Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to share policy information. The policy information may be associated with a smart contract. Accordingly, the policy information may be encrypted using a public key for the smart contract and compiled into a block of the blockchain. In response to a request to provide access to the information to a particular node, the private key for the smart contract may be encrypted using the public key for the particular node and compiled into a block of the blockchain.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to file documents, share policy information, and/or comply with an audit. The data security techniques disclosed herein also enable the use of smart contracts to transfer funds associated with payment obligations and/or other forms of blockchain based payments, comply with anti-money laundering requirements, report industry data, validate interest payments and/or maintain agent sales data. Data security may be achieved through the use of public key/private key encryption techniques.

Abstract: An exemplary shingle includes at least one coated shingle sheet defining a headlap portion and a tab portion each having opposed upper and lower surfaces. A first line of adhesive is adhered to one of the upper surface of the headlap portion and the lower surface of the tab portion, and includes a first thermally activated adhesive material. A second line of adhesive is adhered to one of the upper surface of the headlap portion and the lower surface of the tab portion, and includes a second thermally activated adhesive material having a minimum activation temperature less than a minimum activation temperature of the first thermally activated adhesive material.

Abstract: A casting apparatus for manufacturing polymer film includes a die for discharging a molten polymer and having discharge direction oriented at a discharge angle offset from horizontal. The apparatus includes a first chill roll having a first diameter and a second chill roll having a second greater diameter. There is a first gap between the first chill roll and the second chill roll. The discharge angle is of a predetermined magnitude to gravity assist delivery of the molten polymer to the first gap. The second chill roll is positioned to gravity support the film exiting the first gap along a first length of a first side of the film. A first polishing roll is positioned downstream first and second chill rolls. The first polishing roll engages and cools a second length of a second opposite side of the film. The first length is substantially equal to the second length.

Abstract: A film casting apparatus includes a die which has a non-zero angled discharge direction relative to a horizontal plane. A chill roll is positioned downstream of the die. A film displacement device is positioned proximate to the chill roll and is configured to position the molten polymer on the chill roll and establish the thickness of the film. The non-zero discharge angle is of a predetermined magnitude to gravity assist delivery of the molten polymer to the chill roll. The chill roll is positioned to gravity support the polymer film along a first length of a first side of the polymer film. A first polishing roll is positioned downstream of the chill roll and engages and cools a second length of a second side of the polymer film which is opposite the first side. The first length is substantially equal to the second length.

Abstract: A film casting apparatus includes a die which has a non-zero angled discharge direction relative to a horizontal plane. A chill roll is positioned downstream of the die. A film displacement device is positioned proximate to the chill roll and is configured to position the molten polymer on the chill roll and establish the thickness of the film. The non-zero discharge angle is of a predetermined magnitude to gravity assist delivery of the molten polymer to the chill roll. The chill roll is positioned to gravity support the polymer film along a first length of a first side of the polymer film. A first polishing roll is positioned downstream of the chill roll and engages and cools a second length of a second side of the polymer film which is opposite the first side. The first length is substantially equal to the second length.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for scouring and increasing the brightness of non-wood fibers. The method comprises forming a mixture of non-wood fibers, exposing the mixture to a scouring liquor and a scouring agent comprising oxygen gas to form a scouring mixture, and scouring the scouring mixture by radially circulating the scouring liquor throughout the scouring mixture to provide scoured fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for scouring and increasing the brightness of non-wood fibers. The method comprises forming a mixture of non-wood fibers, exposing the mixture to a scouring liquor and a scouring agent comprising oxygen gas to form a scouring mixture, and scouring the scouring mixture by radially circulating the scouring liquor throughout the scouring mixture to provide scoured fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for scouring and increasing the brightness of non-wood fibers. The method comprises forming a mixture of non-wood fibers, exposing the mixture to a scouring liquor and a scouring agent comprising oxygen gas to form a scouring mixture, and scouring the scouring mixture by radially circulating the scouring liquor throughout the scouring mixture to provide scoured fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the alteration of the ratio of the specific gravities of the oil and water phases resulting from the conversion of biomass to liquid products, the reduction of the conductivity and of metals of the product mixture, which each can aid in the removal of solids contained in the oil phase; and a liquid-liquid extraction method for partitioning desirable carbon containing compounds into the oil phase and undesirable carbon containing compounds into the water phase.

