Abstract: A computing system includes a server. The server is communicatively coupled to a data repository and is configured to store a data in the data repository. The server is further configured to create, via a visual information flow creation tool, at least one information flow object, wherein the at least one information flow object comprises a flow, a sub-flow, an Action, or a combination thereof. The server is also configured to interface with the at least one information flow object via a front-end application programing interface (API), a back-end API, or a combination thereof. The server is additionally configured to execute the at least one information flow object via the front-end API, the back-end API, or a combination thereof, and to retrieve results obtained by executing the at least one information flow object via the front-end API, the back-end API, or the combination thereof.

Abstract: A mulling system includes a first joining plate with a first plate member, a second plate member, and a first thermal breaker that extend longitudinally along a mulling axis with the first thermal breaker attaching the first and second plate members. The mulling system includes a second joining plate that includes a third plate member, a fourth plate member, and a second thermal breaker that extend longitudinally along the mulling axis with the second thermal breaker attaching the third and fourth plate members. The second joining plate is configured to attach to the first joining plate to join together first and second fenestration units with the mulling axis extending between the first and second joining plates. The first joining plate substantially matches the second joining plate to define a corresponding rotated and engaged arrangement of the first joining plate and the second joining plate across the mulling axis.

Abstract: An air inflation system is provided for a vehicle including an axle that supports a wheel and an air supply structure. The air inflation system includes a rotary coupler having a tubular member for communicating with the air supply, a sleeve member connected to an end portion of the tubular member, a bearing receiving the sleeve member, a housing body having a passageway therethrough, wherein the tubular member is received in the passageway, and a housing cap attached to the housing body, wherein the housing cap is provided for communicating with at least one air connection element in communication with the wheel. A first seal for sealing an area between the tubular member and the housing body, and a second seal for sealing an area between the housing body and the housing cap are included. The rotary coupler is provided for supplying air from the air supply to the wheel.

Abstract: A method of handling spent nuclear fuel assemblies immerses the spent nuclear fuel assemblies in water in a relatively short time period when compared to traditional methods. A spent nuclear fuel assembly is removed from a nuclear reactor, an inert gas is applied to the fuel assembly, moisture content in the inert gas is gradually increased as it is applied to the fuel assembly, and the fuel assembly is immersed in water. The fuel assembly is immersed relatively quickly, within about 2 hours or less, which improves safety and allows normal processing and handling equipment to care for the fuel assembly. The fuel assembly may then be loaded into a cask for long-term storage and/or disposal.

Abstract: Provided herein are methodology and composition for use of any nut (such as almond, walnut, or pistachio) or legume (peanut) shell and/or husk material in a growing substrate, with or without other components such as peat, perlite, or coir; for plant growth, whether it be used in its whole form or some reduced form such as, having been chipped or ground, and whether composted or not.

Abstract: A rod transfer assembly has an outer rotating plug. A pick-up arm assembly extends from the outer rotating plug and includes a pivoting arm. An inner rotating plug is disposed off-center from and within the outer rotating plug and is rotatable independent of a rotation of the outer rotating plug. An access port rotating plug is disposed off-center from and within the inner rotating plug and is rotatable independent of rotation of the outer and inner rotating plugs. A pull arm extends from the access port rotating plug.

Abstract: Provided herein are methodology and composition for use of any nut (such as almond, walnut, or pistachio) or legume (peanut) shell and/or husk material in a growing substrate, with or without other components such as peat, perlite, or coir; for plant growth, whether it be used in its whole form or some reduced form such as, having been chipped or ground, and whether composted or not.

Abstract: A rod transfer assembly has an outer rotating plug. A pick-up arm assembly extends from the outer rotating plug and includes a pivoting arm. An inner rotating plug is disposed off-center from and within the outer rotating plug and is rotatable independent of a rotation of the outer rotating plug. An access port rotating plug is disposed off-center from and within the inner rotating plug and is rotatable independent of rotation of the outer and inner rotating plugs. A pull arm extends from the access port rotating plug.

