Abstract: Collapsible filter assembly includes a filter medium element and a frame at least partially surrounding the filter medium element. The frame and filter media element are configured to vary in at least two dimensions by folding or unfolding. In at least on example, the filter medium element is rectangularly pleated or round pleated. Upon removal of the filter assembly from packaging and other restraints, the filter assembly may naturally expand with regard to footprint and volume, with some manual assistance being expected of a typical user in unfolding from an area-reduced configuration to an area-expanded configuration, and from a volumetrically reduced configuration to a volumetrically expanded configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for facilitating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) air filter replacement on at least one computing device. One method includes identifying interface requirements for a set of services to be implemented between service oriented architecture (SOA) front-end components and SOA back-end components. One of the SOA front-end components is configured to communicate with a home automation system of a first user and one of the SOA front-end components is configured to communicate with a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with the first user. One of the SOA back-end components is configured to communicate with a weather service database and one of the SOA back-end components is configured to communicate with an order fulfillment service. The SOA front-end components are operable to be combined with the SOA back-end components to form an operable SOA solution.

Abstract: A lock is provided for a secondary aircraft cockpit barrier. The lock has a locking tongue, a cavity for receiving the locking tongue, a locking retainer for retaining the locking tongue in the cavity, and a damped locking tongue releasing mechanism for releasing the locking retainer thereby unlocking the locking tongue from the cavity. The damped locking tongue releasing mechanism is damped such that releasing the locking retainer requires at least about 5 seconds.

Abstract: A lock is provided for a secondary aircraft cockpit barrier. The lock has a locking tongue, a cavity for receiving the locking tongue, a locking retainer for retaining the locking tongue in the cavity, and a damped locking tongue releasing mechanism for releasing the locking retainer thereby unlocking the locking tongue from the cavity. The damped locking tongue releasing mechanism is damped such that releasing the locking retainer requires at least about 5 seconds.

Abstract: A blockchain file system provides access to a data storage volume on a blockchain. The blockchain volume is mounted by the host computing system in the same way as a conventional data storage volume from the perspective of the user space applications. The host computing system includes a local write-ahead blockchain journal that links bundles of mutations to the filesystem related to filesystem operations into a chain of digital signatures. One or more of the mutation bundles are included in a signed blockchain transaction that is broadcast to a network of the blockchain that, when confirmed into the blockchain, will carry out the filesystem operations on the blockchain data storage volume. Also provided is a novel blockchain addressing scheme, copy-on-write functionality, and de-duplication features write-ahead filesystem journal.

Abstract: An improved wheel chock system for preventing excessive movement of tires, wheels, and other rollable objects, having two cooperating members connected via a connector permitting pivotal movement by at least one of the cooperating members about the connector. The cooperating members each have a handle at their one end for actuating wheel chocks retained at their other end throughout a range between a fully open condition where the wheel chocks are spaced away from each other, and a fully closed condition where the wheel chocks are spaced adjacent to one another.

Abstract: A method and testing apparatus determine receding contact angles of liquids on surfaces by depositing a liquid in a manner whereby the volume of the drop is increased through stepwise addition of smaller drops. Each increment of volume growth causes the perimeter of the drop to advance across the surface. The incremental volume elements impart sufficient energy to the growing drop such that the drop perimeter expands beyond its equilibrium diameter for that volume. The drop perimeter tends to contract between volume additions as the excess energy is dissipated. The method and testing apparatus determine the receding contact angle between the incremental volume additions.

Abstract: An apparatus, and the method of using it, comprising one, or more, electronic sensors attached to a part(s) of a human or animal's body. The patient then performs an activity, or has an activity performed on them, and the results of the measured parameters are recorded by the sensor and processed, or downloaded and processed. The sensor may include a range of instrumentation, e.g. accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, force sensors, etc. to record positions (in the X, Y and Z planes), movements, angular movements, forces, stresses in bones/joints, etc. The use of the apparatus and method are appropriate to medical treatments, and perfecting sporting or dancing techniques and the results are processed to give the clinician or coach appropriate information to improve the problem being addressed. Methods for measuring lateral angular movement of hinged joints and spinal extension are taught.

Abstract: An inner core barrel assembly incorporates an inner core tube. A body is connected to the inner core tube with a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism is configured to maintain a fixed rotational orientation with the inner core tube. The body includes a flow path for liquid within the inner core tube to flow as the inner core barrel assembly descends through a drill string. a core orientation system is contained within the body and positioned within the inner core tube.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for capturing drilling fluid returns in an exploration drilling process, as well as a related method of capturing the drilling fluid returns. The apparatus (10) is adapted to be fitted onto a drill collar/casing (11) adjacent its open top (13). The apparatus (10) comprises a body (21) defining a reservoir (23) for receiving the drilling fluid returns flowing out through the open top end (13) of the drill collar/casing (11) and spilling into the reservoir (23). The reservoir (23) comprises a collecting portion (25) in which the fluid returns spilling from the drill collar/casing (11) can be collected. The reservoir (23) also comprises a sump portion (27) which can receive the drilling fluid returns and from which the drilling fluid returns can be pumped by way of a sump pump (28). The reservoir (23) is configured to direct the drilling fluid returns collected by the collecting portion (25) to the sump portion (27) as a continuous flow.

