Abstract: What is disclosed is a system for detecting a leading edge of a sheet in a paper handling system of a document reproduction device. An illuminator continuously projects a beam of light into a first end of a light transmissive medium. The projected light propagates through the medium and exits an opposite end thereof. The first end is offset from the illuminator to form a first gap. The light is continuously detected by a detector as the light exits the light transmissive medium. The opposite end of the medium is offset from the detector to form a second gap. A paper sheet is transported along the paper path such that it traverses the area defined by the first and second gaps. If the detector no longer detects the light exiting the opposite end of the medium, a signal is given that a leading edge of the sheet has been detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel metabolic pathways to reduce or eliminate glycerol production and increase product formation. More specifically, the invention provides for a recombinant microorganism comprising a deletion of one or more native enzymes that function to produce glycerol and/or regulate glycerol synthesis and one or more native and/or heterologous enzymes that function in one or more engineered metabolic pathways to convert a carbohydrate source, such as lignocellulose, to a product, such as ethanol, wherein the one or more native and/or heterologous enzymes is activated, upregulated, or downregulated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for earbud control based on proximity detection are provided. An example method includes transmitting ultrasonic signals and receiving reflected ultrasonic signals. Based at least partially on the reflected ultrasonic signals, a distance of an earbud to an ear canal may be determined. If the distance is above a first predetermined threshold value, a low-power mode is activated. If the distance is below the first predetermined threshold value, a functionality of the earbud is modified. Modifying the functionality of the earbud may include activating a full power mode and may further include determining a quality of a seal, provided by the earbud, in the ear canal. If the quality of the seal is above a second predetermined threshold value, a positive feedback is provided to a user. If the quality of the seal is below the second predetermined threshold value, a negative feedback is provided to the user.

Abstract: A digging assembly (10) for a plough. The digging assembly (10) has a digging blade assembly (17) that is moved through the soil to form a slot, and a closing tool assembly (29) that forms a seed bed by partly closing the slot formed by the digging blade assembly (17). Following the closing tool assembly (29) is a seed boot (57) that delivers seed to the seed bed formed by the closing tool assembly (29).

Abstract: A gas adsorbing material is provided. Specifically, there is provided a molded matrix of a plurality of spherically-shaped gas adsorbing material. The individual spheres comprise particles of a highly porous gas adsorbing material and a binder. The plurality of spheres are mixed with a second binder material and molded into a desired shape for use in the back volume of an acoustic transducer such as a loudspeaker device, a microphone or a balanced armature receiver.

Abstract: An excavation system is disclosed for use with an excavation machine having a work tool and with an IPCC. The excavation system may have a location device configured to generate a first signal indicative of a location of the excavation machine, a display, and at least one controller in communication with the location device and the display. The controller may be configured to receive a second signal indicative of a location of the IPCC, and to cause representations of the excavation machine and the IPCC to be simultaneously shown on the display based on the first and second signals. The at least one controller may also be configured to determine a swing radius of the work tool, and to selectively cause an indication of alignment between the IPCC and the swing radius to be shown on the display based on the first signal, the second signal, and the swing radius.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for generating and offering to customers rewards in exchange for the customer's continued presence in a retail environment. An example rewards system may receive, from a detection system, a notification that a computing device associated with the customer is in a retail environment and, in response, transmit an offer to the computing device that offers the customer a reward in exchange for remaining in the retail environment for at least a predetermined amount of time. The rewards system may receive, from the detection system, real-time data indicating a behavior of the customer in the retail environment, and, from a third-party server, non-real-time data associated with the customer. The rewards system may generate the reward based on the real-time data and the non-real-time data. After the predetermined amount of time, the rewards system may transmit the reward to the computing device.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame having opposed compartments to receive a lubricating liquid for providing lubrication to a corresponding motor-powered chain drive. The chain drive is usable to drivingly move a continuous track or a set of wheels for moving the work vehicle. The continuous track and the set of wheels are interchangeably receivable by the frame, the frame remaining virtually identical whether receiving the continuous track or the set of wheels.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a genetically modified thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism, wherein a first native gene is partially, substantially, or completely deleted, silenced, inactivated, or down-regulated, which first native gene encodes a first native enzyme involved in the metabolic production of an organic acid or a salt thereof, thereby increasing the native ability of said thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism to produce lactate or acetate as a fermentation product. In certain embodiments, the aforementioned microorganism further comprises a first non-native gene, which first non-native gene encodes a first non-native enzyme involved in the metabolic production of lactate or acetate. Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for converting lignocellulosic biomass to lactate or acetate, comprising contacting lignocellulosic biomass with a genetically modified thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism.

