Abstract: Converting data formats in a storage system: converting first data in a first format to second data in a second format, wherein second data in the second format includes a reference to the first data, wherein the first data and the second data are associated with a dataset, including updating the second data to include: a reference to first data associated with a portion of the dataset that precedes a data-converted portion of the dataset; second data associated with the data-converted portion of the dataset, wherein the second data associated with the data-converted portion of the dataset is in the second data format; and a reference to first data associated with a portion of the dataset that follows the data-converted portion of the dataset; and replacing first data associated with the data-converted portion of the dataset with a reference to the second data associated with the data-converted portion of the dataset.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of forming solid state dual pore sensors which may be used for biopolymer sequencing and dual pore sensors formed therefrom. In one embodiment, a method of forming a dual pore sensor includes providing a pattern in a surface of a substrate. Generally, the pattern features two fluid reservoirs separated by a divider wall. The method further includes depositing a layer of sacrificial material into the two fluid reservoirs, depositing a membrane layer, patterning two nanopores through the membrane layer, removing the sacrificial material from the two fluid reservoirs, and patterning one or more fluid ports and a common chamber.

Abstract: An electronic indicator on a see-through optical scope indicates whether an optical system is canted. The indicator may include illuminable visual indicators positioned on opposite sides of a field of view through the optical scope. The indicator may be visual, haptic, or aural. The visual indicator may include one or more LEDs positioned on the periphery of the field of view, and may be optically coupled to an appropriate position on the face of the reticle using a suitable waveguide. The LEDs are coupled to a microprocessor which is, in turn, coupled to a solid-state electronic inclinometer that is incorporated into the internal structure of the optical system. The microprocessor is configured to selectively illuminate one or more of the visual indicators based on the output of the inclinometer, thereby indicating how the reticle is canted, if at all.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of forming solid state dual pore sensors which may be used for biopolymer sequencing and dual pore sensors formed therefrom. In one embodiment, a dual pore sensor features a substrate having a patterned surface comprising two recessed regions spaced apart by a divider wall and a membrane layer disposed on the patterned surface. The membrane layer, the divider wall, and one or more surfaces of each of the two recessed regions collectively define a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir. A first nanopore is disposed through a portion of the membrane layer disposed over the first fluid reservoir and a second nanopore is disposed through a portion of the membrane layer disposed over the second fluid reservoir. Herein, opposing surfaces of the divider wall are sloped to each form an angle of less than 90° with a respective reservoir facing surface of the membrane layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for an Internet of Things device registry display includes a user input processing circuit structured to interpret one or more user input command values, an Internet of Things Universal Identification (IoT UID) identification circuit structured to determine one or more IoT UIDs, based at least in part on the one or more user input command values, a device lookup circuit structured to: generate a query that includes the one or more IoT UIDs, and retrieve device property data corresponding to the one or more IoT UIDs, a query provisioning circuit structured to transmit the query to an IoT device registrar server, a device property processing circuit structured to interpret the device property data generated by the IoT device registrar server in response to the query, and a display circuit structured to display the device property data with the corresponding one or more IoT UIDs.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft coupled to a prime mover, a countershaft, main shaft, and an output shaft, with gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. A shift actuator selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. The shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing including the countershaft and the main shaft. An integrated actuator housing is operationally coupled to the shift actuator and a linear clutch actuator. The linear clutch actuator is a self-adjusting actuator, and the transmission includes a self-adjusting clutch.

Abstract: A reticle for an aiming device includes a number of holdover indicators on the reticle that may be individually selected; an input for receiving ballistics data; and a processor configured to, based at least in part on the received ballistics data, select one or more of the holdover indicators; and cause the selected holdover indicator or indicators to visibly change state on the reticle. Methods of operating a digital reticle are also described. Further disclosed is a system that includes the reticle above, as well as a rangefinder for providing range data and a ballistics calculator for providing ballistics data. Some variations include ballistics data stored in a memory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent pad comprising multiple layers. In particular, the absorbent pad of the present invention maintains skin dryness by absorbing moisture while preventing leakage to the skin or the bed linens, allowing air circulation at the surface of the patient's skin to prevent heat buildup, and is strong enough to allow the patient to be repositioned, even when the pad is wet. In a particular embodiment the first layer is comprised of a fluid-permeable, porous material, the second layer is disposed under the first layer and is comprised of at least one super absorbent material, and a base layer disposed under the second layer.