Abstract: A check valve may be incorporated in an inner core barrel assembly. The check valve has a valve body defining a fluid flow path and provided with a valve seat. A valve member is located in the valve body and is coupled to the valve body by a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism is arranged to allow the valve member to move linearly in an axial direction relative to the valve body on to and off of the valve seat and maintain a fixed rotational relationship with the valve body. A data acquisition system can be held in the valve member and by virtue of the coupling mechanism be maintained rotationally fixed relative to the valve body an inner core tube of an inner core barrel assembly.

Abstract: A system of secure data packets for transmission over a packet switched network includes an expiring Hash-based Message Authentication Code (HMAC) appended to the data packet. The expiring HMAC is calculated based on a shared secret and a clock time. A receiving network application or firewall with the shared secret validates the secure data packets based on a comparison of the expiring HMAC to the receiving network or application's own calculation of a valid HMAC based on the shared secret and the clock time. Applications executing on the receiving and sending networks do not need modification to use the secure data packet protocol because HMAC appending, validation, and removal may all occur at network boundaries on firewalls. Protected host endpoints may serve client endpoints using expiring HMAC data packets and other validation information based on security data stored on a shared ledger such as nonce values encountered by the network.

Abstract: A method and test apparatus determines a volume of a droplet of liquid. The test apparatus deposits a drop of liquid to be measured on a surface that provides a known contact angle with the liquid under the deposition conditions used, thereby establishing one of: (i) an advancing, (ii) a receding, and (iii) an intermediate contact angle. The test apparatus images the drop. The test apparatus measures a dimension of height or diameter of the drop. In one embodiment, the test apparatus calculates a volume of the drop of liquid from the relationship of the contact angle to one or more parameters selected from the maximum height, the diameter of the contact patch, the radius of curvature, or the cross sectional area of the drop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting sample data from a liquid droplet dispensation system is provided.

Abstract: An air filter assembly includes a filter element having at least one variable dimension, and a frame for engaging and supporting the filter element. The frame may include a plurality of linear segments forming a rectangular configuration, and a plurality of clips for connecting the linear segments together at corners thereof. The linear segments may be L-channel segments, C-channel segments, or may be of other form. Clips may be used for connecting the linear segments together at the corners. The filter element may have a pattern of creases or fold lines to facilitate folding thereof from an expanded configuration to a reduced configuration. A grate may be included for spanning an area bounded by the frame to support the filter element. The grate may have multiple arms and a central hub. An edge treatment may form a seal between the filter element and the frame.

Abstract: This document presents an apparatus for a flexible air filter media that can be configured for shipping and storage having one or more flexible inserts mounted to the filter media along one or more portions of the accordion folds of the air filter material. The current invention permits the air filter apparatus to fold along both X and Y axes, create a tri-fold, and bend in a manner that provides for a much smaller volume for shipping purposes. The invention also permits attaching the flexible material to the center of the filter media and also inserts which allow sections of the air filter media to be nested one into another to reduce both shipping and storage volume.

Abstract: An air filter assembly includes a filter element having at least one variable dimension, and a frame for engaging and supporting the filter element. The frame may include a plurality of linear segments forming a rectangular configuration, and a plurality of clips for connecting the linear segments together at corners thereof. The linear segments may be L-channel segments, C-channel segments, or may be of other form. Clips may be used for connecting the linear segments together at the corners. The filter element may have a pattern of creases or fold lines to facilitate folding thereof from an expanded configuration to a reduced configuration. A grate may be included for spanning an area bounded by the frame to support the filter element. The grate may have multiple arms and a central hub. An edge treatment may form a seal between the filter element and the frame.

Abstract: An air filter assembly includes a filter element having at least one variable dimension, and a frame for engaging and supporting the filter element. The frame may include a plurality of linear segments forming a rectangular configuration, and a plurality of clips for connecting the linear segments together at corners thereof. The linear segments may be L-channel segments, C-channel segments, or may be of other form. Clips may be used for connecting the linear segments together at the corners. The filter element may have a pattern of creases or fold lines to facilitate folding thereof from an expanded configuration to a reduced configuration. A grate may be included for spanning an area bounded by the frame to support the filter element. The grate may have multiple arms and a central hub. An edge treatment may form a seal between the filter element and the frame.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to bonded assemblies (89) and a method of manufacture of such bonded assemblies (89).