Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system interface includes a voice-activated input that is configured to receive audible input from a user. A processor is configured to determine a response to the audible input based on a content of the audible input and at least one other factor. An output provides at least an audible indication of the determined response.

Abstract: Immersive, dynamic storytelling functionality is described. The stories may include elements (e.g., characters, settings, duration, etc.) based on information provided, including in real time, by the user or presentation environment, and may be presented by projecting visual or audio story elements into the space surrounding the user. For example, as a child tells a story about a jungle, the room is filled with images of foliage. Animals that live in the jungle may be suggested as characters. Stories may be contextually tailored based on information about the user, environment, storytelling conditions, or other context. For example, story duration and excitement level may be influenced by the time of day, such that a story presented ten minutes before bedtime is an appropriate duration and excitement level. In some cases, objects of the presentation environment are incorporated into the story, such as a character projected as though entering through an actual doorway.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes a platform and a plurality of supports configured to selectively engage a nearby structure. The plurality of supports include at least a first support and a second support. The first and second supports alternate between engaging the nearby structure to support the platform while the other one of the supports is disengaged from the nearby structure. At least one of the first and second supports is configured to move relative to the platform while engaging the nearby structure to cause vertical movement of the platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible intermodal container stacker, comprising: a stationary section and a movable section disposed adjacent the stationary section. The stationary section comprises: a substantially upright planar face part; and a side wall securing device configured to operatively connect to a first side wall of a collapsible intermodal container and to secure the first side wall in use against or with respect to the planar face part. The movable section comprises: a track extending substantially perpendicular to the planar face part; a carriage engaged with and movable along the track, the carriage being configured to attach to a second side wall of the collapsible intermodal container in use; and a lower wall moving device configured to operatively connect to a lower wall of the collapsible intermodal container and to move the lower wall in use such that the lower wall pivots upwards.

Abstract: Immersive, dynamic storytelling functionality is described. The stories may include elements (e.g., characters, settings, duration, etc.) based on information provided, including in real time, by the user or presentation environment, and may be presented by projecting visual or audio story elements into the space surrounding the user. For example, as a child tells a story about a jungle, the room is filled with images of foliage. Animals that live in the jungle may be suggested as characters. Stories may be contextually tailored based on information about the user, environment, storytelling conditions, or other context. For example, story duration and excitement level may be influenced by the time of day, such that a story presented ten minutes before bedtime is an appropriate duration and excitement level. In some cases, objects of the presentation environment are incorporated into the story, such as a character projected as though entering through an actual doorway.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal container includes first and second opposing side walls, the first side wall extending substantially parallel to the second side wall. Each of the first and second side walls having a lower end portion and an upper end portion. An upper wall is hingedly attached to the upper end portion of the first side wall, and a lower wall is hingedly attached to the lower end portion of the second side wall. In an erected configuration of the container, the upper wall extends from the upper end portion of the first side wall to the upper end portion of the second side wall, and the lower wall extends from the lower end portion of the second side wall to the lower end portion of the first side wall, such that the first and second side walls are spaced apart by a first distance to define an interior for storing goods.

Abstract: A method of assembling an aircraft assembly having a first member and a second member includes drilling at least one first opening through the first member, the at least one opening having a first diameter, and drilling at least one second opening through the second member, the at least one second opening having the first diameter. The method also includes forming a chamfer on the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening, the chamfer having a chamfer diameter, and positioning the first and second members to align the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening. The method further includes drilling the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening to a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a PIN diode connected between an antenna port and a receive port, a first shunt FET device connected between the receive port and ground, a first series FET device connected between the antenna port and a transmit port, a second shunt FET device connected between the transmit port and ground, and a plurality of bias control contacts configured to receive a corresponding plurality of bias control voltages to forward bias the first shunt FET device and the first series FET device into an ON state and to reverse bias the PIN diode and the second shunt FET device into an OFF state in a transmit mode, and to reverse bias the first shunt FET device and the first series FET device into the OFF state and to forward bias the PIN diode and the second shunt FET device into the ON state in a receive mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a flexible, adjustable, collar. The collar includes a flexible member having a first end and a second end. A plurality of surface features, each having a raised portion on the upper surface the flexible member and a corresponding recessed portion on the lower surface of the flexible member, extend from the first end along the longitudinal axis of the flexible member. An attachment channel to accommodate the passage of the first end of the flexible member is disposed proximate the second end of the flexible member. An attachment feature having a physical geometry corresponding to the recessed portion of the surface feature is disposed on the bottom portion of the attachment channel. As the first end of the flexible member is passed through the attachment channel, the attachment feature engages the recessed portion of each of the surface features.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for keyword bidding in a market cooperative are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes receiving a keyword bid from a first party; determining a value to a host associated with the keyword bid; augmenting the keyword bid by an amount corresponding to the value to the host; and sending the augmented keyword bid to a second party.

