Abstract: A fuel and bleed controller is provided. The fuel and bleed controller includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores program instructions thereon. The program instructions are executable by the processor to cause the fuel and bleed controller to send status requests to systems of the aircraft. The systems comprise a bleed system and bleed user controllers. The program instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the fuel and bleed controller to receive status responses from the systems of the aircraft and determine fuel requirements based on the status responses in advance of operational needs by the systems of the aircraft. The program instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the fuel and bleed controller to control engines of the aircraft based on the fuel requirements.

Abstract: Passive reduction of internal jet engine component temperature in supersonic and hypersonic vehicles results from use of nanocomposite optical ceramic materials between the heat-generating portions of each jet engine and the ambient environment, allowing heat dissipation from the jet engine components directly to the ambient environment. A propulsion-airframe integrated scramjet aircraft includes a jet engine and an airframe supporting the jet engine, with at least a portion of the airframe between a heat-generating portion of the jet engine and an ambient environment comprising a nanocomposite optical ceramic material in the form of a panel or a grid of windows each supported within a frame. The nanocomposite optical ceramic material portion of the airframe disposed between the heat-generating portion of the jet engine and the ambient environment is infrared-transparent, and may transmit at least 75% of heat energy from the heat-generating portion of the jet engine to the ambient environment.

Abstract: A fuel and bleed controller is provided. The fuel and bleed controller includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores program instructions thereon. The program instructions are executable by the processor to cause the fuel and bleed controller to send status requests to systems of the aircraft. The systems comprise a bleed system and bleed user controllers. The program instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the fuel and bleed controller to receive status responses from the systems of the aircraft and determine fuel requirements based on the status responses in advance of operational needs by the systems of the aircraft. The program instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the fuel and bleed controller to control engines of the aircraft based on the fuel requirements.

Abstract: A coaster device for removing a cap from a bottle and method of doing the same. One coaster device may comprise a top side and a bottom side, and at least one aperture extending from the bottom side to the top side, the aperture having at least one edge configured to engage the fastened cap to remove the cap from the bottle. In some embodiments, the aperture may comprise at least part of a stylized design. Also a method of advertising using a bottle-opening coaster device that includes a bottle-opening edge forming at least part of a stylized design as part of a logo.

Abstract: A coaster device for removing a cap from a bottle and method of doing the same. One coaster device may comprise a top side and a bottom side, and at least one aperture extending from the bottom side to the top side, the aperture having at least one edge configured to engage the fastened cap to remove the cap from the bottle. In some embodiments, the aperture may comprise at least part of a stylized design. Also a method of advertising using a bottle-opening coaster device that includes a bottle-opening edge forming at least part of a stylized design as part of a logo.

Abstract: A therapeutic bolster for applying a constant pressure or a rolling massage to a body portion which simulates the touch of a human thumb or palm. The bolster includes a rigid, non-flexible core having a curved outer surface, and a foam cover substantially surrounding the core. The covering is bonded to the core such that an inward surface of the covering remains in a continuous contact with curved outer surface of the core. A method of making the bolster is also disclosed.

Abstract: A renderfarm monitoring system collects and aggregates comprehensive renderfarm information from a distributed scheduling system. Listener modules interface with dispatcher modules. The dispatcher modules queue jobs and tasks and request processing for those tasks in which the required input data is available. The listener modules receive streams of events from dispatcher modules indicating the status of all associated jobs and tasks. The listener modules also receive system status information from renderfarm and user computers. Renderfarm usage information, such as jobs, tasks, and system status, is aggregated by a database system. Client applications can access renderfarm usage information from the database system and use this information to monitor, analyze, visualize, and control renderfarm activities. Additionally, renderfarm usage information associated with tasks can be used to prioritize the jobs, improving overall renderfarm efficiency.

Abstract: Means for playing a putting game comprises a container within which an elongated mat is stored in a rolled-up condition and from which the mat can be dispensed, a wall that can be placed on the mat when it has been unrolled, a jack ball that can be placed on the mat at a position spaced from the wall, a first plurality of playing balls for a first player or team, a second plurality of playing balls for a second player or team, and at least one putter for hitting the playing balls.

Abstract: A renderfarm monitoring system collects and aggregates comprehensive renderfarm information from a distributed scheduling system. Listener modules interface with dispatcher modules. The dispatcher modules queue jobs and tasks and request processing for those tasks in which the required input data is available. The listener modules receive streams of events from dispatcher modules indicating the status of all associated jobs and tasks. The listener modules also receive system status information from renderfarm and user computers. Renderfarm usage information, such as jobs, tasks, and system status, is aggregated by a database system. Client applications can access renderfarm usage information from the database system and use this information to monitor, analyze, visualize, and control renderfarm activities. Additionally, renderfarm usage information associated with tasks can be used to prioritize the jobs, improving overall renderfarm efficiency.