Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a trustworthy data exchange between a first device and a second device. In some embodiments, a query is received from the second device. The query may comprise a question and an indication of a trusted authority that is to certify authenticity of information used to determine an answer to the query. In some embodiments, information related to the query is determined. In certain embodiments, credentials are received from a user for retrieving the information. In some embodiments, information related to the query is retrieved, using the credentials, from one or more data repositories storing data verified by the trusted authority. In certain embodiments, an answer to the query is determined based on the information. In come embodiments, the answer is provided to the second device. The answer may indicate that the answer is based upon information certified by the trusted authority.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for summarizing data in a distributed system. Embodiments include generating an ordered list of blocks by iterating through a first group of blocks of a hash chain starting at a last block of the hash chain and adding each of the first group of blocks of the hash chain to the ordered list. Embodiments further include generating summary data by applying a summary function to the first group of blocks based on the ordered list. The summary function may take the ordered list as an input and provide the summary data of the first group of blocks as an output. Embodiments further include generating a summary block comprising the summary data and adding the summary block to a summary chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for overseeing execution of graph-based contracts using hash chains. The method includes obtaining a graph-based contract. The graph-based contract is configured to enforce a contract for performing a transaction between at least two parties. The method also includes obtaining event data associated with an execution of the graph-based contract, and performing, governed by the graph-based contract, a first state transition from a first state to a second state by making a determination that a first state transition criterion is met by the event data, with the first state transition connecting the second state to the first state, and based on the determination transitioning to the second state. The method further includes appending a first block to a hash chain. The first block includes a documentation of the first state transition.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for managing data in a plurality of nodes of a distributed system. Embodiments include storing, by a node of the plurality of nodes, sensitive data in a block of a hash chain. Embodiments further include determining, by the node, that the sensitive data should not be distributed to other nodes of the plurality of nodes. Embodiments further include distributing, by the node, a limited version of the block to the other nodes. The limited version of the block may comprise a hash and a pointer to a previous block of the hash chain, and the limited version of the block may not contain the sensitive data.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for managing encrypted data stored in one or more blocks of a first data structure. One embodiment presented herein includes a computer-implemented method, which includes retrieving the encrypted data from the one or more blocks. The method further includes placing the encrypted data in a container object. The method further includes applying an encryption technique to the container object to generate an encrypted container object and a key. The method further includes generating a second data structure. A first block of the second data structure may include either the encrypted container object or information related to the encrypted container object.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seating assembly comprises a seat support bracket, a lower seat cushion mounted to the seat support bracket, and a latch pivotally mounted to the lower seat cushion. An inertia link is pivotally and operatively coupled with the lower seat cushion and operatively coupled with the latch, the inertia link having a first rotational position corresponding to an unlocked condition of the latch, allowing movement of the lower seat cushion between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position, and a second rotational position corresponding to a locked condition of the latch, preventing movement of the lower seat cushion from the raised stowed position to the lowered deployed position. The inertia link moves from the first rotational position to the second rotational position upon a predetermined deceleration of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein provide systems and methods for disambiguating the identity of a record to which information imported from a third-party data source pertains. For example, in one embodiment, a record-storage service creates a record of a transaction between a first entity and a second entity. Upon receiving an indication that an instrument will be used to transfer a value for the transaction, the record-storage service associates a code to be printed on the instrument with the record and sends the code to an application that will be used to generate the instrument. Subsequently, the record-storage service receives information imported from electronic records provided by a third-party institution. The information also includes a code provided on the instrument and a status. Upon determining that the code provided on the instrument matches the code associated with the record, the record-storage service updates the record to reflect the status.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for managing a series of blocks in a distributed system. One embodiment presented herein includes a computer-implemented method, which includes dividing the series of blocks into a plurality of groups. The method further includes distributing the plurality of groups to a plurality of processors. The plurality of processors may apply one or more functions to each group of the plurality of groups in parallel. The method further includes receiving, from the plurality of processors, results of the one or more functions. The method further includes merging the results to generate combined results. The combined results may be used in processing data.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for managing data of an application. One embodiment presented herein includes a computer-implemented method, which includes scanning a distributed system to identify one or more blocks comprising data associated with the application. The method further includes generating a witness block based on the one or more blocks. The witness block may comprise a state of the data from the one or more blocks. The method further includes adding the witness block to the distributed system.

Abstract: An electrical system includes an operation MEMS switch operable in on and off states to enable and disable current flow to a load and a fault interruption MEMS switch positioned in series with the operation MEMS switch. The fault interruption MEMS switch is operable in on and off states to enable and disable current flow to the electrical load, with operation of the fault interruption MEMS switch in the off state disabling current flow to the load regardless of the state of the operation MEMS switch. A fault sensor control system operate to sense a system variable, analyze the system variable to detect if a fault is affecting the electrical system and, upon detection of a fault, switch the fault interruption MEMS switch from the on state to the off state to interrupt current flowing through the operation MEMS switch to the load.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for managing workflows using block chains. An entire workflow may be stored as a finite state machine on a block chain. Each data block of the block chain may correspond to a state and related operation of a workflow. Each data block of the block chain may be used as an input to a subsequent state of the workflow. Thus, any input may be used to compute the workflow even if the input is not designed to be used by a workflow. Nested block chains, each corresponding to a different workflow or different part of a workflow may be used to increase performance of computing the workflows.

