Abstract: In particular embodiments, a computing device accesses a device identifier that is encoded in the hardware of the computing device. The device identifier is used to generate a device key that will uniquely identify the particular computing device. The computing device stores the device key in a data store, and sends the device key to be stored on a first computer server. The computing device subsequently requests a user action from a second computer server, and the second computing server requests user authentication. The computing device generates a first authentication code using a cryptographic hash algorithm and the device key, and sends the first authentication code to the second computer server. The computing device is authenticated based on a second authentication code generated by the first computer server using the device key.

Abstract: To optimize the efficiency of a perforating tool system, downhole conditions may be simulated to determine the optimal configuration for the perforating tool system. A simulated wellbore is disposed in a simulated wellbore case and coupled to a formation sample. The simulated wellbore comprises the perforating tool system and one or more filler discs that consume a volume of the simulated wellbore. The filler discs are used to control the dynamic underbalance for a given simulation of a perforating tool system. One or more measurements associated with the perforating tool system along with one or more images may be generated after explosive charges of the perforating tool system are detonated. The perforating tool system may be modified based, at least in part, on the one or more measurements and the one or more images for the specific dynamic underbalance of the simulation.

Abstract: A system configuration for a chilled water plant is described in which mechanical cooling is reduced in favor of less energy intensive ambient dry or evaporative cooling. While the system sees the greatest performance improvement in dry and cool climates, considerable energy savings may be realized in a variety of climate zones. Less facility hardware is required for the same amount of total cooling capacity, reducing the overall cost of the plant.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring a components include locating a plurality of machined surface features on the component, locating at least one reference point, and measuring a plurality of first distances between the plurality of machined surface features and the at least one reference point.

Abstract: A system and method for virtually inspecting a blade stage is disclosed. The system may include a digitizing device for obtaining a three-dimensional model of a shroud of each blade of the blade stage. A computer system may include at least one module configured to perform the following processes: extract a geometric location data of a plurality of reference points of each shroud from a three-dimensional model of a shroud of each blade of the blade stage created by digitizing using a digitizing device; generate a 3D virtual rendering of the shrouds of the blade stage based on the geometric location data and the known dimensions of the blade stage, the three-dimensional virtual rendering including a rendering of the plurality of reference points of each shroud; and inspect the blade stage using the three-dimensional virtual rendering.

Abstract: A conversation correlation system is configured to associate social signals with conversations and group the conversations into topic clusters. The topic clusters for different days are linked together to form conversation streams. The conversation streams may identify conversation topics within ecosystems and identify changes in conversation topics over time. Topic labels may be generated for the topic clusters that better describe conversation topics. In one example, the topic labels may be generated using a mutual information topic distribution model.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes accessing one or more short-message service (SMS) messages received at the first mobile device from a server of a verification authority; automatically and without manual user input, processing by the application data in the SMS messages to detect a particular bit sequence; and automatically and without manual user input, transmitting the information of the first user to the verification authority from the first mobile device in response to detecting the particular bit sequence.

Abstract: A system and method for virtually inspecting a blade stage is disclosed. The system may include a digitizing device for obtaining a three-dimensional model of a shroud of each blade of the blade stage. A computer system may include at least one module configured to perform the following processes: extract a geometric location data of a plurality of reference points of each shroud from a three-dimensional model of a shroud of each blade of the blade stage created by digitizing using a digitizing device; generate a 3D virtual rendering of the shrouds of the blade stage based on the geometric location data and the known dimensions of the blade stage, the three-dimensional virtual rendering including a rendering of the plurality of reference points of each shroud; and inspect the blade stage using the three-dimensional virtual rendering.

Abstract: A liquid recovery filter assembly for recovering filtered liquid trapped within a core or downstream side of a filter element. Multiple embodiments each include a recovery port and a recovery filter in fluid communication with the core or downstream side of the filter element. The recovery port is opened following filtration operations to permit and to facilitate filtered liquid to flow from a downstream or outlet port, thus allowing recovery of liquid remaining in the filter core or downstream side following filtering operations. The recovery filter permits the introduction of pressurized gas to force the filtered liquids from the filter assembly without compromising the sterility and/or non-contaminant condition of the liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable needle filter apparatus with a universal truncated syringe-receiving neck to enable the filtration of fluids/solutions aspirated into a needle-bearing syringe. The apparatus includes a needle seal stopper and needle stop to create a substantially airtight chamber to facilitate fluid aspiration through an enclosed filter and into the syringe. In an alternative embodiment, the filter apparatus includes an extended syringe-receiving neck configured to receive a specifically sized syringe/needle combination. In a further embodiment, the receiving neck is constructed as a modular unit to allow for interchangeable necks to accommodate different needle and syringe sizes with different cross-sectional diameters. In a yet further embodiment, the neck is constructed with stepped tapered segments of serially larger cross-sectional diameters to accommodate differently sized syringes. In a still further embodiment, the apparatus includes an accessory needle secured to the apparatus inlet.

