Abstract: A pivot thrust reverser includes a first tandem pivot door subassembly comprising an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel and outer panel are connected by a first sliding rail. A second tandem pivot door subassembly is included comprising an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel and outer panel are connected by a second sliding rail.

Abstract: Polarized light characteristics are detected and mapped to an application, such as product identification. A process of reflecting a directed light emission through a polarizing filter, and sensing the processed light emission having particular characteristics is provided. The characteristics of the sensed light emission is associated with a “color code” that is cross-referenced within a database of color codes.

Abstract: Solar cells having a plurality of sub-cells coupled by metallization structures, and singulation approaches to forming solar cells having a plurality of sub-cells coupled by metallization structures, are described. In an example, a solar cell, includes a plurality of sub-cells, each of the sub-cells having a singulated and physically separated semiconductor substrate portion. Adjacent ones of the singulated and physically separated semiconductor substrate portions have a groove there between. The solar cell also includes a monolithic metallization structure. A portion of the monolithic metallization structure couples ones of the plurality of sub-cells. The groove between adjacent ones of the singulated and physically separated semiconductor substrate portions exposes a portion of the monolithic metallization structure.

Abstract: Blockchain-based systems and methods incorporate secure wallets; enhanced, randomized, secure identifiers for uniquely identifying discrete items; and cryptographically secure time-stamped blockchains. Role-based secure wallets include private cryptographic keys for digitally signing transactions for recording in a blockchain. Operations to be performed using role-based wallet can be permitted or restricted based on privileges associated with the respective wallets. Multiple blockchains can also be used to track transactions involving different units of account, for example, a measurement of a discrete product being transferred and an associated value of the transaction.

Abstract: One variation of a system includes: a pipe adapter defining an inlet configured to thread into a water supply outlet adjacent a shower wall, defining an external threaded section opposite the inlet, and defining an internal bore between the inlet and the external threaded section; a collar defining: a surface configured to face the shower wall; a retention feature offset from the surface; and an internal threaded section defining an axis normal the surface, the internal threaded section configured to mate with the external threaded section of the pipe adapter to position the surface approximately flush with the shower wall; a nipple configured to insert into the pipe adapter and comprising a seal configured to mate with the internal bore; a shower head defining a nozzle fluidly coupled to the nipple; and a latch configured to transiently engage the retention feature to constrain the shower head against the collar.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first thermoset layer that includes a first fibrous material embedded in a first thermoset matrix. The apparatus also includes a second thermoset layer that includes a second fibrous material embedded in a second thermoset matrix. The second thermoset layer is coupled to the first thermoset layer to form a joint. Further, a gap is defined between the first thermoset layer and the second thermoset layer. The apparatus also includes a thermoplastic filler that is made from a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic filler is positioned within the gap.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system can have first and second loudspeakers selectively operable in a single-channel mode or in a multi-channel mode. In the single-channel mode, the first and the second loudspeakers are configured to simultaneously reproduce a substantially identical signal. In the multi-channel mode, the first loudspeaker reproduces a first-channel signal and the second loudspeaker reproduces a second-channel signal. The first-channel signal and the second-channel signal can constitute respective portions of a multi-channel signal. Such loudspeaker systems can also have a mode selector configured to select one of the single-channel mode and the multi-channel mode. In some embodiments, such selection can occur in response to one or more detected proximities of another loudspeaker system. Multi-zone loudspeaker systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A content retrieval control system includes a management center, programming capability, and one or more managed terminals. The managed terminals are connectable to content repositories. The content retrieval control system includes one or more association registers associating each managed terminal with the programming capability. The content retrieval control system includes programmable content delivery schedules for each managed terminal storing content identification information identifying selected content. The programming capability programs the content delivery schedules with content identification information identifying content in the content repositories for each managed terminal with which the programming terminal is associated. The management center delivers the content delivery schedules including content identification information to each corresponding managed terminal.

Abstract: An assembly for treating a native valve in a human heart includes a prosthetic heart valve having an expandable frame and a valvular structure. The assembly also includes a tubular sleeve and a valve catheter disposed within the sleeve. A plurality of metal extension arms are coupled to the valve catheter for holding the prosthetic heart valve. The extension arms are configured to radially expand with the prosthetic heart valve during expansion of the prosthetic heart valve at a treatment site. A plurality of metal rods extend distally from the valve catheter. The rods are axially movable relative to the extension arms. A plurality of release members are provided for releasing the prosthetic heart valve from the extension arms upon movement of the metal rods.

