Abstract: A method including executing a logical computing element (LCE) on a server. Worker LCEs are executed on the server. A first electronic file comprising geometry data in a first data structure is received at the controller LCE. An available worker LCE is identified, by the controller LCE, as an in-use worker LCE from among the worker LCEs. The geometry data is imported by the in-use worker LCE. A job instance is established by the in-use worker LCE. A rendering engine is launched by the in-use worker LCE. The rendering engine generates, for the job instance and using the geometry data, a dataset file in a second data structure different than the first data structure. The dataset file is returned by the in-use worker LCE to the controller LCE. The dataset file is returned by the controller LCE to a remote computer.

Abstract: An adjustable patient shield which a protects a user such as a healthcare provider from aerosol and particulate matter emanating from a patient or from equipment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing electronic commerce using mutating identifiers. One method can include encrypting buyer transaction data with a first mutating identifier, transmitting the buyer transaction data to an authenticator device, decrypting the buyer transaction data, generating a payment request, encrypting the payment request with a third mutating identifier, and transmitting the payment request to a payment authenticator device.

Abstract: A filter and methods of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the filter includes a first scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; a second scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; and a middle layer positioned between the first and second scrims. The middle layer includes a dry-laid web of cellulose and opened, individuated staple bicomponent fiber. At least some of the bicomponent fiber in the middle layer is thermally bonded to at least some of the cellulose in the middle layer, and the first and second scrims are thermally bonded to the middle layer.

Abstract: A flow-through dryer for drying webs of material comprising a rotatable drying drum having a cylindrical drum face and section flanges on the drum ends that enclose an interior space. The drum face is configured as a series of spaced pleated vent plates mounted circumferentially about the outside of drying drum. The pleated vent plates are perforated to allow air flow into the interior space and have an outer edge that is adapted to support the web of material about the drying drum.

Abstract: A method and device for depositing fibers on a forming wire. In one embodiment, a device includes a fiber reservoir having an inlet, a first outlet configured to pass air or gas, and a second outlet configured to pass fiber. The device also includes a fiber meter configured to move fiber out of the reservoir to a forming head via mechanical action and along substantially the entire width of the forming head. The forming head includes one or more air inlets and one or more agitators to blend and open the fiber received from the fiber meter. The forming head interfaces with a vacuum source that draws air into the forming head through the air inlets, which can be adjusted to affect volume and velocity of air drawn into the forming head.

Abstract: Methods and machines for forming a non-woven web. In one embodiment, the machine includes one or more forming boxes. Each box has an associated fiber inlet. The forming boxes are positioned above a conveyor table. Fibrous material travels from the inlet through each forming box. A vacuum source is located underneath the conveyor table and generates an air current that pulls the fibrous material onto the conveyor table to form a web or sheet of fibrous material. In one embodiment, the fibrous sheet is formed in three layers. Vapor or steam boxes are placed adjacent to each forming box. In one embodiment, a steam box is located within the entrance of an oven. The sheet is subjected to a vapor, mist, fog, spray, or steam (generically referred to as a “suspension”) as it passes under each steam box. In one embodiment, the suspension is generated with water. Applying a water suspension to the fibrous materials provides hydrogen atoms to help create hydrogen bonding between at least some of the fibers.

Abstract: A method of forming a fibrous material includes creating a mixture of pulp, liquid, and a debonder. Drying the mixture produces pulp, which is generally mixed with binder fibers, where each binder fiber has a core and an outer layer. The core has a first melting temperature and the outer layer has a second melting temperature lower than the first melting temperature. The method includes providing the pulp and binder fibers to a dry-lay machine to form a layer of base fibrous material. In one embodiment, the layer of base fibrous material is heated to at least partially melt the binder fibers' outer layers. The method includes applying a bonding material to the layer; creping the layer; and curing the layer to form the fibrous material. Alternatively, the method includes embossing the layer of base fibrous material; and spraying a chemical bonder to the layer of base fibrous material.

Abstract: A flow-through dryer for drying webs of material comprising a rotatable drying drum having a cylindrical drum face and section flanges on the drum ends that enclose an interior space. The drum face is configured as a series of spaced pleated vent plates mounted circumferentially about the outside of drying drum. The pleated vent plates are perforated to allow air flow into the interior space and have an outer edge that is adapted to support the web of material about the drying drum.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing electronic commerce using mutating identifiers. One method can include encrypting buyer transaction data with a first mutating identifier, transmitting the buyer transaction data to an authenticator device, decrypting the buyer transaction data, generating a payment request, encrypting the payment request with a third mutating identifier, and transmitting the payment request to a payment authenticator device.

Abstract: A multiple party system for distributing content. In one embodiment, four parties are involved in the system: a consumer, a service provider, an authenticator, and a content provider. The distribution of content from the content provider to the consumer is carried out using a predefined protocol, mutating IDs, and licenses. The authenticator controls the distribution of mutating IDs and verifies the identity of one or more participating parties.

Abstract: A multiple party system for distributing content. In one embodiment, four parties are involved in the system: a consumer, a service provider, an authenticator, and a content provider. The distribution of content from the content provider to the consumer is carried out using a predefined protocol, mutating IDs, and licenses. The authenticator controls the distribution of mutating IDs and verifies the identity of one or more participating parties.

Abstract: A multiple party system for distributing content. In one embodiment, four parties are involved in the system: a consumer, a service provider, an authenticator, and a content provider. The distribution of content from the content provider to the consumer is carried out using a predefined protocol, mutating IDs, and licenses. The authenticator controls the distribution of mutating IDs and verifies the identity of one or more participating parties.