Abstract: A method of controlling access into a vehicle interior from a vehicle exterior using an access door includes generating a digital key signal via a mobile device in possession of a vehicle user. The method also includes receiving, via a virtual key control module (VKCM), the digital key signal from the mobile device and communicating a signal indicative of the received digital key signal to a vehicle controller. The method additionally includes detecting a presence of the vehicle user external to the vehicle within a predetermined proximity of the access door via an ultrasonic sensing arrangement. The method also includes communicating, via the ultrasonic sensing arrangement, the detected presence of the vehicle user to the vehicle controller. Furthermore, the method includes commanding, via the vehicle controller, a mechanism to release the access door in response to the received digital key signal and the detected presence of the vehicle user.

Abstract: A device and system for purifying a fluid is provided. The system includes a tank having an interior space and a media container disposed within the interior space. A valve is provided that cooperates with an element within the interior, the valve being movable between an open and a closed position. The valve being biased to the open position when the element is not positioned within the interior space, wherein the interior space is fluidly coupled to the atmosphere in the open position. The valve further being configured to move to a closed position when the element is positioned within the interior space.

Abstract: A device and system for purifying a fluid is provided. The system includes a tank having an interior space and a media container disposed within the interior space. A valve is provided that cooperates with an element within the interior, the valve being movable between an open and a closed position. The valve being biased to the open position when the element is not positioned within the interior space, wherein the interior space is fluidly coupled to the atmosphere in the open position. The valve further being configured to move to a closed position when the element is positioned within the interior space.

Abstract: Method and system embodiments for assessing control maturity in security operations environments are described. According to some embodiments, the method facilitates a nonintrusive, automated means to configure and detect security controls installed in an Information Technology (IT) environment. The system verifies that these controls function as expected over a specified period of time and then maps each security control to a cell in a matrix of operational functions crossed with asset classes. The system captures metrics for security control activity that are displayed in the matrix to facilitate an assessment of security control architectural maturity. The system automatically generates visual and textual reports that provide recommendations to improve cybersecurity by enhancing existing and adding new controls, specify a suggested timeline for introducing those controls, and document gaps in compliance.

Abstract: Method and system embodiments for assessing control maturity in security operations environments are described. According to some embodiments, the method facilitates a nonintrusive, automated means to configure and detect security controls installed in an Information Technology (IT) environment. The system verifies that these controls function as expected over a specified period of time and then maps each security control to a cell in a matrix of operational functions crossed with asset classes. The system captures metrics for security control activity that are displayed in the matrix to facilitate an assessment of security control architectural maturity. The system automatically generates visual and textual reports that provide recommendations to improve cybersecurity by enhancing existing and adding new controls, specify a suggested timeline for introducing those controls, and document gaps in compliance.

Abstract: A hydration device has a flexible bladder constructed to have a plurality of expandable liquid receiving chambers that extend laterally across the width of the bladder and are spaced from one another along the length of the bladder. Liquid conveying tubes are in fluidic communication with liquid chambers. A coupling is fluidically connected to the tubes and includes a valve that operates to seal the coupling from the tubes. A drinking tube has a first end that is fluidically connected to the coupling thereby establishing a fluidic connection between the drinking tube and the tubes. A bite valve is connected to a second end of the drinking tube and is operable to allow a user to drink liquid from the chambers. The drinking tube may be secured to a user's wrist by a wrist strap.

Abstract: A hydration device has a flexible bladder constructed to have a plurality of expandable liquid receiving chambers that extend laterally across the width of the bladder and are spaced from one another along the length of the bladder. Liquid conveying tubes are in fluidic communication with liquid chambers. A coupling is fluidically connected to the tubes and includes a valve that operates to seal the coupling from the tubes. A drinking tube has a first end that is fluidically connected to the coupling thereby establishing a fluidic connection between the drinking tube and the tubes. A bite valve is connected to a second end of the drinking tube and is operable to allow a user to drink liquid from the chambers. The drinking tube may be secured to a user's wrist by a wrist strap.

Abstract: A technique for operating a data storage system that includes a non-volatile memory array controlled by a controller includes storing, in the non-volatile memory array, first data whose frequency of access is above a first access level in a bandwidth optimized code word. Second data whose frequency of access is below a second access level is stored in the non-volatile memory in a code rate optimized code word.

Abstract: A technique for operating a data storage system that includes a non-volatile memory array controlled by a controller includes storing, in the non-volatile memory array, first data whose frequency of access is above a first access level in a bandwidth optimized code word. Second data whose frequency of access is below a second access level is stored in the non-volatile memory in a code rate optimized code word.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein comprise a system and method for the recycling and recovery of components and metals found within lithium ion batteries. The process includes the safe and effective means of disposing of batteries, including lithium thylnel cloride, lithium ion, conventional designs, in a manner that utilizes a process of alloying to chemically capture the by product.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for tracking product reliability. A product removal database having removal data stored therein that are associated with one or more products is periodically accessed at a user-specified periodicity. An aircraft flight-hours database having time-in-flight data stored therein that are associated with each product is periodically accessed at the user-specified periodicity. One or more user-selected algorithms are executed, using at least a portion of the periodically accessed removal data, to determine if the criterion for a user-specified reliability parameter is met or not. If it is determined that the criterion for the user-selected reliability parameter is not met, then an alert is transmitted to a preset destination.

Abstract: A dual mode control system for operating an electronic fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine so as to achieve an optimal compromise between engine emissions, fuel economy and driveability. A closed loop control circuit is provided which senses the amount of oxygen in the engine exhaust and normally drives an integrator in a closed loop mode of operation to operate the electronic fuel injection system at the stoichiometric air/fuel ratio at which the best conversion efficiency of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides occur. An open loop control circuit senses high speed operation where hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide conversion are normally high and where nitrous oxide emission is not critical and clamps the output of the integrator to a predetermined value which operates the electronic fuel injection system at a nonstoichiometric, relatively lean, air/fuel ratio for improved fuel economy.

Abstract: A disposable trap for animals such as mice comprises a cap assembly which is adapted for one end of a receptacle such as a beverage can. The cap assembly includes a flanged end plate having an entrance opening in a lower portion thereof, and an opening cover. The opening cover has a lower portion which covers the opening in the end plate and overlaps the end plate around the opening to form a one way door, and a narrow elongate upper portion which functions as a leaf spring to urge the lower portion to cover the end plate opening after the animal has entered the trap. A groove formed in the end plate flange fits into a mating groove present on most common beverage cans to prevent unintentional removal of the cap assembly from the can. Bent over tabs may replace the flange, and bent down tabs may be provided to prevent rolling of the trap.