Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improved efficiency and flue gas scrubbing in a fired heater using a condensing convection section. The method preheats a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon/water process feed stream in a coil in the convection section of a fired heater, collects condensate from the flue gas, and scrubs the flue gas with the recirculated condensate. The apparatus has a heat transfer coil disposed in the convection section, to preheat a process stream and form condensate from the flue gas, and a condensate recirculation loop to collect the condensate from the convection section and scrub the flue gas with the condensate.

Abstract: One example includes a navigation system. The navigation system includes an inertial navigation system (INS) that is configured to provide a coordinate frame corresponding to an inertial reference of the INS relative to a geodetic coordinate system. The coordinate frame includes a reference axis that defines a reference orientation of the INS. The system also includes an optical tracking device configured to obtain a reference image to determine an orientation of a boresight axis of the optical tracking device. The system further includes an alignment controller configured to compare the reference axis based on the coordinate frame and the boresight axis based on the reference image to determine an angular misalignment between the reference axis and the boresight axis, and to adjust the reference orientation to align the reference axis to the boresight axis based on the determined angular misalignment.

Abstract: Apparatus for protection of the ear and ear canal, and related methods of use and operation. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a selectively actuated valve which permits a varying or modulated size of aperture to be created by the wearer while the apparatus is in use, so as to accommodate varying functions, such as complete occlusion (e.g., for use in swimming or other acquatic activities such that water can be completely excluded) or partial occlusion (e.g., such that sounds can be heard by the wearer, whether in air or under water). In one implementation, the apparatus is retained within the ear canal of the wearer by virtue of the apparatus' shape and coordination with one or more natural features or contours of the anatomy in the ear region, without having to be inserted more than superficially into the outer portion of the ear canal.

Abstract: Aspects of subject technology provide systems and methods for generation and distribution of a stable identifier associated with multiple aliases of a user account. The stable identifier may be provided to various electronic devices by a server, responsive to requests associated with communications to those devices from one of the associated aliases. In this way, messaging applications can utilize the stable identifier to merge conversations from a single user having multiple aliases, and secure access to a secure device can be provided to an authorized user, even if the authorized user attempts access from an unauthorized account alias.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.

Abstract: A system is provided for performing transaction mixing between a plurality of users on a blockchain. The system is configured to carry out the steps of: selecting an initiator node to calculate a deterministic hash function using a chosen random number; distribute the deterministic hash function to a plurality of users on the blockchain; choose an amount of time each user is given to construct a payment channel, retrieve the random number, and submit an execution transaction to a blockchain network; choose a second time for when a payment to a user is submitted to the blockchain network; and establish a one-way payment channel between every pair of users in an ordered set of the plurality of users to establish a transaction chain linking all users.

Abstract: A line launcher includes a launcher body extending along a longitudinal axis between a rear end and a front end. The line launcher further includes a handle, a trigger, and a removable battery. The line launcher further includes a compressed gas charge assembly. The line launcher further includes an elongated barrel coupled to the body at the front end. The line launcher further includes a throwline assembly, the throwline assembly including a projectile and a throwline, the projectile insertable into and ejectable from the elongated barrel.

Abstract: Hinged safety gates and methods for controlling access to an elevated work surface are disclosed. The hinged safety gate can include a gate frame and a retainer assembly. The gate frame can have a distal upright member, an upper cross-arm, and a lower cross-arm. The upper cross-arm can have an upper cross-arm height (or vertical dimension), and the lower cross-arm can have a lower cross-arm height. The hinged safety gate can have a retainer assembly that is configured to be attached to a proximal end of the gate frame and to hingedly couple the gate frame to a stationary vertical surface, permitting the gate frame to swing between an open and a closed position. Some embodiments satisfy various spatial safety requirements with only two cross-arms. Some embodiments are horizontally adjustable in two different manners to accommodate a range of access area widths.

Abstract: A communication system includes a traffic relay (TR) device for locating unmanned traffic in a controlled airspace. The TR device comprises one or more processors configured to perform the step of receive a status message from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The status message provides identification and location information of the UAV. The one or more processors are also configured to perform the step of generate a warning message for communication to at least one manned aerial vehicle (MAV) or a manned traffic manager (MTM) device that is communicatively connected to the at least one MAV. The warning message is based on a comparison of the location of the UAV to a designated airspace.

