Abstract: A nickel-based alloy composition consisting, in weight percent, of: 4.0 to 5.6% aluminium, 0 0 to 1.0% titanium, 0.0 to 4.0% niobium, 0.0 to 11.9% tantalum, 2.0 to 12.7% tungsten, 0.0 to 3.0% molybdenum, 0.0 to 22.0% cobalt, 6.0 to 16.7% chromium, 0.02 to 0.35% carbon, 0.001 to 0.2% boron, 0.00 to 0.5% zirconium, 0.0 to 3.0% rhenium, 0.0 to 2.0% ruthenium, 0.0 to 3.0% iridium, 0.0 to 0.5% vanadium, 0.0 to 1.0% palladium, 0.0 to 1.0% platinum, 0.0 to 0.5% silicon, 0.0 to 0.1% yttrium, 0.0 to 0.1% lanthanum, 0.0 to 0.1% cerium, 0.0 to 0.003% sulphur, 0.0 to 0.25% manganese, 0.0 to 0.1 magnesium, 0.0 to 4.0% iron, 0.0 to 0.5% copper, 0.0 to 1.0% hafnium, the balance being nickel and incidental impurities, wherein the following equations are satisfied in which WNb, and WTa are the weight percent of niobium and tantalum respectively 1.1?0.3WNb+0.15WTa.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for creating and distributing blockchain-backed redistributable electronic content components. These techniques provider greater computer security and authentication controls, in various embodiments. An electronic content component associated with a first entity and a first set of actions is created. The electronic content component is published, and the first set of actions and a block representing the electronic content component are added to a blockchain. A second entity requests use of the electronic content component and a distribution agreement between the first and second entities associated with a second set of actions is created. The second set of actions and a block representing the distribution agreement are added to a blockchain. The electronic content component and distribution agreement are validated based on the blockchain, and custom content including the electronic content component is published.

Abstract: The present invention relates to copolymer formulations of poly(itaconic acid-co-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) for dishwasher detergent compositions with a controlled amount of a second polymeric component.

Abstract: A duplex frequency is supplemented by providing simplex frequencies and distributing a data load among them. A server initially communicates with a communications device using a duplex channel. A scheduler of the server determines when it is no longer optimal to use the single duplex channel, and distributes data among the duplex channel and the simplex channels. Before sending this data through multiple channels, the server first sends a schedule to the communications device to inform which bits of data are coming through which channels at which times. The scheduler compiles this schedule and sends it to the communications device through the duplex channel. A descheduler within the communications device receives the schedule and alerts the communications device to start receiving data on other simplex channels. The descheduler then puts the bits of data in order as they stream in across the duplex and simplex channels.

Abstract: Backpacks with cooperatively adjusted hip belt segments and compression strap segments. A backpack includes a pack body, a shoulder strap, and a belt assembly. The pack body includes a back panel and an exterior panel. The belt assembly includes a compression strap segment, a hip belt segment, an adjustment strap, and a releasable fastener. The backpack includes a belt assembly waist loop with a belt assembly waist perimeter. Each adjustment strap is configured to selectively adjust each of the pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter. The belt assembly is configured such that, responsive to the user applying a tension force to the adjustment strap, each of a pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter decreases by a respective degree that depends upon a ratio of the force required to decrease the pack volume to the force required to decrease the belt assembly waist perimeter.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling power to a water heater. The method comprises providing the water heater in a locked state, wherein at least one heating element of the water heater is inoperable when the water heater is in the locked state, coupling a digital key module to a communications port of the water heater, and receiving a digital key from the digital key module through the communications port. The method comprises coupling an electrical grid controller to the water heater through the communications port and placing the water heater in an unlocked state, wherein the at least one heating element of the water heater is operable when the water heater is in the unlocked state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an automatic climate control system of a vehicle include, by one or more onboard processors in operative communication with one or more sensors, initiating the automatic climate control system. The processors receive from the one or more sensors at least a vehicle input and a user identifier input. A unique user climate control system actuation action is implemented according to the received vehicle input and user identifier input provided by applying at least one predictive model to a stored set of climate control system operating parameters. A unique user climate control system operating pattern is implemented according to the received vehicle input and user identifier input provided by applying at least one different predictive model to the stored set of climate control system operating parameters.

