Abstract: A method for producing a sector plate for a rotary heat exchanger is disclosed. The method includes defining overall dimensions of a sector plate. A number of a plurality of tapered ribs to be included on the top surface is determined based on a surface area of the sector plate and/or a sealing to be provided by the sector plate. Additionally, a root height of the plurality of tapered ribs is determined based on at least a plate thickness of the sector plate and the number of the plurality of tapered ribs. With the root height, the plurality of tapered ribs cause the sector plate to deform parabolically in response to an actuation. The plurality of tapered ribs also return the sector plate to a rest position and the sector plate supports its weight in a cantilevered fashion when in the actuated position and the rest position.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and systems for measuring T cell diversity. It is particularly related to methods of identifying T cell receptor (TCR) pairs and their relative frequencies and finds particular use in antigen-specific T cell populations and other T cell populations with limited polyclonality.

Abstract: An approach is provided that receives an alteration request to mark a selected column in a database table as an unused column. A database control table is then updated to indicate that the selected column is unused. After the database control table is updated, when a read request is received for the selected column, the same data is returned for the selected column for each row being read and this data is not stored in the database table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for authenticating a user within a communications system. The method includes a portable computing device which captures a graphical counter-token; merges the graphical counter-token and a user token to generate an image revealing a visual key within the merged tokens; and displays the image to the user on the portable device. The graphical counter-token is initially generated by a server utilising the user token and the key. A system for authenticating a user is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling output from a mobile device are described herein. A mobile device having an image capture device can selectively generate a hard copy output of a captured image by interfacing with an output device. The mobile device can selectively interface with the output device directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate devices and/or systems. The mobile device can interface directly with an output device using a wired or wireless connection, and can selectively operate as a host or client. The mobile device can selectively couple the stored image to a remote output device via a wireless connection. The mobile device can select the remote output device from a predetermined list of devices, or can be supplied a dynamic list of remote output devices. The dynamic list of output devices can be updated, for example, based on a location of the mobile device.

Abstract: An approach is provided that receives an alteration request to mark a selected column in a database table as an unused column. A database control table is then updated to indicate that the selected column is unused. After the database control table is updated, when a read request is received for the selected column, the same data is returned for the selected column for each row being read and this data is not stored in the database table.

Abstract: An approach is provided that receives an alteration request to mark a selected column in a database table as an unused column. A database control table is then updated to indicate that the selected column is unused. After the database control table is updated, when a read request is received for the selected column, the same data is returned for the selected column for each row being read and this data is not stored in the database table.

Abstract: An approach is provided in which a request addressed to a remote target node is transmitted through a network path with the network path includeing multiple relay nodes. The transmitting system recognizes that the transmission of the first request failed. Relay nodes in the serial path are analyzed using historical failure data. A first relay node is identified as a likely failed relay node based on the analysis. The first relay node is tested by transmitting a test request to the likely failed relay node. If the transmission of the test request fails, the identified likely failed node is verified by testing the previous node in the path. If verification is successful, the first node is selected as the failing node. However, if verification is unsuccessful, then a second node is chosen as the likely failed node and testing resumes.

Abstract: An apparatus for unemployment insurance may include a processor and a non-transitory memory storing instructions. The instructions, responsive to execution, configure the processor to cause the apparatus at least to perform receiving information indicative of a user selection of an unemployment insurance coverage option defining policy parameters corresponding to a policy entitling the user to receive a financial benefit for a predefined period of time in response to an occurrence of a qualifying involuntary unemployment event and determining a premium fee to be paid on behalf of the user to maintain the policy. The premium fee may be determined based at least in part on the user selected coverage option.

Abstract: An approach is provided that receives an alteration request to mark a selected column in a database table as an unused column. A database control table is then updated to indicate that the selected column is unused. After the database control table is updated, when a read request is received for the selected column, the same data is returned for the selected column for each row being read and this data is not stored in the database table.

Abstract: A vehicle including a steering system for moving a pair of wheels supported by a wheel support structure relative to a vehicle structure to achieve steering of the vehicle whilst the vehicle is travelling. The system including a pressure source for providing a supply of pressurized fluid through first and second steering valves to fluid operated first and second actuators, each of which includes an actuating member. The steering valves are operator controlled to provide the pressurized fluid, at least when the steering system is in a first operating mode, from both the first steering valve to the first actuator and from the second steering valve to the second actuator to achieve steering. When the steering system is operating in a second operating mode, only one of the first and second steering valves provides pressurized fluid from the source to a respective one of the actuators to achieve steering.

