Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for stapler reload detection and identification. A manipulator is configured to have an instrument mounted thereto. The instrument includes an end effector configured to receive a replaceable stapler cartridge. An actuator is drivingly coupled with the pusher member. A control unit is configured to control operation of the actuator to move the pusher member from a first position toward a second position; determine a distance that the pusher member moves from the first position toward the second position before a force limit for the actuator is exceeded; and determine, based on the distance that the pusher member moves, an operational status of the instrument relating to the replaceable stapler cartridge.

Abstract: A computer system is provided. The computer system includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to deploy public key enumeration code and private key enumeration code to a plurality of endpoint devices for execution on the endpoint devices. The at least one processor is further configured to collect public keys and associated public key metadata from the endpoint devices, and to collect private key metadata from the endpoint devices. The public keys and associated public key metadata are generated by the public key enumeration code and the private key metadata is generated by the private key enumeration code. The at least one processor is further configured to generate a graph illustrating trust relationships between user accounts on the endpoint devices. The graph is based on the collected public keys, the collected public key metadata, and the collected private key metadata.

Abstract: Runner assembly 10 for carrying a receptacle 12 towards and away from a structure 14. The runner assembly 10 includes: at least one pair of first bearings 16, each first bearing 16 being mountable to the structure 14 so that the first bearings 16 of the, or each, pair are spaced apart; an elongate runner 18 defining a longitudinal length and having an opposed pair of first tracks 22 spaced from each other, each first track 22 configured to cooperate with the first bearings 16 to allow the runner 18 to be carried by the first bearings 16; at least one second bearing 24 mounted to the runner 18; and an elongate track member 26 mountable to the receptacle 12, the track member 26 having a second track 28 defining at least one pair of opposed bearing surfaces 30, 31 spaced from each other and configured to cooperate with the at least one second bearing 24 to allow the track member 26 to be carried by the at least one second bearing 24.

Abstract: Runner assembly 10 for carrying a receptacle 12 towards and away from a structure 14. The runner assembly 10 includes: at least one pair of first bearings 16, each first bearing 16 being mountable to the structure 14 so that the first bearings 16 of the, or each, pair are spaced apart; an elongate runner 18 defining a longitudinal length and having an opposed pair of first tracks 22 spaced from each other, each first track 22 configured to cooperate with the first bearings 16 to allow the runner 18 to be carried by the first bearings 16; at least one second bearing 24 mounted to the runner 18; and an elongate track member 26 mountable to the receptacle 12, the track member 26 having a second track 28 defining at least one pair of opposed bearing surfaces 30, 31 spaced from each other and configured to cooperate with the at least one second bearing 24 to allow the track member 26 to be carried by the at least one second bearing 24.

Abstract: Drawer assembly for mounting to a cargo area of a vehicle. The drawer assembly includes: a drawer body defining a longitudinal axis and configured to be mounted to a track system to allow moving towards and away from the cargo area along the longitudinal axis; and a utility module pivotally mounted to the drawer body about an axis arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The utility module is pivotable between a storage position, where the utility module is received within the drawer body, and an access position, where the utility module is arranged to extend away from the drawer body.

Abstract: Winged tilt-rotor vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft and related methods are disclosed. Aircraft comprise an airframe comprising one or more wings; one or more tilt-adjustable rotors positioned forward of the one or more wings; and one or more fixed-tilt rotors positioned behind at least one of the one or more wings. Methods comprise tilting only one or more forward rotors positioned in front of one or more wings of the aircraft, and not tilting one or more rearward rotors positioned behind at least one of the one or more wings.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for shifting a center of gravity of an aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a propulsion component, a moveable ballast component, and an assembly configured to translate the moveable ballast component. The propulsion component is configured to assist in transitioning the aircraft between a first mobility phase and a second mobility phase. The assembly is configured to translate the moveable ballast component between an aft position and a forward position of the aircraft based on the aircraft transitioning between the first mobility phase and the second mobility phase to shift the center of gravity of the aircraft along a longitudinal axis of the aircraft.

Abstract: The exercise performance monitoring glove consists of a pair of flexible gloves that have embedded pressure sensor arrays to measure hand pressure applied to them during physical activities such as exercise. Each glove sends its pressure data in a real-time format using an embedded wireless RF transmitter to the opposite glove. The gloves then compare the pressures and provide feedback through a user selectable choice of either audio, visual or vibratory methods. Audio feedback is provided to earbuds using typical connection means such as Bluetooth connection to a smartphone or remote device having an exercise performance monitoring app. Visual feedback is provided in several possible modes such as text, color, and graphics using an embedded wraparound flexible display screen. Vibratory feedback is provided using embedded vibration devices inside the gloves.

Abstract: Drawer assembly for mounting to a cargo area of a vehicle. The drawer assembly includes: a drawer body defining a longitudinal axis and configured to be mounted to a track system to allow moving towards and away from the cargo area along the longitudinal axis; and a utility module pivotally mounted to the drawer body about an axis arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The utility module is pivotable between a storage position, where the utility module is received within the drawer body, and an access position, where the utility module is arranged to extend away from the drawer body.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for shifting a center of gravity of an aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a propulsion component, a moveable ballast component, and an assembly configured to translate the moveable ballast component. The propulsion component is configured to assist in transitioning the aircraft between a first mobility phase and a second mobility phase. The assembly is configured to translate the moveable ballast component between an aft position and a forward position of the aircraft based on the aircraft transitioning between the first mobility phase and the second mobility phase to shift the center of gravity of the aircraft along a longitudinal axis of the aircraft.

