a plurality of passenger vehicle user computing devices located in a plurality of passenger vehicles, wherein the passenger vehicle location data includes a present passenger vehicle location and a present passenger vehicle trajectory, identifying an alert zone for the emergency vehicle based on the present emergency vehicle location and the present emergency vehicle trajectory, identifying a vehicle zone for each of the plurality of passenger vehicles, identifying a subset of the passenger vehicles within the alert zone by comparing each vehicle zone to the alert zone, and transmitting a warning to the subset of passenger vehicles via the passenger vehicle user computing devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for Bayesian PROCOVA operations are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for updating predictive models. The method trains a set of one or more generative models based on RCT data. The method defines a mixture prior distribution that includes: an informative component that follows an informative prior distribution defined, at least in part, on the RCT data; and a flat component that follows a flat prior distribution defined independently of the RCT data. The method generates, using the set of one or more generative models, predicted panel data for a plurality of digital subjects. The method derives a mixture posterior distribution corresponding to the unknown parameters of the set of one or more generative models, based on the predicted panel data. The method determines, based on at least one of the predicted panel data or the mixture posterior distribution, a set of one or more decision rules.

Abstract: An actuator component for a droplet ejection head; wherein said actuator component comprises a substrate and one or more strips of piezoelectric material fixedly attached to said substrate; wherein said one or more strips of piezoelectric material comprise one or more layers of piezoelectric material, and an array of fluid chambers defined within said one or more strips of piezoelectric material and extending in an array direction; wherein said actuator component further comprises one or more cover parts; wherein the or each cover part extends in said array direction and is fixedly attached to at least one of a side face of one of said strips of piezoelectric material and/or at least a portion of said substrate; and wherein said one or more cover parts comprise a plurality of openings so as to enable fluid to be supplied to selected ones of said fluid chambers through said openings. Associated methods of manufacturing an actuator component for a droplet ejection head are also provided.

Abstract: A method by which threaded sections of oil field pipe are connected to form a coupled and sealed tubular connection having proper sealing positioning at proper make-up torque. A tubular coupling has box ends and an internal mid region which forms interior shoulder regions. A seal ring is received on the mid region and mates with the end faces of the coupling shoulder and with a centrally located groove on the shoulder. The pin ends of opposing sections of pipe are received within the oppositely arranged box ends of the coupling and are made-up to a final, desired make-up position. The final position and amount of squeeze on the seal ring are controlled by utilizing the contact between the pipe pin ends and the shoulder regions of the coupling.

Abstract: A landing station can include a package manipulation system, an anchoring system, a climate control system, and/or a convertible storage locker. In some embodiments, a temperature control carrier is used with the landing station. In some embodiments, the package manipulation system includes at least one manipulation rail, at least one finger and/or a set of projections configured to raise and lower from said landing surface. In some embodiments, the landing station includes an elevator. In some embodiments, the landing station includes a lifting ring. In some embodiments, the landing station includes an air curtain blower.

Abstract: A wearable device includes at least one soft actuator body incorporated into the device and defining a chamber. A fluid connector is positioned and configured to provide a path for fluid flow into and out of the chamber. A control system is connected with the soft actuator body and comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic pump, valves, and a microcontroller and is configured to control fluid flow through the fluid connector into and out of the chamber to produce at least one actuation motion selected from bending, extending, stiffening, expansion, contraction, twisting, and combinations thereof in the soft actuator body. At least one sensor, including a motion sensor, is incorporated into the device and is in communication with the microcontroller, which is configured to control the fluid flow based on communications from the at least one sensor, including the motion sensor, and to thereby control actuation of the soft actuator body.

Abstract: A method is shown by which threaded sections of oil field pipe are connected to form a coupled and sealed tubular connection having proper sealing positioning at proper make-up torque. A tubular coupling has box ends and an internal mid region which forms interior shoulder regions. A seal ring is received on the mid region and mates with the end faces of the coupling shoulder and with a centrally located groove on the shoulder. The pin ends of opposing sections of pipe are received within the oppositely arranged box ends of the coupling and are made-up to a final, desired make-up position. The final position and amount of squeeze on the seal ring are controlled by utilizing the contact between the pipe pin ends and the shoulder regions of the coupling.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining treatment effects of a randomized control trial (RCT) in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for determining treatment effects. The method includes steps for receiving data from a RCT, generating result data using a set of one or more generative models, and determining treatment effects for the RCT using the generated result data.

Abstract: A blower configured to be positioned in confined spaces and to provide ventilation of a fluid, such as temperature controlled air, is disclosed. In various embodiments, the blower is configured to have a reduced axial thickness, which can be desired in such confined spaces. In some embodiments, the blower has an integral filter, a wire channel for the routing of one or more wires, and/or an exposed backplate. In some embodiments, the blower has a snap-fit circuit board, containment system for mounting the motor, one or more vanes for directing fluid flow, shrouded impeller, and/or integrated connector.

