Abstract: A power generator comprises a hydrogen producing fuel, multiple fuel cells arranged in a ring, and a rotatable ring valve. Each fuel cell has a proton exchange membrane and an opening separating the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. The rotatable ring valve has multiple openings corresponding to the openings of the fuels cells such that ambient water is controllably prevented from entering the fuel cell by rotation of the ring valve.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises: a first medium inlet operable to receive a first medium into the heat exchanger; a first medium outlet operable to expel the first medium from the heat exchanger; a second medium inlet operable to receive a second medium into the heat exchanger; a second medium outlet operable to expel the second medium from the heat exchanger; and a plurality of parallel tubes running from the second medium inlet to the second medium outlet operable to carry the second medium from the second medium inlet to the second medium outlet, the plurality of tubes including: a first section of a first plurality of tubes, at least one of the first plurality of tubes having a first diameter, situated so that the first medium first flows from the first medium inlet over exterior walls of the first plurality of tubes and through gaps between the first plurality of tubes; and a second section of a second plurality of tubes, at least one of the second plurality of tubes having a second diameter that is different

Abstract: A system is disclosed for displaying a procedure to an aircraft operator during a flight of an aircraft. The system includes, but is not limited to, a display unit, a data storage unit that is configured to store the procedure, an input unit, and a processor that is communicatively connected to the display unit, to the data storage unit and to the input unit. The processor is configured to obtain the procedure from the data storage unit, to receive an input from the input unit, and to control the display unit to display the procedure as a vertical profile having a compressed portion and an expanded portion, the expanded portion corresponding to the input.

Abstract: A system and method for providing centralized control of the audio output for one or more gaming machines in a casino gaming network are disclosed herein. The system comprises one or more microphone interfaces positioned in a casino gaming floor environment to obtain noise level data. The system also includes a system server connected to the one or more microphone interfaces to receive the obtained noise level data and to determine the appropriate audio output for one or more gaming machines. The system also includes an audio hub positioned within each gaming machine and connected to the system server, wherein each audio hub receives audio instructions from the system server and adjusts the audio output for one or more gaming machines.

Abstract: A camera housing incorporates a glass window, as an optical port, to improve image quality. The window can be curved or flat. The housing can be dome shaped and can also include metal or plastic along with the glass window. A camera installed in the housing has a field of view that intersects the window. The clear glass window enhances image quality when tilting or zooming the camera.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for regulating expression of a polynucleotide of interest in a plant are provided. Compositions include novel nucleotide sequences comprising an isolated stress-induced promoter natively linked to the maize ZmCBF2 coding region. A method for expressing a polynucleotide of interest in a plant or plant cell, using a regulatory sequence described herein, is provided. The method may comprise transforming a plant cell to comprise a polynucleotide sequence of interest operably linked to one or more of the regulatory sequences of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant from the transformed plant cell.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a linear spread in an electronic trading environment are described. According to one example embodiment, a trading system can receive market information associated to a trading strategy, known as a spread. The trader may also define a market volatility parameter to utilize in the calculation of a linear spread price axis. The received market information and a divide spread algorithm are also used to determine the linear spread price axis. The trading application determines a linear spread price axis, at which price levels are separated by consistent linear tick increments. The linear spread price axis allows for more efficient and effective trading in the electronic trading environment especially when certain tradeable objects are traded or when certain spread algorithms, like the divide spread algorithm, are utilized.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing fluid and projectiles to downhole tubulars includes a manifold. The manifold may include a housing, a cartridge disposed within the housing, and an actuator. The cartridge includes multiple throughbores for selectively allowing a fluid flow to pass through, and storing a projectile. The actuator is adapted to move the multiple throughbores of the cartridge out of and into the fluid flow to release the stored projectile into the fluid flow. The manifold may include multiple projectiles that are stored laterally relative to each other for radial translation and release into the fluid flow.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that provides an opportunity to win a prize in response to game play, each game being played in exchange for monetary input. The gaming system includes a game server and a plurality of game units connected via a network. The game server stores one or more games. The game units each include a web browser having a monetary input device, and a ticket dispenser having a printer. The game system enables a player to receive a prize at a game unit via the ticket dispenser in response to winning game play. The gaming system enables game units to request games from the game server over the network. The games may be downloaded over the network from the game server to the requesting game unit to be executed at the game unit and to be displayed in one or more web browsers.

Abstract: A method for determining a probabilistic loss of function of a system includes the steps of determining a plurality of failure mode probabilities, ranking a plurality of functions pertaining to the failure mode probabilities, and identifying a likely function at least substantially lost by the system based at least in part on the plurality of failure mode probabilities and the ranking.