Abstract: An online system receives a content item from content providers and a target audience criterion and for targeting the received content item. The online system determines recommendations of modifications of the target audience criteria such that users of the modified target audience criteria have a higher likelihood of interacting with the content item compared to the received target audience criteria. The online system stores measures of interest of subsets of users for different topics. The online system determines topics associated with the content item and determines measures of interest of subsets of users in the content item based on topics associated with the content item. The online system provides recommendations for modifying the target audience criteria based on the determined measures of interests of users.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a computing device accesses a device identifier that is encoded in the hardware of the computing device. The device identifier is used to generate a device key that will uniquely identify the particular computing device. The computing device stores the device key in a data store, and sends the device key to be stored on a first computer server. The computing device subsequently requests a user action from a second computer server, and the second computing server requests user authentication. The computing device generates a first authentication code using a cryptographic hash algorithm and the device key, and sends the first authentication code to the second computer server. The computing device is authenticated based on a second authentication code generated by the first computer server using the device key.

Abstract: A liquid recovery filter assembly for recovering filtered liquid trapped within a core or downstream side of a filter element. Multiple embodiments each include a recovery port and a recovery filter in fluid communication with the core or downstream side of the filter element. The recovery port is opened following filtration operations to permit and to facilitate filtered liquid to flow from a downstream or outlet port, thus allowing recovery of liquid remaining in the filter core or downstream side following filtering operations. The recovery filter permits the introduction of pressurized gas to force the filtered liquids from the filter assembly without compromising the sterility and/or non-contaminant condition of the liquid.

Abstract: A system for adaptively machining a shroud of a blade used in a turbomachine is provided. The system may include a computer system including a module(s) configured to: extract geometric location data from a 3D model of the shroud after use in the turbomachine, the 3D model created by digitizing using a digitizing device. The geometric location data includes geometric location data of a hard face plane of the shroud exposed to wear during turbomachine operation and of a non-worn surface adjacent to the hard face plane substantially unexposed to wear during turbomachine operation. Comparing the geometric location data of the non-worn surface from the three-dimensional model to a manufacturing model of the blade determines a change in position of the non-worn surface from use of the blade in the turbomachine. The change in position is used to modify a machining instruction used by a machining device to repair the hard face plane.

Abstract: The liquid recovery filter includes several embodiments, each of which provides for the recovery of liquid otherwise trapped within the filter housing and element. Each embodiment includes a series of vents, purge ports, and passages that communicate fluidly with the filter housing and filter core. Certain vents and purge ports are initially opened following filtration operations to allow pressurized gas to flow into the housing, thereby forcing residual unfiltered liquid through the filter. When this has been accomplished, another vent is opened to the filter core to allow filtered liquid to flow from the downstream or outlet passage from the filter core. Some embodiments have the filter outlet located above the filter, and include a downstream drain port extending from the filter core. The downstream drain port provides for the recovery of filtered liquid when the vent or purge port is opened in these embodiments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable needle filter apparatus with a universal truncated syringe-receiving neck to enable the filtration of fluids/solutions aspirated into a needle-bearing syringe. The apparatus includes a needle seal stopper and needle stop to create a substantially airtight chamber to facilitate fluid aspiration through an enclosed filter and into the syringe. In an alternative embodiment, the filter apparatus includes an extended syringe-receiving neck configured to receive a specifically sized syringe/needle combination. In a further embodiment, the receiving neck is constructed as a modular unit to allow for interchangeable necks to accommodate different needle and syringe sizes with different cross-sectional diameters. In a yet further embodiment, the neck is constructed with stepped tapered segments of serially larger cross-sectional diameters to accommodate differently sized syringes. In a still further embodiment, the apparatus includes an accessory needle secured to the apparatus inlet.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a computing device accesses a device identifier that is encoded in the hardware of the computing device. The device identifier is used to generate a device key that will uniquely identify the particular computing device. The computing device stores the device key in a data store, and sends the device key to be stored on a first computer server. The computing device subsequently requests a user action from a second computer server, and the second computing server requests user authentication. The computing device generates a first authentication code using a cryptographic hash algorithm and the device key, and sends the first authentication code to the second computer server. The computing device is authenticated based on a second authentication code generated by the first computer server using the device key.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving from a mobile device of a user configuration data of the mobile device. The configuration data identifies one or more characteristics of the mobile device. The method also includes determining a group of users of the social-networking system based at least in part on the configuration data. Each user in the group of users uses a mobile device having similar configuration data as the mobile device of the user. The method also includes providing user-assistance information associated with the group of users to the user.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for dynamically maintaining user centric data. For example, a data provider app may have knowledge about user centric data associated with a user (e.g., a social network app may have contact information for a social network friend of the user). A user centric profile may be defined for the user centric data based upon information provided by the data provider app (e.g., a contact card may be generated for the social network friend). Responsive to receiving a request for the user centric profile from a requestor app (e.g., an event planning app), the user centric profile may be exposed to the user but not to the requestor app for security and/or privacy purposes. For example, an operating system may present at least some of the user centric profile within an operating system user interface.