Abstract: Examples described herein describe a battery charger for a transaction card. According to some implementations, a charging device may detect a transaction card is received within a charging slot when an integrated circuit (IC) chip of the transaction card is in contact with a charging terminal; request a user device to provide power to charge the transaction card via the charging terminal, wherein the user device is communicatively coupled to the charging terminal; receive the power from the user device; and provide the power to the transaction card to charge a battery of the transaction card.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining causal models for controlling environments. One of the methods includes repeatedly selecting control settings for the environment based on (i) a causal model that identifies causal relationships between possible settings for controllable elements in the environment and environment responses that reflect a performance of the control system in controlling the environment and (ii) current values of a set of internal parameters; and during the repeatedly selecting: monitoring environment responses to the selected control settings; determining, based on the environment responses, an indication that one or more properties of the environment have changed; and in response, modifying the current values of one or more of the internal parameters.

Abstract: Multi-functional power distribution unit transitionable between different configurations and form factors to perform various power storage and distribution functions. Conversion cap attaches to a top of an expansion battery to convert the expansion battery into the multi-functional power distribution unit. A three-point coupling arrangement safely connects two power connectors (such as spring-loaded) of the expansion cap to two terminals on the expansion battery. Slidable/rotatable handles provide a gripping area for carrying the device yet remain unobstructive when stored. The multi-functional power distribution unit expands a power capacity of a power supply and/or generator (e.g., a solar-based power generator) and/or charges the expansion battery in a first configuration with the expansion cap connected to the power generator. Upon disconnecting from the power generator, the multi-functional power distribution unit transitions to a second configuration providing a standalone power supply (e.g.

Abstract: A device may include a processor, a wireless transceiver in communication with the processor, and a non-transitory memory. The memory may store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform processing. The processing may include receiving a command configured to be executed by an external user device. The external user device and the user device may be members of a network of trust. The processing may include detecting, by the wireless transceiver, a plurality of member devices of the network of trust in communication range of the device. The processing may include sending, by the wireless transceiver, the command to each of the plurality of member devices.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining causal models for controlling environments. One of the methods includes repeatedly selecting, by a control system for the environment, control settings for the environment based on internal parameters of the control system, wherein: at least some of the control settings for the environment are selected based on a causal model, and the internal parameters include a first set of internal parameters that define a number of previously received performance metric values that are used to generate the causal model for a particular controllable element; obtaining, for each selected control setting, a performance metric value; determining that generating the causal model for the particular controllable element would result in higher system performance; and adjusting, based on the determining, the first set of internal parameters.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a near-field communication (NFC) component, a security component, a wireless component, one or more memories, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories. The device receives a signal from a user device attempting to access a secure application, and energizes the NFC component based on the signal received from the user device. The device causes the security component to generate an encrypted code based on the NFC component being energized, and provides, via the security component, the encrypted code to the wireless component. The device provides, via the wireless component, the encrypted code to the user device to permit the user device to utilize the encrypted code as authentication for accessing the secure application.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining causal models for controlling environments. One of the methods includes identifying a procedural instance; determining a temporal extent for the procedural instance based on temporal extent parameters for the one or more entities in the procedural instance; selecting control settings for the procedural instance; monitoring environment responses to the control settings that are received for the one or more entities; determining which of the environment responses to attribute to the procedural instance in a causal model; and adjusting, based at least in part on the environment responses that are attributed to the procedural instance, the temporal extent parameters for the one or more entities.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for using multicomputer data transferring to active contactless communication. In one example, such a system may include at least one memory storing instructions and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to perform one or more operations, the operations including: receiving a transaction associated with a merchant on a list of merchants stored in the at least one memory; determining, based on the merchant, a remote server associated with the merchant; assembling a data packet including an identifier of the contactless card and an identifier of the transaction; transmitting the data packet to the determined server across one or more computer networks; receiving confirmation from the determined sever in response to the data packet; and transmitting the confirmation to a user device associated with the transaction.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining causal models for controlling environments. One of the methods includes repeatedly selecting control settings for the environment based on (i) a causal model that identifies causal relationships between possible settings for controllable elements in the environment and environment responses that reflect a performance of the control system in controlling the environment and (ii) current values of a set of internal parameters; and during the repeatedly selecting: monitoring environment responses to the selected control settings; determining, based on the environment responses, an indication that one or more properties of the environment have changed; and in response, modifying the current values of one or more of the internal parameters.

Abstract: A mechanical assembly to precisely position large objects and align them to be joined with other objects with precision. The assembly does not require power to operate and can therefore be used in a variety of remote and harsh locations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for charging a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone. The apparatus includes a bag that has a phone pocket to receive the portable electronic device. The bag further has a charging device pocket to receive a charging device. The charging device has wireless charging circuitry for charging the portable electronic device within the phone pocket.

