Abstract: An algorithm releases answers to very large numbers of statistical queries, e.g., k-way marginals, subject to differential privacy. The algorithm answers queries on a private dataset using simple perturbation, and then attempts to find a synthetic dataset that most closely matches the noisy answers. The algorithm uses a continuous relaxation of the synthetic dataset domain which makes the projection loss differentiable, and allows the use of efficient machine learning optimization techniques and tooling. Rather than answering all queries up front, the algorithm makes judicious use of a privacy budget by iteratively and adaptively finding queries for which relaxed synthetic data has high error, and then repeating the projection. The algorithm is effective across a range of parameters and datasets, especially when a privacy budget is small or a query class is large.

Abstract: An algorithm releases answers to very large numbers of statistical queries, e.g., k-way marginals, subject to differential privacy. The algorithm answers queries on a private dataset using simple perturbation, and then attempts to find a synthetic dataset that most closely matches the noisy answers. The algorithm uses a continuous relaxation of the synthetic dataset domain which makes the projection loss differentiable, and allows the use of efficient machine learning optimization techniques and tooling. Rather than answering all queries up front, the algorithm makes judicious use of a privacy budget by iteratively and adaptively finding queries for which relaxed synthetic data has high error, and then repeating the projection. The algorithm is effective across a range of parameters and datasets, especially when a privacy budget is small or a query class is large.

Abstract: A hybrid wind machine includes a fan shaft to drive a fan, and an electrical motor/generator combination, coupled to the first shaft, so as to allow the electrical motor/generator to drive the fan shaft when the wind machine is operating in a wind generating mode. Further, the coupling of the electrical motor/generator combination to the fan shaft allows the fan shaft to drive the electrical motor/generator combination as an electrical generator when the wind machine is operating in a power generating mode.

Abstract: A hybrid wind machine includes a fan shaft to drive a fan, and an electrical motor/generator combination, coupled to the first shaft, so as to allow the electrical motor/generator to drive the fan shaft when the wind machine is operating in a wind generating mode. Further, the coupling of the electrical motor/generator combination to the fan shaft allows the fan shaft to drive the electrical motor/generator combination as an electrical generator when the wind machine is operating in a power generating mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for authorizing access to an asset including a user interface for presenting to a user a checklist of items, a data acquisition device capable of receiving user responses to the checklist of items, and a processor connected to the data acquisition device selectively evaluating user responses to the items and preventing the user from accessing the asset if the user responses to the checklist of items are not satisfactory.

Abstract: A portable metal stud punching system has an alignment frame with an infeed alignment port in a first side and an outfeed alignment port in an opposite side. There is a punch and die positioned within the alignment frame. A length of metal stud is inserted through the infeed alignment port with one vertical side of the metal stud disposed between the punch and the die. A first hydraulic unit is attached to the punch and moves a first direction thereby inserting the punch into the die and punching a tab out of the vertical side of the metal stud. A second hydraulic unit moves the punch assembly in a direction perpendicular to the first direction of the first hydraulic unit. After the tab has been punched, the second hydraulic unit advances the metal stud by sliding the punch assembly a distance equal to the desired space between tabs. The punch is retracted by the first hydraulic unit and the punch assembly is returned to its original position by the second hydraulic unit.

Abstract: A computer based system that automatically gathers and analyzes relating to the procurement and utilization of a plurality of such assets, such as a fleet of industrial equipment, so as to maximize productivity and to reduce operating costs and administrative burdens by benchmarking relevant information. Benchmarking asset related data can be done on a company-wide or even industry-wide basis. The system is capable of benchmarking many different characteristics relating to assets. Industry-wide benchmarking can facilitate the determination of “best practices” for an entire industry. The system provides an analyst with a significant level of flexibility with regards to the types of data being benchmarked, the processing applied in the form a benchmark heuristic by the system.

Abstract: A database is configured and information associated with a plurality of assets is stored in the database. The system automatically analyzes the information in accordance with a set of pre-defined conditions. When a pre-defined condition is met, the subsystem recommends asset disposition using a hierarchy of disposition options, and the conditions and the options are selected to reduce expense and to maximize the return on investment for the asset user. The hierarchy of options are typically manually checked and confirmed, and a rejection of the hierarchy of options generates feedback with the system modifying as appropriate the availability of future options.