Abstract: A computer-implemented system for fully automating the training, auto-tuning, and deployment of machine learning models at customer sites, especially models for robotic grasping tasks. The system automatically: (1) detects/predicts performance degradation of one or more machine learning models; (2) triggers a new model training/fine-tuning job in response to such detection/prediction; and (3) deploys the new model upon training completion, without stopping or pausing the production line.

Abstract: A computer system automatically selects robot end-effectors for pick-and-place applications using a model-predictive control algorithm. The system may select an end-effector to replace an existing end-effector in order to optimize (or at least increase) throughput. The system uses a predictive model of reward, where reward of each potential grasp for each end tool is parameterized by a deep neural network. The system may also use a variety of metrics to evaluate the performance of the tool-selection algorithm, and thereby improve performance of the system.

Abstract: A technique for performing sensing operations is provided. The technique includes controlling a plurality of sensors to obtain sensed data, according to one or more commands received from a remote device over a robust communications channel that includes a plurality of communications paths; and returning the sensed data over the robust communications channel to the remote device.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection system includes at least one display monitor and a console. The console includes at least two different visualization algorithms and a processor. The processor is configured to process volumetric image data with a first of the at least two different visualization algorithms and produce a first processed volumetric image. The processor is further configured to process the volumetric image data with a second of the at least two different visualization algorithms and produce a second processed volumetric image. The processor is further configured to concurrently display the first and second processed volumetric image data via the display monitor. The volumetric image data is indicative of a scanned object and items therein.

Abstract: A beverage container label including a label having an outward surface, an inward surface, removable stickers, and a removable cover. The label is defined by the outward surface and the inward surface and includes the removable stickers disposed about a top edge and a bottom edge of the label. The inward surface of the label has adhesive such that the inward surface of the label is configured to be adhesively applied to a surface of a beverage container. The removable cover may be peeled off to expose the removable stickers for use. The removable stickers include graphics. The removable stickers may be selectively removed from the label and re-applied to the surface of the beverage container providing a modular, customizable, and user-arranged personalized message.

Abstract: A beverage container labeling system including a label having an outer surface an engaging surface, a plurality of removeable stickers, and a removable cover. The label is defined by the outer surface and the engaging surface and includes the plurality of removeable stickers disposed about a top-edge and a bottom-edge of the label. The engaging surface of the label has adhesive such that the engaging surface of the label is configured to be adhesively applied to a surface of a beverage container. The removeable cover may be peeled off to expose the plurality of removeable stickers for use. The plurality of removeable stickers include functional indicia displayed thereon. The plurality of removeable stickers may be selectively removed from the label and re-applied to the surface of the beverage container providing a modular, customizable and user-arranged personal message.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection system includes at least one display monitor and a console. The console includes at least two different visualization algorithms and a processor. The processor is configured to process volumetric image data with a first of the at least two different visualization algorithms and produce first processed volumetric image. The processor is further configured to process the volumetric image data with a second of the at least two different visualization algorithms and produce second processed volumetric image. The processor is further configured to concurrently display the first and second processed volumetric image data via the display monitor. The volumetric image data is indicative of a scanned object and items therein.

Abstract: A method of preparing a hydrogel for delivery of an active agent. The method includes providing an aqueous solution that includes the active agent; dispersing or dissolving a gel-forming polymer in the aqueous solution to form a polymer solution; and cross-linking the polymer in the polymer solution to form the hydrogel which encapsulates the active agent.

Abstract: A valve includes a housing, a rotational body, two seat rings, a shaft integrally linked to the rotational body, and a sealing element. The rotational body is arranged rotatably in the housing and has a through-opening. The seat rings are spaced apart in the housing, each positioned against an outer surface of the rotational body to seal against leakage. The shaft extends outwardly through a housing opening. Part of the shaft has a spherical outer surface. The sealing element is positioned against the spherical outer surface, and includes a sealing lip and a support ring. The support ring has a spherical inner surface with a curvature corresponding to the spherical outer surface. The shaft is supported on the support ring at the shaft part's spherical outer surface. A flow path is defined by a housing through-opening and a rotational body through-opening, and is closed or at least partially open as determined by a rotational angle position of the rotational body about a rotational axis.