Abstract: Provided in this disclosure is a interchangeable, multi location, multi cant, auto locking, quick mount structure for a holster, for a firearm, hand held device, carried gear or the like. The interchangeable, multi location, multi cant, auto locking, quick mount includes an insert plate having a generally circular profile and configured for securement to a receptacle (e.g., a holster or magazine pouch) for removably retaining a hand-held device (e.g., a firearm or ammunition magazine. A receiver platform is configured for mounting to an engagement surface (such as a gun belt) for removably receiving the insert plate. An internal track is formed on the receiver platform and has a generally circular profile configured to mate with and retain the generally circular profile of the insert plate. In this manner, rotation of the insert plate is enabled to a selected mounting angle with respect to the receiver platform.

Abstract: An end effector for engaging flexible packaging materials includes a frame, along with a first and second wheel mounted for rotation with respect to the frame. The first wheel and the second wheel are mounted to the frame relative to each other so that the outer surfaces of the two wheels are positioned opposite of each other. The first wheel and the second wheel can be driven in opposing directions to effectively define a roller intake which can be used to draw the flexible packaging materials of a target parcel between the first wheel and the second wheel. The end effector of the present invention can be combined with a robot to provide an improved system for engaging the flexible packaging materials of a parcel.

Abstract: A pharmaceutically active mycathiozole analog or salt thereof is derived from naturally occurring mycathiozole. The analog or salt is useful in cancer treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a service station that is transportable over a predetermined roadway or by water. The service station has a base having a stern, bow, and two lateral sides. The base is configured to displace a volume of water so as to render the service station buoyant. A tank is disposed on the base and is configured to contain fuel. The tank is configured to comply with U.S. Government requirements for transportation of fuel over roadways. A pump is disposed on the base, and is configured to dispense liquid fuel to supply vehicles. An axle assembly is coupled to the base and has at least one wheel, the at least one wheel and axle assembly moveable between an engaged position and a stored position. The least one wheel is in contact with a surface and partially supports the base over the surface in an engaged position.

Abstract: An end effector for engaging flexible packaging materials includes a frame, along with a first and second wheel mounted for rotation with respect to the frame. The first wheel and the second wheel are mounted to the frame relative to each other so that the outer surfaces of the two wheels are positioned opposite of each other. The first wheel and the second wheel can be driven in opposing directions to effectively define a roller intake which can be used to draw the flexible packaging materials of a target parcel between the first wheel and the second wheel. The end effector of the present invention can be combined with a robot to provide an improved system for engaging the flexible packaging materials of a parcel.

Abstract: Provided herein are capillaries for use in an electrophoretic separations. The capillaries can comprise an elongated tubular wall defining a path for fluid flow from an inlet to a tapered outlet; and a decoupler junction positioned within the elongated tubular wall upstream of the tapered outlet. The decoupler junction can comprise a plurality of microchannels penetrating through the elongated tubular wall and an ion-permeable polymer coating the plurality of microchannels. Also provided are sheathless interfaces for coupling capillary electrophoresis (CE) with mass spectrometry that employ these capillaries.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for implementing a pre-contracted, staged, currency exchange system. Implementation includes receiving travel information from a user; processing the travel information, wherein processing the travel information comprises determining a negotiated currency exchange rate based on the received travel information; generating a contract based on processing the travel information, wherein the contract comprises terms for executing one or more transactions using the negotiated currency exchange rate, wherein the negotiated currency exchange rate is valid for at least one of a predetermined location, a predetermined number of transactions, or a predetermined period of time; and executing one or more transactions using the negotiated currency exchange rate in accordance with the contract terms.

Abstract: Provided herein are capillaries for use in an electrophoretic separations. The capillaries can comprise an elongated tubular wall defining a path for fluid flow from an inlet to a tapered outlet; and a decoupler junction positioned within the elongated tubular wall upstream of the tapered outlet. The decoupler junction can comprise a plurality of microchannels penetrating through the elongated tubular wall and an ion-permeable polymer coating the plurality of microchannels. Also provided are sheathless interfaces for coupling capillary electrophoresis (CE) with mass spectrometry that employ these capillaries.

Abstract: An adjustable seal and method for varying a radial distance between the adjustable seal and a rotor of a turbomachine are provided. The adjustable seal may include a first annular member defining a plurality of radial channels, and a second annular member defining a plurality of slots at least partially extending therethrough. The second annular member may be concentric with the first annular member and configured to rotate relative to the first annular member. The adjustable seal may also include a plurality of seal segments interposed between the first annular member and the second annular member. Each seal segment of the plurality of seal segments may be slidably disposed in a respective radial channel of the plurality of radial channels and may have an axial projection slidably disposed in a respective slot of the plurality of slots.