Abstract: A rail worker protection system having a first device configured to generate and send an identification code, a second device configured to transmit a request to the first device and to transmit a signal to one or more remote devices, and the remote device able to issue alarms to rail workers upon reception of the signal from the second device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of making a diagnostic test strip, the method including marking a machine-readable pattern onto the diagnostic test strip which contains information that allows a meter designed to work with the test strip to convert raw signal data from the diagnostic test strip into a meaningful concentration value for an analyte of interest. The method further includes printing the machine-readable pattern having a modified based code that is different from a base code of the diagnostic test strip being produced, wherein the modified based code is based on a strip geometry parameter, a chemistry parameter or both the strip geometry and chemistry parameters that are measured for the diagnostic test strip.

Abstract: Electromechanical polymer (EMP) actuators are used to create haptic effects on a user interface deface, such as a keyboard. The keys of the keyboard may be embossed in a top layer to provide better key definition and to house the EMP actuator. Specifically, an EMP actuator is housed inside an embossed graphic layer that covers a key of the keyboard. Such a keyboard has a significant user interface value. For example, the embossed key provides the tactile effect of the presence of a key with edges, while allowing for the localized control of haptic vibrations. For such applications, an EMP transducer provides high strains, vibrations or both under control of an electric field. Furthermore, the EMP transducer can generate strong vibrations. When the frequency of the vibrations falls within the acoustic range, the EMP transducer can generate audible sound, thereby functioning as an audio speaker.

Abstract: Techniques for occluding augmented reality objects are described in various implementations. In one example implementation, a method may include receiving an image captured by an image capture device and identifying a foreground object depicted in the image. The foreground object may be free of fiducial markers and may be positioned between the image capture device and a background depicted in the image. The method may also include generating an augmented reality image depicting an augmented reality object at least partially occluded by the foreground object such that, when the augmented reality image is displayed, the augmented reality object appears to be positioned behind the foreground object.

Abstract: At least a computer-implemented method and an apparatus for processing an image are described. In examples, numeric values for at least one property of the image are determined. These values are then converted into at least one corresponding text character, said conversion being independent of any text content within the image. This enables a text representation of the image to be generated that contains said plurality of text characters. This text representation may be used to index and search for the image.

Abstract: A cattle curtain utilizing a wicking action to displace concentrated insecticide to be wiped on animals as they pass through an animal pathway. The cattle curtain includes a reservoir body for holding the concentrated insecticide. A series of ropes is secured within the reservoir body, and the series of ropes is secured through fittings, whereby a metal pin is inserted through each rope. A valve disposed on top of the reservoir body to control flow of the concentrated insecticide into the series of ropes.

Abstract: A system and method for voice based social networking is disclosed. The system receives a voice message (and frequently an image) and ultimately delivers it to one or multiple users, placing it within an ongoing context of conversations. The voice and image may be recorded by various devices and the data transmitted in a variety of formats. An alternative implementation places some system functionality in a mobile device such as a smartphone or wearable device, with the remaining functionality resident in system servers attached to the internet. The system can apply rules to select and limit the voice data flowing to each user; rules prioritize the messages using context information such as user interest and user state. An image is fused to the voice message to form a comment. Additional image or voice annotation (or both) identifying the sender may be attached to the comment. Fused image(s) and voice annotation allow the user to quickly deduce the context of the comment.

Abstract: Described is a method for converting power including controlling operation of a plurality of series connected modules including a DC power sources and storage devices such that the total voltage across the series connected modules includes an AC signal. A storage parameter is defined based on a sum of a function of the voltages in the storage devices in the modules and one or more voltage control levels are defined for each of or a plurality of the storage devices. An average current drawn from the series connected modules over a time period is set such that the storage parameter approaches a target value. The target value is decreased for a subsequent time period in the event that none the voltage control levels are reached and increased in the event that one or more of the voltage control levels are reached.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toilet that includes a liquid level sensor on the surface of a flush jet fill tube. The liquid level sensor is a noncontact electrical impedance sensor that is an electrical capacitor. The capacitor may be used alone or with other volume sensors to detect volume of materials added to a toilet bowl. Some embodiments include a processor which records data and provides reports that may be clinically useful to assess the user's health status. The temporal nature of the liquid level sensor measurements is particularly useful because urination or defecation may be measured over time. Not only are total volumes detected but rates at which waste is deposited into the toilet during the entire excretion event are detected. These measurements are particularly useful in assessing certain health conditions.

Abstract: Electromechanical polymer (EMP) actuators are used to create haptic effects on a user interface deface, such as a keyboard. The keys of the keyboard may be embossed in a top layer to provide better key definition and to house the EMP actuator. Specifically, an EMP actuator is housed inside an embossed graphic layer that covers a key of the keyboard. Such a keyboard has a significant user interface value. For example, the embossed key provides the tactile effect of the presence of a key with edges, while allowing for the localized control of haptic vibrations. For such applications, an EMP transducer provides high strains, vibrations or both under control of an electric field. Furthermore, the EMP transducer can generate strong vibrations. When the frequency of the vibrations falls within the acoustic range, the EMP transducer can generate audible sound, thereby functioning as an audio speaker.

