Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the creation and harvesting of algae using tufted products. One exemplary tufted product comprises a substrate and tufts tufted through the substrate. The use of a tufted product provides various advantages with respect to the creation and harvesting of algae. Among other things, such products can be configured to improve the amount of algal-growing surface area provided and other growing environment characteristics and to facilitate the harvesting of the algae from the tufted product by facilitating the release of all or most of the algae from attachment to the tufted product.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the processing speed of computational electromagnetic methods, such as the Method of Moments (MoM), may involve using efficient mapping of algorithms onto a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) architecture. Various methods may provide speed/complexity improvements to either or both of: (1) direct solution via Lower-Upper (LU) factorization; and (2) iterative methods (e.g., Generalized Minimal Residual (GMRES) method).

Abstract: A gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle includes a row of laterally sinuous chevrons extending from an aft end of an exhaust duct. The chevrons have radially outer and inner surfaces bound by a laterally sinuous trailing edge extending between a base of the chevrons adjoining the duct and an axially opposite apex of the chevrons. Each chevron has a compound arcuate contour both axially and laterally, and the sinuous trailing edge of the chevrons further compounds the arcuate configuration of each chevron.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp fixture holds overlapping legs of L-shaped carpenter framing squares in aligned relationships in fixed or sliding relationships. Outer perpendicular legs of the squares align in various ways for a variety of measuring, marking, cutting, and jigging functions. Vertical holes in the fixture allow pivotal connection of the fixture to external surfaces and to another fixture for circular and angular functions. Rigid orthogonal interconnection of two fixtures enables rectangular functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to managing defunct processes. A parent process that does not collect exit information associated with a child process may leave a defunct child process. A defunct child process is identified. The parent process of the defunct child process is modified. The parent process can be modified by changing an existing thread or instantiating a new thread to collect exit information associated with the child process. Collecting exit information causes the removal of the defunct child process.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring power usage from a watt-hour meter or power meter. The system may include a sensor, sensor terminal, and data collection unit. The sensor may be disposed external from the power meter and be consumer installable in an unobstructive position for direct viewing of power meter registers. The sensor terminal may be coupled to the sensor and include a receiver and transmitter operable to receive and transmit information indicative of motion of a rotating disk in the power meter sensed by the sensor. A data collection unit in communication with the sensor terminal may include a display to display various information to the consumer, such as current bill and power network notification indicators. The data collection unit further may be communicate with a service center that performs power usage analysis to feedback to the data collection unit to display for the consumer.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a throat area of a jet aircraft exhaust nozzle assembly includes positioning a lower structure within a substantially rectangular nozzle assembly, coupling a ramp flap to the lower structure, and coupling an outer flap to the nozzle assembly such that movement of at least one of the ramp flap and the outer flap adjusts the throat area of the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A heat sink clip is provided for attaching a heat sink assembly to a universal retention module (URM). The heat sink clip includes a body and a lever attached to the body by way of a pin. The body of the heat sink clip includes engagement portions which engage posts of the URM. The lever of the heat sink clip is pivotally attached to the heat sink assembly. As the lever is pivoted from an open position to a closed position, the pin moves along a bearing surface of the body. Also as the lever is pivoted, the engagement portions of the body interact with the posts of the URM to secure the heat sink assembly to the URM.

Abstract: A method for improving the availability and reliability of a computer clustering system having first and second servers that are connected to each other by a communication link and that each have an associated mass storage device. In one implementation, the method begins when the first server detects a loss of communication over the communication link from the second server to the first server that prevents the servers from communicating with each other. The first server then analyzes the communication link to determine if the communication link is functioning properly. If the communication link is functioning properly, then the first server continues operation, assuming a right to survive without communicating with the second server or with the mass storage device of the first server or with the mass storage device of the second server, and the first server services network requests that would otherwise be serviced by the second server.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mechanism for managing and controlling global visibility of resources in zones within an operating system controlled by a single kernel instance. Embodiments enable isolation and virtualization of processes within a single image of an operating system, without requiring implementation of hardware support (such as the introduction of an additional privilege level) to isolate privileged programs, and without multiple instances of an operating system or operating system kernel for some applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to managing defunct processes. A parent process that does not collect exit information associated with a child process may leave a defunct child process. A defunct child process is identified. The parent process of the defunct child process is modified. The parent process can be modified by changing an existing thread or instantiating a new thread to collect exit information associated with the child process. Collecting exit information causes the removal of the defunct child process.

Abstract: A reverse cantilever spring clip for providing intimate thermal contact between a heat sink and a heat generating electrical component such as an integrated circuit (IC). The spring clip includes a spring member and a retention member. The retention member has one or more legs with a securing member affixed to an outer end of the legs. The legs are configured for engaging a heat sink and a circuit board to which the IC is mounted so that the heat sink is positioned directly over the circuit board. The securing member maintains contact between the IC and heat sink.

Abstract: An anvil for a surgical fastener assembly is disclosed. The anvil has a staple-forming surface upon which a plurality of pockets are displayed for staple formation. First and second sidewalls extend from the staple-forming surface. Cutting guides extend laterally from the sidewalls to provide a uniform surface upon which a user can apply pressure with a scalpel to staple tissue in a direction generally parallel to the vertical staple row. An even margin can be maintained between the staple row and the cut line, thus increasing the degree of confidence and skill that the user can employ when cutting the fastened tissue.

Abstract: Described herein is an endoscopic instrument such as a dissector, scissor or grasper in which there is provided a shaft which defines a longitudinal axis of the instrument. This shaft is able to rotate about the handle portion of the instrument. This mechanism also provides for articulation of the end effectors with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This articulation is accomplished by causing angulation of the end effector with respect to the shaft. Because driving the cable is accomplished around any such angle, the end effectors continue to be able to operate. There is disclosed herein a locking mechanism which allows the rotational aspect of the device to operate to rotate the entire articulating mechanism.