Abstract: The present invention is a wood grading apparatus including a robust “push” solenoid as a hammer means for impacting a lumber specimen under test. A conventional solenoid coil with stationary magnetic iron pole pieces is combined with a bimetallic armature including a magnetic portion and a non-magnetic portion; said armature is of uniform cross section through the solenoid coil. A magnetic steel portion of said armature is fastened to a nonmagnetic steel portion thereof, whereby the magnetic field may act upon the magnetic portion of said armature and drive said nonmagnetic portion in an outward direction whereby impact or striking action is achieved. The present invention includes said solenoid in a wood grading apparatus whereby physical properties of wood are measured in a conveyor line setting and wood grading is affected by combining sonic velocity and density measurements to determine the modulus of elasticity of the wood object.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing panel products in edgewise shear in which the shear stress is applied in a diagonal direction with a first rotational degree of freedom in a first grip means and a second rotational degree of freedom in a second grip means as a first loading configuration. A second loading configuration is provided in which the second rotational degree of freedom of the second grip means is locked in place and motion is prevented. A third preferred method of loading is available in which shear forces in a horizontal direction through a centerline of a specimen, with the centerline in the plane of the specimen and extending across a widest dimension of said specimen. Control and data collection are under computer control and operator safety is enhanced by a locking guard door which is electrically locked while the various parts of the machine are in motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing panel products in edgewise shear in which the shear stress is applied in a diagonal direction with a first rotational degree of freedom in a first grip means and a second rotational degree of freedom in a second grip means as a first loading configuration. A second loading configuration is provided in which the second rotational degree of freedom of the second grip means is locked in place and motion is prevented. A third preferred method of loading is available in which shear forces in a horizontal direction through a centerline of a specimen, with the centerline in the plane of the specimen and extending across a widest dimension of said specimen. Control and data collection are under computer control and operator safety is enhanced by a locking guard door which is electrically locked while the various parts of the machine are in motion.

Abstract: The present invention is a wood grading apparatus including a robust “push” solenoid as a hammer means for impacting a lumber specimen under test. A conventional solenoid coil with stationary magnetic iron pole pieces is combined with a bimetallic armature including a magnetic portion and a non-magnetic portion; said armature is of uniform cross section through the solenoid coil. A magnetic steel portion of said armature is fastened to a nonmagnetic steel portion thereof, whereby the magnetic field may act upon the magnetic portion of said armature and drive said nonmagnetic portion in an outward direction whereby impact or striking action is achieved. The present invention includes said solenoid in a wood grading apparatus whereby physical properties of wood are measured in a conveyor line setting and wood grading is affected by combining sonic velocity and density measurements to determine the modulus of elasticity of the wood object.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides materials and methodology for growing plants, such as small fruit plants. For example, and in one embodiment, agricultural by-products, such as nut shells, could be used as or in a plant growth medium for growing a strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and/or black-raspberry.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides materials and methodology for growing plants, such as small fruit plants. For example, and in one embodiment, agricultural by-products, such as nut shells, could be used as or in a plant growth medium for growing a strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and/or black-raspberry.

Abstract: A method and a system for generating one or more service efficiency metrics are provided in this disclosure. According to various exemplary embodiments, a system receives transaction information and power consumption information of an online business. Moreover, the system generates, using one or more processors, a service efficiency metric based on the transaction information and the power consumption information, the service efficiency metric indicating a number of transactions executed via the online business during a specific time period per unit of power consumed in executing the transactions during the specific time period.

Abstract: A compact variable pitch fan has a hydraulic pitch change mechanism. A pitch change piston is constrained to follow reciprocating motion under hydraulic control within a peripheral hub from which fan blades extend outward. An additional feature is the use of separated guiding and seal surfaces. A still further feature is the use of a pitch sensor, particularly on the hydraulic line leading to the variable pitch fan.

Abstract: The invention consists, generally, of a method for automatically reducing power to an electron emitting cathode by sensing an operating condition of the electron emitting cathode, calculating a condition number based upon the operating condition, comparing the condition number to a threshold value, and reducing the power to the electron emitting cathode when the condition number is greater than the threshold. The apparatus and method may be implemented upon a system having a high voltage power source, an RF tube, a control processor, and a signal processor.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring phase and power shifts in a simultaneous dual polarization radar system comprises an access port, a quadrature mixer, and a power detector. The access port is configured to couple to the simultaneous dual polarization radar system near the antenna of the simultaneous dual polarization radar system. The quadrature mixer is configured to mix a first signal from a first polarization and a second signal from a second polarization. The first signal and the second signal are sampled through the access port. The first power detector is configured to measure the power level of the first signal.

Abstract: A compact variable pitch fan has a hydraulic pitch change mechanism. A pitch change piston is constrained to follow reciprocating motion under hydraulic control within a peripheral hub from which fan blades extend outward. An additional feature is the use of separated guiding and seal surfaces. A still further feature is the use of a pitch sensor, particularly on the hydraulic line leading to the variable pitch fan.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously propagating dual polarized signals in a polarimetric radar system includes a system for shifting the phase of one of the two signals. The simultaneous dual polarization weather radar transmits signals in both the horizontal and vertical orientations at the same time. Upon reception, the signals in each channel are isolated and a number of standard and polarimetric parameters characterizing atmospheric conditions are determined. The accuracy upon which these parameters can be determined depends partially upon the interference between these two channels. The system and method isolates the vertical and horizontal channels by using the phase information from the signals to minimize the interference.