Abstract: A landing station guidance-and-security system can include an environmental cover and/or a guide-and-security bar. In some embodiments, the landing station guidance-and-security system is integrated into a parcel-receiving device. In some embodiments, the landing station guidance-and-security system is configured to attach to a parcel-receiving device. In some embodiments, the guide-and-security bar includes a precision rod. In some embodiments, a drone landing station includes: a magnetic centering mechanism configured to center a drone and/or a package; sliding dovetail doors; a plow bar; at least one roll-up door; a first storage locker; a second storage locker; and/or a solid rear door configured to block access to the second storage locker from the first storage locker when the first storage locker is being accessed by a user.

Abstract: A landing pad receives and stores packages delivered from an aerial vehicle and awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The landing pad contains a landing platform with a trapdoor that leads to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle. The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment can be climate controlled. The landing pad can also have a transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar power generator as a source of electrical energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing random control trials in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for designing a target random control trial. The method includes steps for generating a set of prognostic scores for a set of samples. The set of prognostic scores includes prognostic scores at each of several points in time for each sample. The method includes assessing discrimination and bias metrics for the set of generative models based on a set of outcomes for the set of samples that includes outcomes at each of several points in time for each sample. The method includes determining a set of target trial parameters for a randomized control trial (RCT) based on the assessed discrimination and bias metrics, generating result data using the set of generative models, and determining treatment effects for the RCT using the generated result data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing random control trials in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for designing a target random control trial. The method includes steps for generating a set of prognostic scores for a set of samples. The set of prognostic scores includes prognostic scores at each of several points in time for each sample. The method includes assessing discrimination and bias metrics for the set of generative models based on a set of outcomes for the set of samples that includes outcomes at each of several points in time for each sample. The method includes determining a set of target trial parameters for a randomized control trial (RCT) based on the assessed discrimination and bias metrics, generating result data using the set of generative models, and determining treatment effects for the RCT using the generated result data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining treatment effects of a randomized control trial (RCT) in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for determining treatment effects. The method includes steps for receiving data from a RCT, generating result data using a set of one or more generative models, and determining treatment effects for the RCT using the generated result data.

Abstract: A landing pad receives and stores packages delivered from an aerial vehicle or awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The landing pad contains a landing platform with a trapdoor that leads to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle. The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment can be climate controlled. The landing pad can also have a transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar power generator as a source of electrical energy.

Abstract: A blower configured to be positioned in confined spaces and to provide ventilation of a fluid, such as temperature controlled air, is disclosed. In various embodiments, the blower is configured to have a reduced axial thickness, which can be desired in such confined spaces. In some embodiments, the blower has an integral filter, a wire channel for the routing of one or more wires, and/or an exposed backplate. In some embodiments, the blower has a snap-fit circuit board, containment system for mounting the motor, one or more vanes for directing fluid flow, shrouded impeller, and/or integrated connector.

Abstract: A landing station guidance-and-security system can include an environmental cover and/or a guide-and-security bar. In some embodiments, the landing station guidance-and-security system is integrated into a parcel-receiving device. In some embodiments, the landing station guidance-and-security system is configured to attach to a parcel-receiving device. In some embodiments, the guide-and-security bar includes a precision rod. In some embodiments, a drone landing station includes: a magnetic centering mechanism configured to center a drone and/or a package; sliding dovetail doors; a plow bar; at least one roll-up door; a first storage locker; a second storage locker; and/or a solid rear door configured to block access to the second storage locker from the first storage locker when the first storage locker is being accessed by a user.

Abstract: A landing pad receives and stores packages delivered from an aerial vehicle and awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The landing pad contains a landing platform with a trapdoor that leads to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle. The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment can be climate controlled. The landing pad can also have a transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar power generator as a source of electrical energy.

Abstract: One example method includes determining, based on criteria, a sustainability query for a supplier, where the criteria include standards identified by a client, types of suppliers specified by the client, and a maturity level of the supplier, prompting the supplier to respond to the sustainability query, receiving supplier responses to the sustainability query, creating a compliance score for the supplier based on the supplier responses to the sustainability query, and providing the compliance score to the client. Part, or all, of the method may be performed, for example, by an automated ESG mapping platform.

Abstract: A programmable radio frequency (RF) memory system includes a receiver designed to receive an RF pulse, a memory, a waveform transform module, and a transmitter. The memory stores a digitized version of the RF pulse. The waveform transform module is designed to determine one or more characteristics of the digitized version of the RF pulse, and based on the determined one or more characteristics, transform the digitized version of the RF pulse into a transformed signal. The transformed signal has at least one characteristic that is different than the one or more characteristics. The transmitter is designed to transmit an analog equivalent of the transformed signal. The analog equivalent of the transformed signal and the received RF pulse are coherent.