Abstract: A security system, such as in a home or other building, includes a broadcast band RF transmitter for transmitting an audio message that can be received by a user on a common home or car radio, for example. The audio message may be provided in response to a command that is transmitted to the security system by a user from a wireless key fob or the like. The user command may instruct the security system to arm or disarm itself, for instance. The audio message, which can be received on a selected channel on a car's radio receiver, informs the user that the command has been executed. The audio message may include a voice message such as “system armed” or “system disarmed”, a musical passage, a beep, chirp, or the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to thermostats that assist users in monitoring and/or controlling their utility consumption habits and patterns. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a thermostat that includes a housing and a controller located within the housing. The controller may be adapted to implement a control algorithm that permits the controller to operate one or more components of an HVAC system. The thermostat may include a display and a receiver that is configured to receive messages from a utility. In some cases, the controller may provide, on the display, an indication of a measure of utility usage during a first time period (e.g. during a current month) and an indication of a measure of utility usage during a second time period (e.g. during the same month one year ago) that may be after the first time period.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method for interfacing an access control system and an input device, comprising the steps of displaying, on the input device, a set of choices from a plurality of choices, receiving one choice, and modifying the displayed set of choices based on the one choice, wherein modifying is performed by a heuristic method and/or a usage-based method. The heuristic method determines if one choice is a request for additional information, and, if it is, modifies the choices to include the additional information, and to exclude advanced and typical choices; and, if not, modifies the choices to include the advanced and typical choices. The usage-based method comprises incrementing a choice counter, if the counter is greater than multiple choices, modifying the choices to extra emphasize the choice, and if not, modifying the to emphasize the choice.

Abstract: An electrical power system architecture uses an auxiliary power unit as an electrical power source during taxi (ground idle) and approach idle (if required). Using the APU as a power source enables a low pressure spool driven electrical generator to be off-line when its speed is too low for it to operate effectively.

Abstract: A temperature-compensated-resistance (TCR) circuit, which may be part of an integrated circuit, is provided. The TCR circuit consists of two resistors and a diode. The two resistors are connected in parallel and the diode is connected in series with one of the resistors. The two parallel legs of the TCR circuit may be connected to a reference voltage source, such as a ground. No specialized devices, such as bipolar transistors, Zener or Schottky diodes, or specially-processed resistors, are required by the TCR circuit. The resistors and the diode of the TCR circuit may be chosen to adjust for temperature variations in the resistance values of the resistor, leading to a negative, zero, or positive temperature coefficient of resistance for the circuit. A phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit is described as an application of the TCR circuit.

Abstract: A differential force sensor method and apparatus for automatically monitoring manual injections through an intravenous line. The differential force sensor includes two piezoresistive sense die that are packaged in close proximity utilizing a number of packaging processes. The two piezoresistive sense die can be utilized to measure forces exerted on a diaphragm on either side of an orifice. The piezoresistive sense die can be packaged in close proximity to make intimate contact with the diaphragms on either side of the orifice. The differential force sensor further includes two plungers that make intimate contact with the diaphragm and transfer the force into the piezo-resistive sense dies. Additionally, one or more ASICs and microcontrollers can be utilized to provide thermal calibration and differential calculation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying a digital terrain to a user of a vehicle are provided. First, second, and third actual terrain data points are received. The third actual terrain data point is between the first and second actual terrain data points. If the third actual terrain data point is above a line interconnecting the first and second actual terrain data points, the first actual terrain data point is modified such that the third actual terrain data point is not above a line interconnecting said modified first actual terrain data point and the second actual terrain data point. A digital terrain is displayed to the user of the vehicle. The digital terrain includes a first digital terrain data point corresponding to the modified first actual terrain data point.

Abstract: Heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment units are provided with controllers which may be interconnected to a third or common controller, such as a communicating thermostat, and provide information in a process to determine if two or more of such air conditioning units may be operated as twinned units. Information is transmitted over a data bus between the controllers for the respective air conditioning units and the common controller to determine if the air conditioning units are the same type, of a same family and of essentially the same capacity before permitting twinned operation. If one of the air conditioning units is not twinnable, an alarm signal is generated to prevent operation of the air conditioning units in a multiple-unit configuration.

Abstract: Dry cross-linked gelatin compositions are prepared that rapidly re-hydrate to produce gelatin hydrogels suitable as hemostatic sealants. Gelatin is cross-linked in the presence of certain re-hydration aids, such as polyethylene glycol, polyvinylprovidone, and dextran, in order to produce a dry cross-linked gelatin powder. The use of the re-hydration aids has been found to substantially increase the re-hydration rate in the presence of an aqueous re-hydration medium, typically thrombin-containing saline.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PHGC2 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHGC2 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHGC2 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHGC2 or a trait conversion of PHGC2 with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHGC2, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHGC2 and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.