Abstract: A method of operating a water heater receiving electrical power from an electrical grid. The method includes providing a water heater in a locked state. A digital key module may be communicatively coupled (for example, via wired or wireless communication) to the water heater and used to unlock the water heater placing the water heater into an unlocked state. Such unlocking of the water heater must only be done for such water heaters that are enrolled in a utility demand response program.

Abstract: Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is described for preventing and/or treating a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in a subject. The STI is caused by a DNA virus, such as Human papillomavirus (HPV) and/or Herpes simplex virus (HSV). SP-A can thus be used to prevent cervical cancer, genital warts and/or genital ulcers. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising SP-A are also described, as is a method for preventing and/or treating STIs caused by DNA viruses, the method comprising administering an effective amount of SP-A to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Backpacks with cooperatively adjusted hip belt segments and compression strap segments. A backpack includes a pack body, a shoulder strap, and a belt assembly. The pack body includes a back panel and an exterior panel. The belt assembly includes a compression strap segment, a hip belt segment, an adjustment strap, and a releasable fastener. The backpack includes a belt assembly waist loop with a belt assembly waist perimeter. Each adjustment strap is configured to selectively adjust each of the pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter. The belt assembly is configured such that, responsive to the user applying a tension force to the adjustment strap, each of a pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter decreases by a respective degree that depends upon a ratio of the force required to decrease the pack volume to the force required to decrease the belt assembly waist perimeter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an automatic climate control system of a vehicle include, by one or more onboard processors in operative communication with one or more sensors, initiating the automatic climate control system. The processors receive from the one or more sensors at least a vehicle input and a user identifier input. A unique user climate control system actuation action is implemented according to the received vehicle input and user identifier input provided by applying at least one predictive model to a stored set of climate control system operating parameters. A unique user climate control system operating pattern is implemented according to the received vehicle input and user identifier input provided by applying at least one different predictive model to the stored set of climate control system operating parameters.

Abstract: A subscriber account associated with a femtocell can be managed and access can be provided thereto. The account service management can be accessed through a broadband network and comprises two operational layers deployed within respective demarcation zones. A first layer includes a web tier that provides landing webpage and a legacy account manager that enables account management for mobility subscribers. A second layer includes an application layer associated with femtocell service, an application layer for legacy accounts, and a middleware component that provides functional connectivity application layers and backend service component. Account management service allows secure login to femtocell account and redirection amongst femtocell and legacy service components, and enables manipulation of access list(s) that regulate access to femto service. A femtocell database retains account profile(s) that include access list(s). Access list(s) and updates thereof can be supplied to macrocell network.

Abstract: A duplex frequency is supplemented by providing simplex frequencies and distributing a data load among them. A server initially communicates with a communications device using a duplex channel. A scheduler of the server determines when it is no longer optimal to use the single duplex channel, and distributes data among the duplex channel and the simplex channels. Before sending this data through multiple channels, the server first sends a schedule to the communications device to inform which bits of data are coming through which channels at which times. The scheduler compiles this schedule and sends it to the communications device through the duplex channel. A descheduler within the communications device receives the schedule and alerts the communications device to start receiving data on other simplex channels. The descheduler then puts the bits of data in order as they stream in across the duplex and simplex channels.

Abstract: A duplex frequency is supplemented by providing simplex frequencies and distributing a data load among them. A server initially communicates with a communications device using a duplex channel. A scheduler of the server determines when it is no longer optimal to use the single duplex channel, and distributes data among the duplex channel and the simplex channels. Before sending this data through multiple channels, the server first sends a schedule to the communications device to inform which bits of data are coming through which channels at which times. The scheduler compiles this schedule and sends it to the communications device through the duplex channel. A descheduler within the communications device receives the schedule and alerts the communications device to start receiving data on other simplex channels. The descheduler then puts the bits of data in order as they stream in across the duplex and simplex channels.