Abstract: A method includes determining, by a sensor node in communication with a communication network, an evacuation condition, retrieving by a decision node, occupancy information pertaining to an area, retrieving area data, and determining an evacuation route, at least in part using the evacuation condition, occupancy information, and area data, and communicating the determined evacuation route to area occupants.

Abstract: A method and devices for verifying a digital resource by a plurality of node devices in a blockchain network. The plurality of nodes have respective private key shares, where a collective private key of a collective private-public key pair is based on a set of the respective private key shares, and where each node has a nodal private-public key pair. The digital resource may be encrypted using a digital resource crypto public key, the digital resource crypto public key including combination of a nodal public key and a collective public key. The digital resource may be submitted to a repository system by broadcasting a commitment transaction and a subsequent reveal or rescind transaction of a commitment channel, the commitment channel formed between a respective node and a principal node. Decrypting the encrypted digital resource is based on retrieving private key share contributions from the plurality of nodes participating in verifying the digital resource.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide smart alerts to users, e.g., alerts to users about diabetic states that are only provided when it makes sense to do so, e.g., when the system can predict or estimate that the user is not already cognitively aware of their current condition, e.g., particularly where the current condition is a diabetic state warranting attention. In this way, the alert or alarm is personalized and made particularly effective for that user. Such systems and methods still alert the user when action is necessary, e.g., a bolus or temporary basal rate change, or provide a response to a missed bolus or a need for correction, but do not alert when action is unnecessary, e.g., if the user is already estimated or predicted to be cognitively aware of the diabetic state warranting attention, or if corrective action was already taken.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising a recombinant AAV and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The compositions have improved stability and shelf life as compared to other AAV compositions.

Abstract: A LiDAR system includes a first mirror positioned to receive the outgoing light beam from the laser; a second mirror positioned to receive a reflected light beam from the first mirror and to redirect the reflected light beam onto a target, and a detector that detects return light reflected off of the target. The second mirror of the optical periscope includes a cross-sectional area sized and shaped to substantially match a cross-sectional area of the reflected light beam to improve a quality of signal detected by the detector.

Abstract: The technology relates to partially redundant equipment architectures for vehicles able to operate in an autonomous driving mode. Aspects of the technology employ fallback configurations, such as two or more fallback sensor configurations that provide some minimum amount of field of view (FOV) around the vehicle. For instance, different sensor arrangements are logically associated with different operating domains of the vehicle. Fallback configurations for computing resources and/or power resources are also provided. Each fallback configuration may have different reasons for being triggered, and may result in different types of fallback modes of operation. Triggering conditions may relate, e.g., to a type of failure, fault or other reduction in component capability, the current driving mode, environmental conditions in the vicinity of vehicle or along a planned route, or other factors.

Abstract: A system determines a baseline cyberthreat-risk score for a user, and displays the baseline cyberthreat-risk score via a user interface. The system presents at least one cyberthreat-education activity via the user interface, and receives, via the user interface, at least one user input associated with the presented at least one cyberthreat-education activity. The system generates an updated cyberthreat-risk score at least in part by updating the baseline cyberthreat-risk score based at least in part on the user input, and displays the updated cyberthreat-risk score via the user interface.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions of modified binding agents and modified carrier proteins, as well as nanoparticle complexes comprising modified binding agents and modified carrier proteins with optionally at least one therapeutic agent, and methods of making and using the same, in particular, as a cancer therapeutic.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of method for detecting degradation of a connecting rod big end bearing within an internal combustion engine including a crankshaft and an exhaust manifold included on a vehicle. A method includes providing an electronic control unit connected with the engine, a first set of sensors for detecting crankshaft acceleration connected located adjacent the crankshaft, a second set of sensors for detecting engine exhaust manifold pressure located adjacent the engine exhaust manifold, and a display component and an auditory component connected with the electronic control unit. The display component and/or the auditory component is activated when the first set of sensors detects diminished crankshaft acceleration during a power stroke compared to prior acceleration of the crankshaft during a power stroke and the second set of sensors detects exhaust manifold pressure that does not vary statistically significantly from expected exhaust manifold pressure.

Abstract: Provided is a canola variety designated 18GG0459R and seed, plants and plant parts thereof produced from a cross of inbred varieties. Methods for producing a canola variety comprise crossing canola variety 18GG0459R with another canola plant. Methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 18GG0459R through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the canola seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Canola variety, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, plant parts and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of canola variety are disclosed.