Abstract: A latch to latch a seatback to a frame of a vehicle comprises: a first seatback attachment portion; a first extended portion connected to the first seatback attachment portion that extends generally rearward from the first seatback attachment portion; a first interface portion connected to the first extended portion at a first bend that extends at an angle downward and forward from the first bend; and a retainer portion connected to the first interface portion at a bend forming a first retaining lip. The latch can further comprise a second seatback attachment portion and a second extended portion connected to the second seatback attachment portion that extends generally rearward from the second seatback attachment portion. The latch can further comprise a second interface portion connected to the second extended portion at a second bend that extends at an angle upward and forward from the second bend.

Abstract: A power distribution switch including a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) relay switch matrix disposed between a power source and an electrical load, and a controller module configured to operate the MEMS relay switch between a conducting and a non-conducting state, wherein the conducting state conducts power from the power source to the electrical load and the non-conducting state prevents power conduction from the power sources to the electrical load.

Abstract: A latch to latch a seatback to a frame of a vehicle comprises: a first seatback attachment portion; a first extended portion connected to the first seatback attachment portion that extends generally rearward from the first seatback attachment portion; a first interface portion connected to the first extended portion at a first bend that extends at an angle downward and forward from the first bend; and a retainer portion connected to the first interface portion at a bend forming a first retaining lip. The latch can further comprise a second seatback attachment portion and a second extended portion connected to the second seatback attachment portion that extends generally rearward from the second seatback attachment portion. The latch can further comprise a second interface portion connected to the second extended portion at a second bend that extends at an angle upward and forward from the second bend.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein provide systems and methods for creating and modifying a hash chain. A hash chain is created to track resource-privilege transfers between entities. A root node of the hash chain identifies the resource and specifies a digest of a possession token held by a first entity that initially possesses the privilege. A transfer of the privilege to a second entity can be recorded by adding an expansion node to the hash chain. If the second entity successfully reveals a possession token that a hashing function associated with the hash chain maps to the digest, an expansion node is linked to the root node. The expansion node indicates the possession token and a successor digest that is based on a successor possession token.

Abstract: A portable adjustable headrest comprising a base member having on opening and a plurality of tabs, at least two elongated pads having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end has a tab affixed, and the at least two elongated pads are rotationally attached to the first attachment member and the second attachment member by the tabs, an outer shaft secured to the receiving orifice, an inner shaft having a first end and a second end and a central axis, configured to fit securely within the outer shaft in a telescopic relationship, a locking mechanism coupled to the inner shaft and the outer shaft, a cushion base attached to the first end of the inner shaft, wherein the cushion base has an elongated surface, and a cushion situated on the elongated surface of the cushion base.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a trustworthy data exchange between a first device and a second device. In some embodiments, a query is received from the second device. The query may comprise a question and an indication of a trusted authority that is to certify authenticity of information used to determine an answer to the query. In some embodiments, information related to the query is determined. In certain embodiments, credentials are received from a user for retrieving the information. In some embodiments, information related to the query is retrieved, using the credentials, from one or more data repositories storing data verified by the trusted authority. In certain embodiments, an answer to the query is determined based on the information. In come embodiments, the answer is provided to the second device. The answer may indicate that the answer is based upon information certified by the trusted authority.

Abstract: A method of magnetic resonance imaging an object utilizing a plurality of flip angles is provided. The method includes transmitting a first preparation pulse corresponding to a first flip angle of the plurality into the object, and receiving a first MR signal from the object based at least in part on the first preparation pulse. The method further includes transmitting a second preparation pulse corresponding to a second flip angle of the plurality into the object, receiving a second MR signal from the object based at least in part on the second preparation pulse, and generating a T1 mapping of the object based at least in part on the first MR signal and the second MR signal. The second flip angle is different than the first flip angle.

Abstract: A switching system includes a MEMS switching circuit having a MEMS switch and a driver circuit. An auxiliary circuit is coupled in parallel with the MEMS switching circuit, the auxiliary circuit comprising first and second connections that connect the auxiliary circuit to the MEMS switching circuit on opposing sides of the MEMS switch, first and second solid state switches connected in parallel, and a resonant circuit connected between the first and second solid state switches. A control circuit controls selective switching of a load current towards the MEMS switching circuit and the auxiliary circuit by selectively activating the first and second solid state switches and the resonant circuit so as to limit a voltage across the MEMS switch by diverting at least a portion of the load current away from the MEMS switch to flow to the auxiliary circuit prior to the MEMS switch changing state.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base, a seatback, and a recliner heart. The recliner heart is rotatably coupled to the seat base and the seatback and the recliner heart is operable between locked and unlocked states. The vehicle seating assembly additionally includes an actuator having a housing defining a housing tab, a motor, a gear operably coupled to the motor where the gear defines a gear tab and a spring tab. The actuator includes an actuator return spring defining a first and second hook where the first hook is coupled to the spring tab. The actuator additionally includes a lever coupled to the gear, a pulley coupled to the gear, a lifting cable coupled between the pulley and the seatback, and a release cable coupled between the lever and the recliner heart. The release cable is configured to transition the recliner heart between the locked and unlocked states.