Abstract: Methods and apparatus for long read, label-free, optical nanopore long chain molecule sequencing. In general, the present disclosure describes a novel sequencing technology based on the integration of nanochannels to deliver single long-chain molecules with widely spaced (>wavelength), ˜1-nm aperture “tortuous” nanopores that slow translocation sufficiently to provide massively parallel, single base resolution using optical techniques. A novel, directed self-assembly nanofabrication scheme using simple colloidal nanoparticles is used to form the nanopore arrays atop nanochannels that unfold the long chain molecules. At the surface of the nanoparticle array, strongly localized electromagnetic fields in engineered plasmonic/polaritonic structures allow for single base resolution using optical techniques.

Abstract: An accessory for use with a portable container includes a jacket configured to extend around at least a portion of the sidewall of the container, the jacket including a plurality of modular sections formed separately and connected together around the at least a portion of the sidewall of the container. The modular sections include a first modular section having extending around a first portion of the sidewall of the container, a second modular section connected to the first modular section and extending around a second portion of the sidewall of the container, and at least one additional modular section extending around a third portion of the sidewall of the container. The first and second modular sections have different structural configurations. The accessory also includes a first connection member connected to the jacket and configured to support the jacket in connection with the container.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing a composite member. The system and methods are configured to move different types of composite plies from different supply stations. The composite plies are moved along a conveyance member and then with a transfer station to a forming tool. One or more forming members form the composite plies onto the forming tool.

Abstract: Methods of making an aerosol container having an open neck at the top and a closed end bottom longitudinally spaced therefrom. The container has a valve cup and bag. The valve cup and bag are integral. The valve cup is attachable to the neck in sealing relationship. This arrangement provides for propellant to be disposed intermediate the container and bag. Product can be disposed in the bag for selective dispensing by a user actuated valve.

Abstract: Methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and verifier and/or prover devices or query verification apparatuses are disclosed that generate a first commitment from received data and send the received data to a prover device for insertion into a table of a database. A query result and an overall proof are received from the prover device in response to a received query forwarded to the prover device and associated with the database table. The overall proof is generated from one or more partial proofs comprising one or more commitments generated from one or more intermediate values. The query result and an indication the query result was verified are returned in response to the received query after verifying the query result based on a second commitment to the query result generated using the first commitment and the overall proof.

Abstract: Automated, environmentally monitored and controlled storage units and systems for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of products, particularly temperature sensitive pharmaceutical and/or other high-value products, be they temperature sensitive or not. Such automated storage units contain an array of independently addressable holding locations for containers with product in one or more environmentally monitored (e.g., for temperature, humidity, etc.) and controlled zones fitted with appropriate environmental sensors. In preferred embodiments, the automated storage units also include a reader to track product information and status. Product loading, retrieval, and movement within such automated storage units is performed by a computer-controlled robot. A user interface device, preferably in communication with an application service provider to provide remotely managed inventory management and other services, provides users with inventory- and product-specific information.

Abstract: A needle bending assembly configured to at least temporarily contain a needle can include a first housing section, a second housing section, and a coupling element coupled between the first housing section and the second housing section. The first housing section defines a first cavity configured to at least temporarily contain a first section of the needle. The second housing section defines a second cavity configured to at least temporarily contain a second section of the needle forming a distal tip. The coupling element is configured such that when the needle is contained within the housing sections, movement of the second housing section relative to the first housing section results in a bending of the needle at a location corresponding to the coupling element.

Abstract: Methods, non-transitory computer-readable media, and query verification apparatuses are disclosed that receive a result vector, an index to the result vector, a range proof, and an inner product proof from a prover device after providing a query vector to the prover device. The prover device hosts a vector database with rows and columns. Second and third commitments to a distance vector and a random linear combination vector, respectively, are generated based on a first commitment to the rows. The range proof is checked using the second commitment and the inner product proof is checked using the third commitment and a generator used to generate the first commitment and identified based on the index. The result vector is returned after confirming that it is one of the rows and each of the rows is as far from the query vector as the result vector based on the check of the proofs.

Abstract: The disclosure refers to a method for producing a coated plastic article, the method comprising: nnnnn. providing a plastic substrate having at least a first and second surface; ooooo. depositing on the plastic substrate a decorative coating comprising a metal or metal alloy layer, using physical vapor deposition; and ppppp. applying a protective coating to at least the first surface of the plastic article, wherein there is no plasma pre-treatment of the plastic substrate prior to deposition of the decorative coating. Further, the disclosure refers to a coated plastic article comprising; a plastic substrate having a first and second surface, a decorative coating comprising a metal or metal alloy layer deposited directly on the plastic substrate and a protective coating applied to the first surface of the plastic article, wherein the residual stress of the decorative coating is tensile, and the coated plastic article passes the SAEJ2527 accelerated UV test.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a set of feature vectors can be derived from any biometric data, and then using a deep neural network (“DNN”) on those one-way homomorphic encryptions (i.e., each biometrics' feature vector) an authentication system can determine matches or execute searches on encrypted data. Each biometrics' feature vector can then be stored and/or used in conjunction with respective classifications, for use in subsequent comparisons without fear of compromising the original biometric data. In various embodiments, the original biometric data is discarded responsive to generating the encrypted values. In another embodiment, the homomorphic encryption enables computations and comparisons on cypher text without decryption of the encrypted feature vectors. Security of such privacy enable biometrics can be increased by implementing an assurance factor (e.g., liveness) to establish a submitted biometric has not been spoofed or faked.