Abstract: A valve includes a housing, a rotational body, two seat rings, a shaft integrally linked to the rotational body, and a sealing element. The rotational body is arranged rotatably in the housing and has a through-opening. The seat rings are spaced apart in the housing, each positioned against an outer surface of the rotational body to seal against leakage. The shaft extends outwardly through a housing opening. Part of the shaft has a spherical outer surface. The sealing element is positioned against the spherical outer surface, and includes a sealing lip and a support ring. The support ring has a spherical inner surface with a curvature corresponding to the spherical outer surface. The shaft is supported on the support ring at the shaft part's spherical outer surface. A flow path is defined by a housing through-opening and a rotational body through-opening, and is closed or at least partially open as determined by a rotational angle position of the rotational body about a rotational axis.

Abstract: This invention provides a reader device (10) for a test strip (14) (in particular an immunoassay test strip). The reader device has a channel (12) for receiving the test strip, and a movable sensor (26, 28, 30) located adjacent to said channel. The sensor comprises a source of radiation (26) and a detector (28, 30) for detecting the intensity of emitted radiation. The reader device also has a calibrating attenuator (50) allowing variations in the intensity of radiation emitted by the source to be detected and thereby eliminated or compensated. The invention also provides a method of using the reader device.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking each item in a cluster of items. Each item has an associated item ID. The method and system involve the following steps. Storing a plurality of item records. The plurality of item records includes, for each item in the cluster of items, an associated item record for storing the associated item ID for the item. Each item record in the plurality of records is then linked to the other item records in the plurality of item records. Using the associated item record for each item in the threshold number of items, and the link between each item record and the other item records, the item records for the associated item ID of each item in the cluster that are not in the threshold number of items are determined.

Abstract: Sol-gel derived monolithic silica columns containing entrapped dihydrofolate reductase were used for frontal affinity chromatography of small molecule mixtures. The output from the column combined with a second stream containing the matrix molecule (HCCA) and was directly deposited onto a conventional MALDI plate that moved relative to the column via a computer controlled x-y stage, creating a semi-permanent record of the FAC run. The use of MALDI MS allowed for a decoupling of the FAC and MS methods allowing significantly higher ionic strength buffers to be used for FAC studies, which allowed for better retention of protein activity over multiple runs.

Abstract: A sports article includes a portion that includes a nanostructured material. The nanostructured material includes a metal, and the nanostructured material has an average grain size that is in the range of 2 nm to 5,000 nm, a yield strength that is in the range of 200 MPa to 2,750 MPa, and a hardness that is in the range of 100 Vickers to 2,000 Vickers. The sports article can be any of a variety of sports equipment and associated components, such as a golf club, a baseball bat, a softball bat, a lacrosse stick, or a hockey stick.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a plurality of transponders each of which transmits data at intervals to a receiver. The invention also relates to an identification system comprising a plurality of transponders and a receiver, to the transponders themselves and to an integrated circuit for use in a transponder. The transponder repeats data to the receiver at random or pseudo-random intervals in length. The intervals are directly or indirectly dependent on the output signal from a counter responsive to a physical characteristic of the transponder.

Abstract: Sol-gel derived monolithic silica columns containing entrapped dihydrofolate reductase were used for frontal affinity chromatography of small molecule mixtures. The output from the column combined with a second stream containing the matrix molecule (HCCA) and was directly deposited onto a conventional MALDI plate that moved relative to the column via a computer controlled x-y stage, creating a semi-permanent record of the FAC run. The use of MALDI MS allowed for a decoupling of the FAC and MS methods allowing significantly higher ionic strength buffers to be used for FAC studies, which allowed for better retention of protein activity over multiple runs.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a business partner value by creating weighted metrics used for identifying, evaluating and selecting a business partner for a company; creating a business agreement and weighted metrics for evaluating the business agreement; creating weighted metrics for ongoing management of the business partner; and managing the business partner by ongoing periodic evaluation of the weighted metrics for partner selection, agreement, and management. It is anticipated that both the company and the business partners will participate in the same evaluation on an ongoing basis; preferably once per month or once per quarter rather than the usual annual review.

Abstract: Blow-off nozzles are used for creating a high-energy air blast, for drying metal panels prior to painting. Depth or reach of penetration (in the atmosphere) is important. A bullet is provided in the center of the nozzle. The bullet is aerodynamically faired, for minimum drag. The effect of the bullet is to create a low pressure area in the jet downstream of the nozzle. The low pressure area serves to hold the jet together, preventing spreading, to a degree that enables a significant increase in penetration distance. The bullet is mounted on faired arms, which are secured to the walls of the nozzle.