Abstract: A digging assembly for a plough. The digging assembly has a digging blade assembly that is moved through the soil to form a slot, and a closing tool assembly that forms a seed bed by partly closing the slot formed by the digging blade assembly. Following the closing tool assembly is a seed boot that delivers seed to the seed bed formed by the closing tool assembly.

Abstract: A search engine system capable of displaying indicative information to a user from searches performed by entities connected directly or indirectly to the user, wherein said system includes at least one host computer processor connectable to one or more network(s), a database accessible over said network(s), a plurality of data input devices connectable to said network(s) said search engine being accessible over said network(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining search results. The method may include receiving an at least partial search term, and identifying keywords based on the at least partial search term, wherein each keyword has an associated keyword measure based on the number of times each keyword has been previously searched for within a predetermined time period. For each keyword search results associated with the keyword may be identified, wherein each result has an associated search measure. A relevance measure may be determined for each result using the keyword measure the search measure, and used to provide at least one of the results as a search result for the at least partial search term.

Abstract: A ball tossing game formation kit includes a digging tool for forming a semi-spherical hole in a surface of sand. The digging tool comprises a plate having a first side. The perimeter edge includes a bottom edge, a top edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The bottom edge is convexly arcuate from the first side edge to the second side edge. A depth line is defined extending between a juncture of the first side edge and the bottom edge and a juncture of the second side edge and the bottom edge. The bottom edge includes a distal edge with respect to the depth line. A distance from a center of the depth line to the distal edge is greater than 4.0 inches and less than 6.0 inches. A barrier mold is filled with sand and overturned to form the sand into a backstop.

Abstract: A search engine system capable of displaying indicative information to a user from searches performed by entities connected directly or indirectly to the user, wherein said system includes at least one host computer processor connectable to one or more network(s), a database accessible over said network(s), a plurality of data input devices connectable to said network(s) said search engine being accessible over said network(s).

Abstract: A gas adsorbing material is provided. Specifically, there is provided a molded matrix of a plurality of spherically-shaped gas adsorbing material. The individual spheres comprise particles of a highly porous gas adsorbing material and a binder. The plurality of spheres are mixed with a second binder material and molded into a desired shape for use in the back volume of an acoustic transducer such as a loudspeaker device, a microphone or a balanced armature receiver.

Abstract: A ball tossing game formation kit includes a digging tool for forming a semi-spherical hole in a surface of sand. The digging tool comprises a plate having a first side. The perimeter edge includes a bottom edge, a top edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The bottom edge is convexly arcuate from the first side edge to the second side edge. A depth line is defined extending between a juncture of the first side edge and the bottom edge and a juncture of the second side edge and the bottom edge. The bottom edge includes a distal edge with respect to the depth line. A distance from a center of the depth line to the distal edge is greater than 4.0 inches and less than 6.0 inches. A barrier mold is filled with sand and overturned to form the sand into a backstop.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining search results. The method may include receiving an at least partial search term, and identifying keywords based on the at least partial search term, wherein each keyword has an associated keyword measure based on the number of times each keyword has been previously searched for within a predetermined time period. For each keyword search results associated with the keyword may be identified, wherein each result has an associated search measure. A relevance measure may be determined for each result using the keyword measure the search measure, and used to provide at least one of the results as a search result for the at least partial search term.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a cloud management system which utilizes both technical and business metrics to achieve operational efficiencies. The systems and methods can be used to provide an elastic infrastructure model for an emergency notifications system which delivers near infinite scale with guaranteed near 100% uptime. In an embodiment, a mass recipient emulator can be utilized for testing of the notifications system with actual phone call or message exchange.

Abstract: A speaker apparatus includes a speaker assembly and a piezoelectric driver. The speaker assembly including a diaphragm and a motor. Application of a first electric current to the motor causes a first movement of a portion of the motor. The first movement causes the diaphragm to move and responsively creates sound energy in a first and non-ultrasonic frequency range. The piezoelectric driver is disposed in proximal relation to the speaker assembly. Application of a second electric current to the piezoelectric driver causes actuation of the piezoelectric driver. The actuation is effective to produce an impact of a portion of the piezoelectric driver with the speaker assembly and causes a second movement of the diaphragm within the speaker assembly. The second movement responsively creates sound energy in a second and ultrasonic frequency range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a cloud management system which utilizes both technical and business metrics to achieve operational efficiencies. The systems and methods can be used to provide an elastic infrastructure model for an emergency notifications system which delivers near infinite scale with guaranteed near 100% uptime. In an embodiment, a mass recipient emulator can be utilized for testing of the notifications system with actual phone call or message exchange.