Abstract: An air cooled component for a turbine stage of a gas turbine engine, comprising: a main body having radially inner main gas path wall and a cooling chamber, the main gas path wall separating the main gas path of the turbine stage and the cooling chamber; at least one flange extending from the main body; a cooling cavity enclosed within the flange; and, an inlet conduit extending between and fluidically connecting the cavity and cooling chamber.

Abstract: A casting apparatus for manufacturing polymer film includes a die for discharging a molten polymer and having discharge direction oriented at a discharge angle offset from horizontal. The apparatus includes a first chill roll having a first diameter and a second chill roll having a second greater diameter. There is a first gap between the first chill roll and the second chill roll. The discharge angle is of a predetermined magnitude to gravity assist delivery of the molten polymer to the first gap. The second chill roll is positioned to gravity support the film exiting the first gap along a first length of a first side of the film. A first polishing roll is positioned downstream first and second chill rolls. The first polishing roll engages and cools a second length of a second opposite side of the film.

Abstract: An air cooled component for a turbine stage of a gas turbine engine, comprising: a main body having radially inner main gas path wall and a cooling chamber, the main gas path wall separating the main gas path of the turbine stage and the cooling chamber; at least one flange extending from the main body; a cooling cavity enclosed within the flange; and, an inlet conduit extending between and fluidically connecting the cavity and cooling chamber.

Abstract: A winder assembly includes a turret assembly rotatably mounted to a frame and a first core and at least one second core mounted for rotation on the turret assembly. The winder assembly includes a lay-on roll assembly pivotally mounted to the frame and including one or more lay-on rollers. The lay-on roll assembly is movable between a first retracted position and a first extended position. The winder assembly includes an enveloper assembly having one or more first pivot arms pivotally coupled to the frame. The winder assembly includes one or more pivot roll side plates pivotally coupled to the at least one first pivot arm. The pivot side roll plate is configured for curvilinear movement. The winding assembly includes biasing means coupled to the pivot roll side plate and rotatable therewith.

Abstract: An improved biomass feed system and processes for transporting biomass to downstream processing locations are disclosed. The system uses a pressurized gas to assist in the transporting of the biomass to the conversion reactor.

Abstract: A renewable fuel may be obtained from a bio-oil containing C3-C5 oxygenates. In a first step, the bio-oil is subjected to a condensation reaction in which the oxygenates undergo a carbon-carbon bond forming reaction to produce a stream containing C6+ oxygenates. In a second step, the stream is hydrotreated to produce C6+ hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for scouring and increasing the brightness of non-wood fibers. The method comprises forming a mixture of non-wood fibers, exposing the mixture to a scouring liquor and a scouring agent comprising oxygen gas to form a scouring mixture, and scouring the scouring mixture by radially circulating the scouring liquor throughout the scouring mixture to provide scoured fibers.

Abstract: An improved biomass feed system and processes for transporting biomass to downstream processing locations are disclosed. The system uses a pressurized gas to assist in the transporting of the biomass to the conversion reactor.

Abstract: An improved biomass feed system and processes for transporting biomass to downstream processing locations are disclosed. The system uses a pressurized gas to assist in the transporting of the biomass to the conversion reactor.

Abstract: A winder assembly includes a turret assembly rotatably mounted to a frame and a first core and at least one second core mounted for rotation on the turret assembly. The winder assembly includes a lay-on roll assembly pivotally mounted to the frame and including one or more lay-on rollers. The lay-on roll assembly is movable between a first retracted position and a first extended position. The winder assembly includes an enveloper assembly having one or more first pivot arms pivotally coupled to the frame. The winder assembly includes one or more pivot roll side plates pivotally coupled to the at least one first pivot arm. The pivot side roll plate is configured for curvilinear movement. The winding assembly includes biasing means coupled to the pivot roll side plate and rotatable therewith.