Abstract: An actuator is introduced that utilizes the forces that result from placing a current carrying coil in a magnetic field to rotate a connected object about at least one axis. In some embodiments, the introduced coil actuator includes a coil of conductor coupled to an arm or other type of structural element that extends radially from an axis of rotation. The introduced coil actuator can be utilized to provide motion control in a variety of different applications such as gimbal mechanisms. In some embodiments, the introduced coil actuator can be implemented in a gimbal mechanism for adjusting an orientation of a device such as a camera relative to a connected platform such as the body of an aerial vehicle.

Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a stabilization system configured, in some embodiments, for stabilizing image capture from an aerial vehicle (e.g., a UAV). According to some embodiments, the stabilization systems employs both active and passive stabilization means. A passive stabilization assembly includes a counter-balanced suspension system that includes an elongated arm that extends into and is coupled to the body of a vehicle. The counter-balanced suspension system passively stabilizes a mounted device such as an image capture device to counter motion of the UAV while in use. In some embodiment the counter-balanced suspension system passively stabilizes a mounted image capture assembly that includes active stabilization means (e.g., a motorized gimbal and/or electronic image stabilization). In some embodiments, the active and passive stabilization means operate together to effectively stabilize a mounted image capture device to counter a wide range of motion characteristics.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a virtual draft framework that can be used to provide a controlled randomized virtual draft process by using virtual profile groups to selectively control the amount of randomness during the virtual draft process. The virtual draft can include of a predetermined number of rounds. In each round one or more virtual players can be drafted to a virtual team. Each draft round can provide a player with the opportunity to select a virtual characters that will be used within the game application.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of recipient address selection, for example, for electronic mail (email). The method involves entering characters into a recipient address field to generate a recipient address list comprising recipient address options. A selection is received from a user for a recipient address in the recipient address list. After the user has selected a recipient address from the recipient address list, one or more rules are checked to determine whether they have been satisfied. The selected recipient address is entered into the recipient address field depending on if the one or more rules have been satisfied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication system (1), comprising at least one housing (2) having a first and an additional housing part (201, 202). In the housing (2), a circuit board (10) having electronic components (11) is arranged, and outside the housing (2), at least one antenna element is arranged. The invention is characterized in that an antenna support (7) that is connectable to the housing (2) is provided, wherein the at least one antenna element (14) is arranged on the surface and/or inside the antenna support (7).

Abstract: A dispensing assembly that can include first and second elements is provided. The first element can define a first outlet through which a first liquid is dispensed. The second element can define a second outlet through which a second liquid is dispensed. The first liquid can form an internal liquid stream when dispensed through the first outlet. The second liquid can form an annular liquid column around the internal liquid stream when dispensed through the second outlet.

Abstract: An intermediate connector is provided for coupling to a set of illuminating modules. The intermediate connector has a set of connector arms, wherein each arm has an end that projects over a length from a body of the intermediate connector; a shape to fit into an opening of a corresponding illuminating module to provide, when the arm is seated in the illuminating module, both an electrical connection and a mechanical connection to the corresponding illuminating module; and an external wall with a taper along the length, wherein the end has a cross sectional area, including an areal quantity attributable to thickness of the external wall, that is smaller than a cross sectional area of the opening of the corresponding illuminating module.

Abstract: A photonic structure can include in one aspect one or more waveguides formed by patterning of waveguiding material adapted to propagate light energy. Such waveguiding material may include one or more of silicon (single-, poly-, or non-crystalline) and silicon nitride.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method of manipulating tissue of a patient includes a body, a shaft assembly extending distally therefrom, and an end effector extending distally from the shaft assembly and configured to receive a cartridge for manipulating tissue. The end effector has a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a gap between the distal and proximal end portions, and a retaining pin. The retaining pin includes a distal head and is selectively movable from an open position to a locked closed position. In the open position, the retaining pin is proximally positioned such that the gap is configured to receive tissue. In the locked closed position, the retaining pin extends across the gap and is configured to capture tissue within the gap. The distal head of the retaining pin is configured engage and secure the distal end portion relative to the proximal end portion via the retaining pin.

Abstract: A modular lighting system includes a set of interconnected reconfigurable illuminating modules and corresponding intermediate connectors. Each illuminating module includes a light source and at least one connecting area. Each connecting area includes an illuminating module coupling assembly having at least one ferromagnetic member and having electrically conductive members electrically coupled to the light source. Each intermediate connector has a plurality of intermediate connector coupling assemblies electrically coupled to one another. Each intermediate connector coupling assembly includes a ferromagnetic component that is configured to be magnetically coupled with the ferromagnetic member so that one intermediate connector coupling assembly is electrically coupled to one illuminating module coupling assembly, and the two coupling assemblies are held in electrical contact with one another by magnetic force.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for forming a plurality of staples in tissue of a patient includes a body having a firing mechanism, a shaft assembly, an end effector with an anvil, and a cartridge received within the end effector that is operatively connected to the firing mechanism. The cartridge includes a cartridge housing having a plurality of staple slots, a plurality of staples respectively positioned within the plurality of staple slots, and a driver assembly. The driver assembly has a plurality of drivers respectively supporting the plurality of staples within the plurality of staple slots. The firing mechanism is configured to selectively move the plurality of drivers distally toward the anvil for forming the plurality of staples therebetween. At least one driver of the plurality of drivers has a variable distal height relative to at least another driver of the plurality of drivers in a predetermined variable height pattern.

Abstract: A high-voltage device has an inner conductor and an insulating member that surrounds the inner conductor along the longitudinal direction thereof. In order to increase the reliability of the high-voltage device, at least one optical waveguide rests against the inner conductor in at least some sections, extends out of the insulating member and can be connected to an evaluation unit for recording measured temperature values. Furthermore a method measures a temperature of the inner conductor of the high-voltage device.

Abstract: A photonic structure can include in one aspect one or more waveguides formed by patterning of waveguiding material adapted to propagate light energy. Such waveguiding material may include one or more of silicon (single-, poly-, or non-crystalline) and silicon nitride.