Abstract: A vehicle including a steering system for moving a pair of wheels supported by a wheel support structure relative to a vehicle structure to achieve steering of the vehicle whilst the vehicle is travelling. The system including a pressure source for providing a supply of pressurized fluid through first and second steering valves to fluid operated first and second actuators, each of which includes an actuating member. The steering valves are operator controlled to provide the pressurized fluid, at least when the steering system is in a first operating mode, from both the first steering valve to the first actuator and from the second steering valve to the second actuator to achieve steering. When the steering system is operating in a second operating mode, only one of the first and second steering valves provides pressurized fluid from the source to a respective one of the actuators to achieve steering.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing valves and other engine valves with a corrosion and heat resistant coating comprises applying a protective coating in the form of a slurry to the engine part and curing the protective coating using infrared radiation. The protective coating may include one or more of metal and/or ceramic materials, one or more of organic and/or inorganic binders, and a solvent (e.g., water or volatile organic solvent). The method may include masking a portion of the engine valve to limit the area that is coated by the protective coating. The emissivity of the protective coating is generally greater than about 0.7 in order to more effectively absorb infrared radiation during the curing process. The protective coating is typically cured by heating to a temperature of about 100° C. to about 650° C. using infrared radiation. The protective coating helps prolong the life of the valve and resists wear and breakage in locations prone to breakage.

Abstract: An inlet valve is partially coated with a protective coating to resist corrosion and gas impingement when used in an internal combustion engine. The inlet valve has a hard cladding that is shaped to function as a valve seat. The hard cladding forms an interface with the valve head body, which is typically made of a softer metallic material than the hard cladding. The protective coating is bonded to the inlet valve and covers the cladding-body interface. The protective coating is resistant to corrosion, wear from gas impingement, and can withstand the high temperatures reached in internal combustion engines. Internal engines incorporating the valves are more durable and less susceptible to catastrophic valve failure. A method for making the inlet valves generally includes masking a portion of the valve stem and the valve seat, applying a protective coating to cladding-body interface, and curing the protective coating or otherwise bonding the protective coating to the inlet valve.

Abstract: A foam soap generator is provided for implementation with various types of foam soap delivery systems. The foam soap generator includes converging air and liquid soap passages at a mixing chamber, where a prefoam is generated for ultimate extrusion through a porous passage member. In one embodiment of the invention, the soap and air are delivered through coaxial tubes, with the soap being introduced axially into the mixing chamber and the air being introduced radially angularly. In another embodiment, the liquid soap is drawn into an entrainment zone by high velocity air passing through the air passageway and into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A system for applying a coating to an engine valve and curing the coating using infrared radiation includes a spraying device, an infrared oven, and a movable track. A plurality of engine valves is transported through the system on the movable track. The spraying device applies a protective coating composition on a portion of the engine valves. The coating composition has a high emissivity value that allows the coating to be rapidly and efficiently cured as the coated engine valves travel through the infrared oven.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling commercial exchange of copyrighted digital media and other digital files (104) where there is a fee due to the owner (102), such as but are not limited to, music, movies, books, software, games and photos. This structure will compensate the copyright owner (102) and the seller or referrer (106) completely within the existing laws. For a fee, a service provider (100) verifies for all parties to a transaction that the transaction is legal and the file or digital media is correct and without faults, as well as the proper routing of payment to all properly represented parties. It is simply a structure that will operate as all exchanges do, to facilitate the legal transfer of assets and money.

Abstract: A portable liquid dispenser includes a blow molded housing defining a cavity within the entire interior thereof. A centralized walled aperture is provided to receive an appropriate dispensing pump, the pump being configured to extend outwardly in a usable position and to lock in an inwardly position where the dispensing nozzle of the pump does not extend beyond the sidewalls of the dispenser itself. A fill and relief valve is provided to accommodate rapid filling of the dispenser during a manufacturing process, and to accommodate breathing of the container during the dispensing operation such that the unvented pump does not result in any distortion of the dispenser as the liquid therein is depleted.

Abstract: A foam soap generator and pump is provided for receipt by a liquid soap container in a foam soap dispenser. The foam soap generator and pump comprise an air cylinder and a liquid cylinder, integral with each other, and in parallel arrangement. Each receives a respective air and liquid piston, again of integral construction. The pistons are provided with arms having passages therethrough that ultimately bring the liquid and air together under pressure for the generation of foam and extrude of the same through an appropriate screen or open cell foam disk.

Abstract: An isolation gate and frame assembly has a frame having a frame sealing surface extending around the frame and a fluid impervious gate having a gate sealing surface complementary to the frame sealing surface extending around the gate. One of the first and second sealing surfaces carries an inflatable seal. A mechanism is provided to locate the gate within the frame with the first sealing surface sealed against the second sealing surface.