Abstract: A fuel actuation system may comprise a servo valve (SV) including a torque motor and at least one screen, a metering valve (MV) fluidly connected to the SV, and an electronic engine control (EEC) operatively connected to the SV. The EEC may be configured and disposed to determine a travel time of the MV, a travel distance of the MV, a pressure of a fuel, and/or a temperature of the fuel, generate at least one of a travel time history, a travel distance history, a fuel temperature history, and a fuel pressure history, and determine a level of degradation of the fuel actuation system based on the at least one of the travel time history, the travel distance history, the fuel temperature history, or the fuel pressure history.

Abstract: A battery operated hair dryer includes a battery management and control module to control how to efficiently dry a user's hair while maintaining the health and charge of the battery.

Abstract: A battery operated hair dryer includes a battery management and control module to control how to efficiently dry a user's hair while maintaining the health and charge of the battery.

Abstract: A battery operated hair dryer includes a battery management and control module to control how to efficiently dry a user's hair while maintaining the health and charge of the battery.

Abstract: Data communication capabilities of the North American Terrestrial System (NATS) Network are enhanced. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an airborne data server (ADS) is added to the airborne architecture of the current NATS Network and a ground data gateway (GDG) is added to the ground-based architecture of the current NATS Network. The ADS functions as a router/gateway connected to many local area networks (LANs) aboard the aircraft. The ADS provides for the automation of data services such as scheduling, routing and translation. The GDG is the central hub for the network and dispatcher of data to customer premises or to the aircraft.

Abstract: A barrier surgical mesh, the barrier surgical mesh comprising: a matrix of fibers, the matrix comprising a first surface and a second surface; and a tissue ingrowth-preventing material applied to the second surface of the matrix; wherein the tissue ingrowth-preventing material penetrates a controllable amount part way through the matrix.

Abstract: A segmented skirted surgical mesh for use in reconstructing a soft tissue defect, the segmented skirted surgical mesh comprising: a base layer of surgical mesh, the base layer of surgical mesh comprising an outer edge; and a segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh comprising an outer edge and an inner edge which defines a central opening, the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh being secured to the base layer of surgical mesh at the outer edge of the continuous skirt of surgical mesh, and the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh comprising a plurality of slits formed in the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, wherein the plurality of slits extend outwardly from the inner edge of the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, whereby to form a plurality of flaps of surgical mesh in the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, such that at least one of the flaps of surgical mesh can be lifted away from the base layer of surgical mesh and secured to soft tissue without causin

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method of performing a payment transaction comprising receiving transaction data by a PIN pad terminal from a point-of-sale terminal, and receiving tender from a customer, by the PIN pad terminal. Tender data and the transaction data are sent to a service gateway, by the PIN pad terminal. The service gateway collects metadata from the tender data and the transaction data. The tender data is sent by the PIN pad terminal to the point-of-sale terminal, which sends the tender data and the transaction data to a merchant gateway for approval or denial of the tender data. The tender data sent to the POS may be encrypted. The service gateway may provide customer and merchant analytics based on the metadata, as well as perform security/fraud checks, BIN management, PIN pad management. Systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel actuation system may comprise a servo valve (SV) including a torque motor and at least one screen, a metering valve (MV) fluidly connected to the SV, and an electronic engine control (EEC) operatively connected to the SV. The EEC may be configured and disposed to determine a travel time of the MV, a travel distance of the MV, a pressure of a fuel, and/or a temperature of the fuel, generate at least one of a travel time history, a travel distance history, a fuel temperature history, and a fuel pressure history, and determine a level of degradation of the fuel actuation system based on the at least one of the travel time history, the travel distance history, the fuel temperature history, or the fuel pressure history.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring fuel actuation system health are described herein. A method for monitoring fuel actuation system health may comprise: moving a metering valve from a first position to a second position; detecting a first travel distance of the metering valve; storing the first travel distance of the metering valve to memory to generate a first travel distance history; and determining a level of degradation of the fuel actuation system based on at least the first travel distance history.

Abstract: Methods of performing transactions with a payment card comprising an integrated circuit are disclosed comprising interacting with an integrated circuit on a received payment card and inferring an application corresponding to a card brand and card type of the payment card, or retrieving a map of the integrated circuit to read records on the integrated circuit based on the map, are disclosed. Corresponding devices, such as PIN pads, and computer products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A measuring system is provided that includes a turbine engine thrust estimator that computes “virtual measurements” of dynamic engine thrust and other parameters of interest from test cell data in a very short amount of time. The measuring system ‘tunes’ a user's engine model, in a numerical propulsion system simulation, by optimizing system biases and health parameters to match the sensor outputs of a set of steady state data points across the operating range. The tuned model is then utilized by the measuring system to create a constant gain extended Kalman filter that is added directly within a code of the numerical propulsion system simulation. Results, including thrust, from the numerical propulsion system simulation with Kalman filter are then presented as ‘actual’ corrected data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring fuel actuation system health are described herein. A method for monitoring fuel actuation system health may comprise: moving a metering valve from a first position to a second position; detecting a first travel distance of the metering valve; storing the first travel distance of the metering valve to memory to generate a first travel distance history; and determining a level of degradation of the fuel actuation system based on at least the first travel distance history.

Abstract: A mandrel for the winding of wire includes a central element and segments radially extending about and respectively coupled to the central element by rotatable arms that permit the segments to assume a collapsed position and an extended position Inner surfaces of the segments define slots in which ends of the arms extend. One segment also defines a radially extending groove on an outer surface of that segment which intersects with the slot of that segment to define an opening through the segment. A resilient pad is fixed in the slot of that segment and has a face located at the opening and adjacent a surface of an arm coupling that segment to the central element. A wire is threaded into the opening and held in place when the arms are rotated to cause the segments to assume the extended position. Methods using the mandrel are disclosed.

Abstract: Data communication capabilities of the North American Terrestrial System (NATS) Network are enhanced. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an airborne data server (ADS) is added to the airborne architecture of the current NATS Network and a ground data gateway (GDG) is added to the ground-based architecture of the current NATS Network. The ADS functions as a router/gateway connected to many local area networks (LANs) aboard the aircraft. The ADS provides for the automation of data services such as scheduling, routing and translation. The GDG is the central hub for the network and dispatcher of data to customer premises or to the aircraft.

Abstract: A removable hydrant nozzle with a locking arrangement for securing the nozzle in a nozzle opening. The locking arrangement includes an axially movable slide configured to selectively engage a portion of the hydrant adjacent the nozzle opening, such as a lug mouth in a quarter-turn fitting. The slide is mounted to a slide housing and is spring loaded. In use, the slide automatically retracts as the nozzle is inserted into the nozzle opening and automatically extends into locking engagement with the mouth when the nozzle becomes fully seated. Once engaged, the slide prevents removal of the nozzle until manually disengaged. The slide may be movably mounted on a pair of shoulder bolts. The slide may include a paddle that extends outwardly where it is accessible to the operator. The nozzle may include a handle and a seal fitted onto the inner axial end of the nozzle.

Abstract: A spear gun safety device for shielding at least one spike of a spear is provided. The safety device may include a tube assembly having a firing end and an opposing handle end, forming a barrel through the length of the tube assembly, wherein the barrel is dimensioned and adapted to house the spear, including the at least one spike, but not including a perpendicularly joined band post. The tube assembly provides an elongated notch extending from the firing end toward the handle end, wherein the elongated notch is configured to guide the band post protruding therethrough. The tube assembly provides a pair of band connectors disposed near the firing end, each band connector straddling opposing sides of the elongate notch, whereby tension bands extend from the band connectors to the band post.