Abstract: An electronic or electrical device or component thereof having a coating formed thereon by exposing said electronic or electrical device or component thereof to a plasma comprising one or more monomer compounds for a sufficient period of time to allow a protective polymeric coating to form on a surface thereof; wherein the protective polymeric coating forms a physical barrier over a surface of the electronic or electrical device or component thereof; wherein each monomer is a compound of formula I(a): or a compound of formula I(b)

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic or electrical device or component thereof comprising a cross-linked polymeric coating on a surface of the electronic or electrical device or component thereof; wherein the cross-linked polymeric coating is obtainable by exposing the electronic or electrical device or component thereof to a plasma comprising a monomer compound and a crosslinking reagent for a period of time sufficient to allow formation of the cross-linked polymeric coating on a surface thereof, wherein the monomer compound has the following formula: where R1, R2 and R4 are each independently selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted branched or straight chain C1-C6 alkyl or halo alkyl or aryl optionally substituted by halo, and R3 is selected from: where each X is independently selected from hydrogen, a halogen, optionally substituted branched or straight chain C1-C6 alkyl, halo alkyl or aryl optionally substituted by halo; and n1 is an integer from 1 to 27; and wherein the crosslinkin

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal container includes first and second opposing parallel side walls, and an upper wall and a lower wall. The container has an erected configuration in which the upper wall extends from an upper end portion of the first side wall to an upper end portion of the second side wall, and the lower wall extends from a lower end portion of the second side wall to a lower end portion of the first side wall. In a collapsed configuration, the upper wall extends downwardly from the upper end portion of the first side wall to the lower end portion of the first side wall, and the lower wall extends upwardly from the lower end portion of the second side wall to the upper end portion of the second side wall. Front and rear end assemblies close front and rear ends of the container in the erected configuration and are engageable with the second side wall to secure the first side wall with respect to the second side wall.

Abstract: A method of assisting an individual using a robot concierge system including: determining that the individual is in need of assistance using a sensor system of a robot assigned to the conveyance system; and assisting the individual through the robot.

Abstract: A method of collecting data using a robot data collection system including: collecting data on a landing of a building using a sensor system of a robot; transmitting the data to a conveyance system of the building; and adjusting operation of the conveyance system in response to the data.

Abstract: A method of operating a first elevator system including a first elevator car including detecting an individual using a sensor system of a first robot; and notifying a dispatcher of the first elevator system that the individual was detected.

Abstract: A method of controlling a first elevator system comprising a first elevator car is including: receiving a first elevator call from a first robot for the first elevator system to transport the first robot from a first elevator bank on a landing to a destination landing; and adjusting operation of at least one of the first robot and the first elevator system.

Abstract: A method of communication between a robot and an elevator system using a robot communication system including: collecting data on a landing of a building using a sensor system of the robot; and transmitting the data to the elevator system of the building, the data being transmitted to the elevator system directly from the robot, through a cloud computing network, or through a building system manager.

Abstract: Techniques for performing configuration may include: determining an initial distribution of logical devices among disk adapters, wherein the initial distribution assigns each logical device a designated disk adapter as a primary active disk adapter servicing I/Os directed to the logical device, wherein the logical devices have storage provisioned from a RAID group including physical storage devices, wherein the disk adapters concurrently issue I/Os to each of the physical storage devices; detecting a configuration change; and responsive to detecting a configuration change, performing first processing. The first processing may include determining, in accordance with the configuration change, a redistribution of the logical devices among the disk adapters; and draining pending I/Os. The configuration change may include adding or removing a logical device provisioned from the RAID group.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for vascular access via the tributaries. A single lumen catheter, with a bidirectional valve at the tip is disclosed. Flow is out the longitudinal tip of the catheter and not the sides. The two-way valve will act passively but has low opening and closing pressures. A method utilizing endo-to-side port placement of said catheter in vasculature is disclosed. Anastomosis methods are described using said catheter.