Abstract: Runner assembly 10 for carrying a receptacle 12 towards and away from a structure 14. The runner assembly 10 includes: at least one pair of first bearings 16, each first bearing 16 being mountable to the structure 14 so that the first bearings 16 of the, or each, pair are spaced apart; an elongate runner 18 defining a longitudinal length and having an opposed pair of first tracks 22 spaced from each other, each first track 22 configured to cooperate with the first bearings 16 to allow the runner 18 to be carried by the first bearings 16; at least one second bearing 24 mounted to the runner 18; and an elongate track member 26 mountable to the receptacle 12, the track member 26 having a second track 28 defining at least one pair of opposed bearing surfaces 30, 31 spaced from each other and configured to cooperate with the at least one second bearing 24 to allow the track member 26 to be carried by the at least one second bearing 24.

Abstract: Winged tilt-rotor vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft and related methods are disclosed. Aircraft comprise an airframe comprising one or more wings; one or more tilt-adjustable rotors positioned forward of the one or more wings; and one or more fixed-tilt rotors positioned behind at least one of the one or more wings. Methods comprise tilting only one or more forward rotors positioned in front of one or more wings of the aircraft, and not tilting one or more rearward rotors positioned behind at least one of the one or more wings.

Abstract: A throwing knife. The throwing knife comprises a body having a first end and a second end. A handle is affixed to the first end of the body, and a blade is affixed to the second end of the body. A weighted member includes a perimeter defining a central channel and is configured to slide between the handle and the body. The weight may include a ring slidably disposed along the body, or a ball inserted into a hollow channel within the body adjacent an optional packing material, or may include both types of weights. The body is narrower than both the handle and the blade, such that a ring weight disposed about the body is configured to slide between a forward edge of the handle when held by a user, and a second position wherein the weight contacts a rear edge of the blade when thrown.

Abstract: Computers for enabling an entity such as a robot to build other robots that are deployed into service and have a system for tracking performance through a tracking tree of essentially any width or depth and to receive tracking data for the entire width and depth of the tracking tree. In some embodiments, building the multi-line tracking plan includes transitioning an entity's existing tracking plan that is limited in width, depth or width and depth to a new tracking plan that is unlimited in width and depth. In some embodiments, computers can cause an entity to re-enter the tracking tree, within one or more downlines, thereby providing new tracking positions for the same entity within a single tracking tree. Embodiments may include computer systems that auto-balance volume that is generated from the downlines, such that the volume is placed where it would generate the greatest amount of tracking data for a sponsoring entity.

Abstract: The exercise performance monitoring apparatus consists of gloves and shoes that have embedded pressure sensor arrays to measure pressure applied to them during exercise. The gloves and shoes send the pressure data using wireless RF transmitters to a central display control unit located on each glove. The gloves have color LED strips which change color depending on whether the gloves or shoes are measuring equal pressures. The glove displays the state of balance between the glove and shoe pressures using separate LED displays on each glove. The pressure balance is adjustable as well as the selection of colors to display. The user can at a glance see if he or she is in balance when performing the specific exercise by observing the color shown on the glove display. The glove display for either glove or shoe pressure will flash the color representing unbalanced pressures if the pressures are unbalanced on the glove having the highest or lowest pressure depending on user preference.

Abstract: A method for correcting an ambient pressure measurement, a method for calculating a temperature, and an apparatus for affecting the same for an aircraft measuring system are provided. The methods include the steps of receiving an airspeed measurement from a laser sensor, receiving a total pressure measurement, and calculating an ambient pressure correction. A corrected ambient pressure or a calculated temperature may be calculated. The apparatus includes a laser sensor configured to provide an airspeed measurement, an aircraft instrument configured to provide a total pressure measurement, and a processing system.

Abstract: The exercise performance monitoring apparatus consists of gloves and shoes that have embedded pressure sensor arrays to measure pressure applied to them during exercise. The gloves and shoes send the pressure data using wireless RF transmitters to a central display control unit located on each glove. The gloves have color LED strips which change color depending on whether the gloves or shoes are measuring equal pressures. The glove displays the state of balance between the glove and shoe pressures using separate LED displays on each glove. The pressure balance is adjustable as well as the selection of colors to display. The user can at a glance see if he or she is in balance when performing the specific exercise by observing the color shown on the glove display. The glove display for either glove or shoe pressure will flash the color representing unbalanced pressures if the pressures are unbalanced on the glove having the highest or lowest pressure depending on user preference.

Abstract: A throwing knife. The throwing knife comprises a body having a first end and a second end. A handle is affixed to the first end of the body, and a blade is affixed to the second end of the body. A weighted member includes a perimeter defining a central channel and is configured to slide between the handle and the body. The weight may include a ring slidably disposed along the body, or a ball inserted into a hollow channel within the body adjacent an optional packing material, or may include both types of weights. The body is narrower than both the handle and the blade, such that a ring weight disposed about the body is configured to slide between a forward edge of the handle when held by a user, and a second position wherein the weight contacts a rear edge of the blade when thrown.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of making a material comprising an assembly of at least one spun yarn, comprising: synthetic inorganic fibers, such as carbon, metal, oxides, carbides or alloys or combinations thereof, wherein a majority of the fibers: (a) are longer than 300 ?m, (b) have a diameter ranging from 0.25 nm and 700 nm, and (c) are substantially crystalline, wherein the yarn has substantial flexibility and uniformity in diameter. In one embodiment, the method comprises spinning yarn by pulling fibers from a bulk material with at least one spinner that has real time feedback controls.