Abstract: Systems and methods of making a diagnostic test strip, the method including marking a machine-readable pattern onto the diagnostic test strip which contains information that allows a meter designed to work with the test strip to convert raw signal data from the diagnostic test strip into a meaningful concentration value for an analyte of interest. The method further includes printing the machine-readable pattern having a modified based code that is different from a base code of the diagnostic test strip being produced, wherein the modified based code is based on a strip geometry parameter, a chemistry parameter or both the strip geometry and chemistry parameters that are measured for the diagnostic test strip.

Abstract: A clutch comprises an input shaft, an output shaft and a biasing member. The biasing member is arranged to provide a biasing force that allows torque transfer from the input shaft to the output shaft via one or more input friction plates and one or more output friction plates. Rotation of the output shaft may cause the biasing force to vary to adjust the maximum torque setting of the clutch during reeling-in or reeling-out of a winch cable around a winch drum. A retainer may be included in the clutch which retains the biasing member in operative connection with the output shaft and translates axially relative to the input shaft upon rotation of the output shaft. The axial translation may cause the biasing force to vary by varying the compression of the biasing member.

Abstract: A splined coupling comprises a radially inner shaft and a radially outer shaft having a cavity for receiving the inner shaft. First splines are provided on a radially outwardly facing surface of the inner shaft. Second splines are provided on a radially inwardly facing surface of the cavity of the outer shaft. The first splines are slidably engaged with the second splines. At least one biasing element, for example a diaphragm is arranged to act between the radially inner and radially outer shafts for locating the first splines in a desired axial position relative to the second splines and to provide a biasing force resisting the axial movement of the first splines relative to the second splines upon relative axial movement of the inner and outer shafts.

Abstract: A clutch comprises an input shaft, an output shaft and a biasing member. The biasing member is arranged to provide a biasing force that allows torque transfer from the input shaft to the output shaft via one or more input friction plates and one or more output friction plates. Rotation of the output shaft may cause the biasing force to vary to adjust the maximum torque setting of the clutch during reeling-in or reeling-out of a winch cable around a winch drum. A retainer may be included in the clutch which retains the biasing member in operative connection with the output shaft and translates axially relative to the input shaft upon rotation of the output shaft. The axial translation may cause the biasing force to vary by varying the compression of the biasing member.

Abstract: Systems and methods of making a diagnostic test strip, the method including marking a machine-readable pattern onto the diagnostic test strip which contains information that allows a meter designed to work with the test strip to convert raw signal data from the diagnostic test strip into a meaningful concentration value for an analyte of interest. The method further includes printing the machine-readable pattern having a modified based code that is different from a base code of the diagnostic test strip being produced, wherein the modified based code is based on a strip geometry parameter, a chemistry parameter or both the strip geometry and chemistry parameters that are measured for the diagnostic test strip.

Abstract: A housing (10) comprising a main body including first and second side walls (16, 17) and first and second end walls (18, 19) extending between ends of the first and second side walls (16, 17). A plurality of mounting portions (26) are provided adjacent junction between the side walls (16, 17) and the end walls (18, 19). Bores (28) are provided in each of the mounting portions (26 and slots (36) are provided extending through outer surfaces of the mounting portions (26) into the bore (28). An elongate member of a frame (13) is receivable in the slots (28) of two or more of the mounting portions (26) such that fasteners (34) received in the bores (28) of said mounting portions (26) engage with the elongate member to secure the housing (12) to the frame (13).

Abstract: A universal joint comprises an input shaft comprising at one end thereof a first pair of arms and an output shaft comprising at one end thereof a second pair of arms. Respective opposed first pivot pins are provided on the distal ends of the first pair of arms and aligned along a first axis (P1). Respective opposed second pivot pins are provided on the distal ends of the second pair of opposed arms and aligned along a second axis (P2), the second axis (P2) being perpendicular to the first axis (P1). The joint further comprises a compliant ring extending around the input and output shafts and having first and second pairs of opposed openings for receiving the first and second pivot pins.

Abstract: A client device receives from a user, in an application associated with a social networking service provided by a server system, a first user input for creating a first post on a social networking system. In response to the first user input, a plurality of icons for selection by the user are displayed. A selection of a first icon from the plurality of icons is received from the user. The first post including a first image associated with the user is posted to the social networking system. The first image includes the first icon overlaying at least a portion of a profile picture of the user.

Abstract: A rail worker protection system having a first device configured to generate and send an identification code, a second device configured to transmit a request to the first device and to transmit a signal to one or more remote devices, and the remote device able to issue alarms to rail workers upon reception of the signal from the second device.

Abstract: Improved podcasts and techniques that facilitate their use are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to creating, publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts. According to one aspect, a client application can subscribe to podcasts and then automatically monitor the podcasts for updates to be downloaded. In the event that user interest in a podcast becomes inadequate, downloading of further updates can be restricted. According to another aspect, a podcast can be subscribed to through use of a portable subscription file. According to still another aspect, podcast feeds can be enhanced to include segment elements and other metadata.