Abstract: An accessory for use with a portable container includes a jacket configured to extend around at least a portion of the sidewall of the container, the jacket including a plurality of modular sections formed separately and connected together around the at least a portion of the sidewall of the container. The modular sections include a first modular section having extending around a first portion of the sidewall of the container, a second modular section connected to the first modular section and extending around a second portion of the sidewall of the container, and at least one additional modular section extending around a third portion of the sidewall of the container. The first and second modular sections have different structural configurations. The accessory also includes a first connection member connected to the jacket and configured to support the jacket in connection with the container.

Abstract: Provided is a process including: obtaining criteria to select plain-text values in a lower-trust database; selecting, based on the criteria, a first plain-text value; in response, determining a first reference value; storing the first plain-text value in a higher-trust database in a second entry identified by the first reference value; storing the first reference value in the first entry of the lower-trust database; selecting another instance of the first plain-text value stored requested to be stored in a third entry in the lower-trust database; and in response, storing the first reference value in the third entry.

Abstract: A method of providing and processing an ultrasound capable endoscope assembly that uses an endoscope having a proximal and a distal end, and that has been used previously. The endoscope is cleansed to a level appropriate for re-use within a human body. The method also uses an unused ultrasound assembly, sealed in antiseptic packaging, and which includes a multiple signal pathway connector; an ultrasound transducer head including an ultrasound transducer; and a set of signal pathways, extending from the ultrasound transducer to the multiconductor electrical connector. In the method, the ultrasound assembly is to the endoscope, so that the set of signal pathways extends along the elongate body of the endoscope and the ultrasound transducer head is attached at the distal end. After use, the ultrasound assembly is detached from the endoscope and permanently disposed.

Abstract: Sensors, methods, and computer program products for air bubble detection are provided. An example method includes determining a first moving average for a first period of time based upon first temperature data and determining a second moving average for the first period of time based upon second temperature data. The method includes determining a first air presence parameter based upon a comparison between the first temperature data and the first moving average and a comparison between the second temperature data and the second moving average. The method includes determining a second air presence parameter based upon a comparison between the first temperature data, the second temperature data, and calibrated air thresholds. The method includes determining a third air presence parameter based upon a comparison between a first temperature data entry and each second temperature data entry. An air bubble within a fluid flow system is detected based upon the parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a supply of air at positive pressure for the amelioration or treatment of a respiratory disorder includes a first chamber, a second chamber, at least one inlet tube structured and configured to allow ambient air to enter the first chamber, at least one flow tube structured and configured to allow air to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a blower structured and configured to produce a flow of air at positive pressure. The blower is positioned in the first chamber and structured and configured to receive air from the second chamber. The blower includes a housing structured and configured to sealingly separate air flow through an interior of the housing from the first chamber. The at least one inlet tube is axially spaced from the at least one flow tube.

Abstract: Example systems, methods, and apparatus, including cognitive platforms, are provided for applying signal detection metrics in computer-implemented adaptive response-deadline procedures to data collected based at least in part on user interaction(s) with computerized tasks and/or interferences. The apparatus can include a response classifier for generating a quantifier of the cognitive abilities of an individual. The apparatus also can be configured to adapt the tasks and/or interferences to enhance the individual's cognitive abilities.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed configured to control the planting, application of pesticides, and harvesting of greenhouse crops, such as herbs. The greenhouse may include a variety of sensors, such as moisture sensors, ph sensors, and/or CO2 sensors. Unmanned vehicles may be utilized to capture crop images, and a learning engine may be used to determine the size of greenhouse crops. Such sensor data may be used to predict crop availability. A prediction engine may be utilized to predict demand for greenhouse crops using current and historical orders for greenhouse crops. Greenhouse crop production instructions may be generated and transmitted to a greenhouse computer system to cause crops to be sown or harvested. Pallet loading instructions may be generated regarding the loading of specified quantities of crop packs on respective pallets for shipment to a destination.

Abstract: In some examples, a computing device can include a processor resource and a non-transitory memory resource storing machine-readable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor resource to: activate a silent mode for the computing device when a videoconference is initiated, set a threshold volume and designated frequency range for the computing device, deactivate the silent mode for the computing device when a microphone associated with the computing device receives a sound that exceeds the threshold volume and is within the designated frequency range, send the received sound to other users of the videoconference, and activate the silent mode for the computing device when the computing device stops receiving the sound.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a set of feature vectors can be derived from any biometric data, and then using a deep neural network (“DNN”) on those one-way homomorphic encryptions (i.e., each biometrics' feature vector) can determine matches or execute searches on encrypted data. Each biometrics' feature vector can then be stored and/or used in conjunction with respective classifications, for use in subsequent comparisons without fear of compromising the original biometric data. In various embodiments, the original biometric data is discarded responsive to generating the encrypted values. In another embodiment, the homomorphic encryption enables computations and comparisons on cypher text without decryption. This improves security over conventional approaches. Searching biometrics in the clear on any system, represents a significant security vulnerability. In various examples described herein, only the one-way encrypted biometric data is available on a given device.