Abstract: A scraper blade for a conveyor belt system, the blade having a pair of parallel tubes in a core region of the blade, integrally molded into elastomeric material. A plurality of spacers are provided to maintain the tubes in parallel arrangement during the molding process. End mounts are secured to the ends of the tubes to facilitate mounting on holders of the conveyor belt system.

Abstract: Thermoelectric devices have an electrically conductive connector for connecting thermoelectric modules. The electrically conductive connector is a compliant mechanism having a first connecting region and a second connecting region that are rigid bodies and an elastically deformable region that is a flexible member positioned between the first and second connecting regions. The electrically conductive compliant mechanism connector enables facile manufacture and assembly of thermoelectric devices of various sizes and shapes that are conformable to irregularly shaped objects and body parts.

Abstract: An all-natural, moisturizing soap composition that allows for high vegetable butter fat content while also being capable of processing for high quality bar soap (moisturizing properties without sticky pellets, brittleness, cracking, and/or inhibition of lather formation) and a method for making the same and other soaps is provided. The soap composition may contain up to 50% vegetable butter fat(s). The semi-continuous process for saponification provides a fast and energy efficient alternative to prior art methods, while also allowing for high quality bar soap that contains a high content (up to 50%) of vegetable butter fat(s).

Abstract: A disc implant device can be provided in a generally planar rectangular sheet having a first elongated side, a second elongated side opposing the first elongated side, a first end, and a second end opposing the first end. The generally planar rectangular sheet is structured with alternating segments of joint ridges, each segment of joint ridges being configured to form a spacing joint segment and alternating segments of arm ridges, each arm segment being configured to form a plurality of radially extending arms, the joint segments providing flexibility to the device. When the disc implant is folded or rolled from its planar configuration to a generally cylindrical configuration, the arm segments are axially collapsible and radially expandable such that in such a configuration, the implant includes segments of radially expanded arms separated by spacing joint segments.

Abstract: A control system for an atmospheric balloon system includes a navigation parameter system having a meteorological characteristic input, a balloon kinematic monitor, an objective input and a parameter range generator configured to generate an altitude search range for the atmospheric balloon system based on air stream vectors, balloon kinematics, and a target balloon position. An onboard balloon control system is in communication with the navigation parameter system and includes a comparator to determine a course difference of a measured course relative to a course range. An altitude selection module selects a target altitude within the altitude search range having an air stream vector that decreases the course difference. A propulsion selection module is configured to select a propulsion value that decreases the course difference.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft coupled to a prime mover, a countershaft, main shaft, and an output shaft, with gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. The shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing including the countershaft and the main shaft. A shift control circuit operates a shift actuator using a first opposing pulse command and a first actuating pulse command, and releases pressure with shift actuating and opposing volumes of the shift actuator upon determining a shift completion event.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to antibodies binding to and neutralizing Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and methods for use thereof.

Abstract: Performing a non-disruptive upgrade of data in a storage system that includes a plurality of storage devices and a storage controller, including: creating new data in a new data format, wherein the new data includes a reference to old data in an old data format, wherein system software in the storage system can utilize data in the new data format and the old data format; determining that a portion of the volume has changed; and responsive to determining that the portion of the volume has changed, updating the new data to include a reference to old data associated with a portion of the volume that precedes the changed portion of the volume, new data associated with the changed portion of the volume, and a reference to old data associated with a portion of the volume that follows the changed portion of the volume.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions that are useful for enriching a particular population of nucleic acids (a “population of interest”) within a complex mixture of nucleic acids. The population of interest may make up a minor portion of a complex mixture of nucleic acids. The methods and compositions provided herein are useful for detecting, predicting, diagnosing, or monitoring a disease or disorder, particularly a disease or disorder caused by a foreign microbe or pathogen.

Abstract: A towed atmospheric balloon system includes an atmospheric balloon including a quantity of lift gas and a neutral buoyancy towing system coupled with the atmospheric balloon. The neutral buoyancy towing system includes one or more towing thrusters configured to move the towed atmospheric balloon system in a neutrally buoyant condition between altitudes, and a power source operatively coupled with the towing thruster. Wherein a composite mass of the towed atmospheric balloon system includes component masses of the atmospheric balloon and the neutral buoyancy towing system, and the composite mass is static and neutral buoyancy is maintained with movement between altitudes. At differing altitudes the composite mass of the towed atmospheric balloon system is static and the and the system remains neutrally buoyant.