Abstract: Blockchain-based systems and methods incorporate secure wallets; enhanced, randomized, secure identifiers for uniquely identifying discrete items; and cryptographically secure time-stamped blockchains. Role-based secure wallets include private cryptographic keys for digitally signing transactions for recording in a blockchain. Operations to be performed using role-based wallet can be permitted or restricted based on privileges associated with the respective wallets. Multiple blockchains can also be used to track transactions involving different units of account, for example, a measurement of a discrete product being transferred and an associated value of the transaction.

Abstract: A mobile volumetric concrete mixing system includes a suction system that vacuums up trench spoils while a trench is being cut. These trench spoils are then screened on-site for particle size to be reused and mixed with water, cement, and/or other admixtures at an auger mixer to form a backfill mixture. This backfill mixture may then be loaded into a hopper that continuously agitates the mixture so that the mixture does not harden before pouring. The agitating hopper is coupled to a discharge chute of the auger mixer and includes one or more augers disposed at various orientations that the backfill mixture is channeled through. From the agitating hopper, the backfill mixture is channeled to an applicator that moves along the trench and that enables the mixture to be quickly poured into the trench with little clean-up required.

Abstract: Plant genes regulated by transcription factors that control the gene network response to an environmental perturbation or signal are described. This class of genes responds to the perturbation of a transcription factor and the signal it transduces, but surprisingly, without stable binding of the transcription factor. These genes represent members of the “dark matter” of metabolic regulatory circuits. The invention involves the transgenic manipulation of these “response genes” and/or the genes encoding their regulatory transcription factors in plants so that their respective gene products are either overexpressed or underexpressed in the plant in order to confer a desired phenotype. The invention also relates to a rapid technique named “TARGET” (transient assay reporting genome-wide effects of transcription factors) for determining such “response genes” and their transcription factors by perturbation of the expression of the transcription factors of interest in protoplasts of any plant species.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan rotor, a first compressor rotor and a second compressor rotor. The second compressor rotor compresses air to a higher pressure than the first compressor rotor. A first turbine rotor drives the second compressor rotor and a second turbine rotor. The second turbine drives the compressor rotor. A fan drive turbine is positioned downstream of the second turbine rotor. The fan drive turbine drives the fan through a gear reduction. The first compressor rotor and second turbine rotor rotate as an intermediate speed spool. The second compressor rotor and first turbine rotor together as a high speed spool. The high speed spool and the fan drive turbine configured to rotate in the same first direction. The intermediate speed spool rotates in an opposed, second direction.

Abstract: A mist generating system for a cleaning implement is adapted to generate a finely atomized liquid mist for suppressing dust, allergens, and other airborne particulates. The mist generating system can be adapted to fit many cleaning implements such as vacuum cleaners, wet extraction cleaners, floor mops, and dusters to suppress airborne dust and particulates generated during operation and the cleaning process.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine assembly for an aircraft includes a fan section delivering air into a main compressor section. The main compressor section includes a first compressor section and a second compressor section operating at a higher pressure than the first compressor section. The main compressor section compresses air and delivers air into a combustion section where the air is mixed with fuel and ignited to generate products of combustion that are passed over a turbine section to drive the fan section and main compressor sections. An environmental control system includes a low pressure tap at a location on the first compressor section of the main compressor section. The low pressure tap communicates airflow to a first passage leading to a downstream outlet. A compressor is driven by an electric motor. A combined outlet intermixes airflow from the first passage and from the compressor driven by the electric motor and passes the airflow downstream to be delivered to an aircraft use.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a Virtual Reality Engine that generates first object data based on a first physical gesture applied to a first object presented in a mobile device view displayed at a first mobile device. The Virtual Reality (“VR”) Engine generates second object data based on a second physical gesture applied to a second object presented in a second mobile device view displayed at a second mobile device. The VR Engine concurrently causes display of the first object and the second object in the respective mobile device views and in a virtual reality view at a virtual reality device. The VR Engine concurrently causes display of the first object data and the second object data in the respective mobile device views and the virtual reality view.

Abstract: An improved air filter bag comprising a height from about 35 cm to about 50 cm; a nominal diameter from about 10 to about 40 cm; and a first taper angle from about 65° to about 83° is provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer-readable storage media storing executable instructions, for enhanced authentication security. In some implementations, an authentication request associated with a first communication session is received. A second communication session having parameter values derived from parameter values for the first communication session. An authorization code corresponding to the second communication session is generated. The first communication session as closed. The authentication code is provided to the device in response to the authentication request.