Abstract: A method obtains one or more transactions to be validated by a set of consensus nodes before storage on a digital ledger, and then selects, from a plurality of consensus algorithms, a consensus algorithm to be executed by the set of consensus nodes on the one or more transactions. The consensus algorithm selection is made based on a given policy associated with the one or more transactions. The method then tags the one or more transactions to identify the selected consensus algorithm, and sends the one or more tagged transactions to the set of consensus nodes for execution of the selected consensus algorithm for validation of the one or more transactions before storage on the digital ledger. The selection step is repeated when one or more additional transactions are obtained.

Abstract: A glenoid implant is provided and may include a body portion and a stem portion. The stem portion may extend from the body portion along a longitudinal axis. The body portion may include an articular side and a bone-engaging side opposite the articular side. At least a portion of the bone-engaging side may be disposed at a non-parallel angle relative to at least a peripheral edge of the articulation side.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for informed personal-well-being decision making that provides a user with alerts and information, focused on health and wellness, on items they choose for possible consumption. Some embodiments include optical, sonic, smell and other sensors, communications with databases that identify ingredients and effects on health and well-being, as well as user inputs. From user input, GPS, local conditions and alerts, some embodiments determine information specific to the user and their environment. By using established, and creating new, databases, some embodiments compile, compare, transmit and store data on various consumables. Some embodiments provide access to information on the companies, manufacturers, and various other components in an item's trip from dirt to table. Some embodiments establish methods and procedures to ascertain both the point-of-origin and where the consumable has traveled.

Abstract: Building systems including a frame with a horizontal member from which first and second vertical bars downwardly extend and a panel attached to the frame. The building systems include at least one of an integrated fastener cover that is moveable to a closed position that covers a portion of a fastener, a gusset assembly with a junction cover positioned at a corner junction between two adjacent portions of a panel, and hinge assemblies that reduce the sagging of a panel, such as a door.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a housing assembly for a knife gate valve. The housing assembly includes a valve body defining a passageway and having a first body and a second body, and a one-piece liner arranged between the first body and the second body. The first body and the second body each include a flange recessed portion that defines a flange recess surface. Each of the flange recess surfaces includes a first flange surface portion, a second flange surface portion, and a raised flange bead. The one-piece liner includes a first liner flange portion that forms a first liner recess. The first liner recess receives the flange recessed portion of the first body to bring the raised flange bead of the first body into engagement with the first liner flanged portion.

Abstract: This application is directed to a passively-cooled electronic device including a housing, a plurality of electronic assemblies and a plurality of thermally conductive parts. The electronic assemblies are enclosed in the housing, and include a first electronic assembly and a second electronic assembly. The first and second electronic assemblies are disposed proximately to each other within the housing, and the second electronic assembly is substantially sensitive to heat, including heat generated by operation of the first electronic assembly. The thermally conductive parts are coupled between the first electronic assembly and the housing, and configured to create a first plurality of heat conduction paths to conduct the heat generated by the first electronic assembly away from the second electronic assembly without using a fan. At least a subset of the thermally conductive parts mechanically supports one or both of the first and second electronic assemblies.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved methods for diagnosing allergy in a subject using designed ankyrin repeat proteins (“DARPins”), and kits for use in such methods. Also provided herein are novel DARPins and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A method comprises forming a mask on a first surface of a substrate. The mask is patterned to form openings on the first surface of the substrate. Notches are formed in the first surface of the substrate in the openings. The mask is removed from the first surface of the substrate A plurality of LEDs are provided on the first surface of the substrate and between notches. A second surface of the substrate is thinned to expose the notches and separate the LEDs. The second surface of the substrate is opposite of the first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An integrated GW (I-GW) can be utilized to facilitate communications with Internet of things (IoT) devices that operate without Internet protocol (IP) addresses, based on assigned preferences and/or priority. In one aspect, the I-GW can efficiently deliver existing services for various types of IoT devices (e.g., that support different non-IP protocols) and can create emerging applications across different vertical applications. Further, the I-GW can leverage mobility network elements to authenticate, prioritize connections, and/or enable data orchestration via underlying software defined network (SDN)-enabled capabilities and/or infrastructure services. By utilizing IoT devices that do not have IP stacks, a cost and/or size of the IoT devices can be decreased and battery life can be significantly extended.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.

Abstract: This disclosure details electrified vehicles that are equipped with one or more attachment and sealing assemblies for securing a battery pack to vehicle body components. An exemplary attachment and sealing assembly may establish a mid-span attachment point of the battery pack. The attachment and sealing assembly may include an attachment column and a sealing ring that cooperate to secure the battery pack to the vehicle and to seal openings formed through the battery pack and the vehicle body component.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and machine-readable storage media to monitor media presentations are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a locator to compare a location of a mobile device with a set of reference locations at which audio monitoring is to be performed. The disclosed example apparatus further includes an audio receiver to enable a microphone of the mobile device to collect audio for media monitoring when (1) the location of the mobile device corresponds to a first one of the reference locations and (2) a media presentation monitor at the first one of the reference locations indicates a likelihood of media being presented at the first location satisfies a threshold. In some disclosed examples, the audio receiver of the example apparatus is to disable the microphone from collecting audio for media monitoring when the location of the mobile device does not correspond to any of the reference locations.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter, cells, protocols and procedures useful for augmentation of one or more therapeutic activities of fibroblast cellular populations. In one embodiment fibroblasts are pretreated with growth factor-comprising composition(s), wherein the growth factor(s) may be cytokines, peptides, and/or proteins. In another embodiment fibroblasts are cultured with platelet rich plasma and/or derivatives from platelet rich plasma. In another embodiment, fibroblasts are cultured under hypoxic conditions prior to administration to an individual. The disclosure further provides means of assessment of fibroblast activity in vitro, including wound repair assay and cytokine production, for example.

Abstract: A power plug retention device for use with a power plug inserted in a power receptacle is provided. The power plug retention device includes a body including an insertion portion and a gripping portion formed along an insertion axis of the body. The insertion portion is shaped as a wedge configured to be inserted in a gap between the power plug and the power receptacle. The gripping portion includes an insertion force receiving surface formed orthogonal to the insertion axis and configured to receive an insertion force from a user in an insertion direction along the insertion axis to thereby insert and lodge the wedge in the gap to form an interference fit between the wedge, the power plug, and the power receptacle when the wedge is inserted in the gap.

Abstract: The described methods and systems decrease instances of distracted driving, encourage more frequent use of vehicle tracking services, and generally improve the risk profile of a driver and vehicle. These benefits are achieved by way of a vehicle computer system that incentivizes users to place mobile devices in a do-not-disturb (DND) mode and to activate vehicle tracking services. The vehicle computer system encourages these behaviors by enabling content delivery for devices within the vehicle based on the status of the mobile device(s) and the status of the vehicle tracking service(s).

Abstract: Snow sensors, methods and mechanisms for snow sensor reading responses, assemblies for use with snow sensors, such as snow removal systems and assemblies, plus related components, as well as component combinations and related methods.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating charge/discharge of a battery to stabilize a regional power grid includes a regulation control module that monitors a frequency regulation signal from the regional power grid and market conditions for obtaining power from the regional power grid. A machine learning module predicts from the frequency regulation signal and market conditions a future beneficial period when the battery may be exposed to the regional power grid to charge/discharge power in accordance with the frequency regulation signal to stabilize the regional power grid through participation in the regulation of the regional power grid.

Abstract: Devices and methods for using base layer intra prediction mode for enhancement layer intra mode prediction are disclosed.