Abstract: A communal computing device such as an interactive digital whiteboard can provide progressively more access to functionality and data on the device based on a level of certainty in the identity of a user. If a user is identified based on one or more low-fidelity identification signals such as an image of the user or a device identifier, the communal computing device may provide a first level of functionality that is limited. If the user requests greater access, the communal computing device can request that a trusted cloud-based provider authenticate the user by way of a personal device, such as a smartphone. The authentication may be a password or high-fidelity biometric identification. The cloud-based provider communicates successful authentication to the communal computing device and it, in turn, provides the user access to higher, second level of functionality.

Abstract: A hands-free speech-based natural language processing clinical decision support (CDS) system configured to operate in conjunction with a stationary or mobile base device speech system to receive voice commands from a user. A dialog may be conducted with the user in multiple turns, where each turn comprises user speech and a speech response by the speech system. The user speech in any given dialog turn may be provided from the base device. This speech system dialog is directed by a computer program finite state engine. Rule data for the state engine is retrieved from an internet cloud database by a computer program function and is applied to the speech dialog system in order to prompt the user for specific information. This user supplied information is used as inputs to the computer program that in turn refine the speech dialog and requests for additional information.

Abstract: The phase-change accommodating rigid fluid container disclosed herein includes a variety of features that protect the container from phase changes of a fluid stored therein. As a result, the container may be in direct contact with the fluid without any flexible membrane or bag there between. For example, the fluid container may include one or more of matched pairs of recesses for physical manipulation of the container, stiffening ribs extending between the recesses, and input/output assemblies acting as inputs for fluid into the container, outputs of fluid from the container, and vents for pressure equalization of the container.

Abstract: The phase-change accommodating rigid fluid container disclosed herein includes a variety of features that protect the container from phase changes of a fluid stored therein. As a result, the container may be in direct contact with the fluid without any flexible membrane or bag there between. For example, the fluid container may include one or more of matched pairs of recesses for physical manipulation of the container, stiffening ribs extending between the recesses, and input/output assemblies acting as inputs for fluid into the container, outputs of fluid from the container, and vents for pressure equalization of the container.

Abstract: Systems and methods that make use of logical partitions of a second tier of disk storage at a disaster recovery (DR) site remote from a production site as part of a DR setup to advantageously reduce disruption to production site data production operations during DR procedures while providing for the substantially immediate recall or retrieval of data previously migrated to the remote second tier of disk storage.

Abstract: Systems and methods that make use of logical partitions of a second tier of disk storage at a disaster recovery (DR) site remote from a production site as part of a DR setup to advantageously reduce disruption to production site data production operations during DR procedures while providing for the substantially immediate recall or retrieval of data previously migrated to the remote second tier of disk storage.

Abstract: Systems and methods that make use of logical partitions of a second tier of disk storage at a disaster recovery (DR) site remote from a production site as part of a DR setup to advantageously reduce disruption to production site data production operations during DR procedures while providing for the substantially immediate recall or retrieval of data previously migrated to the remote second tier of disk storage.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly avoids damaging vibrations that can develop during directional drilling with a rotary steerable system. The assembly has a drill bit, a first collar that rotates with the bit, a rotary steerable tool that controls the bit's trajectory, and a second collar that rotates with the drill string. The first collar between the bit and the tool defines a bend that deflects the bit from the first collar's axis. During operation, this bend causes portion of the assembly to engage the borehole wall to inhibit counterclockwise (CCW) bit whirl by promoting clockwise whirl in the assembly, generating friction against the borehole wall, and dampening vibrations. By inhibiting CCW bit whirl, other damaging vibrations such as CCW whirl in the drill string can also be prevented up the borehole. Alternatively, only the second collar between the tool and the drill string may define the bend, or both collars can define bends.

Abstract: A device being in the form of a predetermined animal having a light emitting feature. The animal has at least a head and body. A plurality of light emitting members of varying colors being placed within the body, and a plurality of apertures being formed through the top surface of the body. Each aperture being in the shape of a star, and the placement of the apertures forming the pattern of a predetermined constellation. The light emitting members and apertures being formed in a manner such that light shines through the apertures and projects outwardly when the light emitting members are turned on.

Abstract: An extruded security case. The extruded security case includes an extruded base, an extruded lid, and one or more end caps. The extruded base is rotatably attached to the extruded lid by a hinge. The one or more end caps are attached to the base by a plurality of fasteners. An end cap of the one or more end caps may include a security notch for receiving a selectively securable security attachment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a picture signature password system may use a picture signature password to determine access to a computing device or service. A display screen 172 may display a personalized digital image 310. A user input device 160 may receive a user drawing set executed by a user over the personalized digital image 310. A processor 120 may authenticate access to the user session if the user drawing set matches a library drawing set associated with the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods that make use of logical partitions of a second tier of disk storage at a disaster recovery (DR) site remote from a production site as part of a DR setup to advantageously reduce disruption to production site data production operations during DR procedures while providing for the substantially immediate recall or retrieval of data previously migrated to the remote second tier of disk storage.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly avoids damaging vibrations that can develop during directional drilling with a rotary steerable system. The assembly has a drill bit, a first collar that rotates with the bit, a rotary steerable tool that controls the bit's trajectory, and a second collar that rotates with the drill string. The first collar between the bit and the tool defines a bend that deflects the bit from the first collar's axis. During operation, this bend causes portion of the assembly to engage the borehole wall to inhibit counterclockwise (CCW) bit whirl by promoting clockwise whirl in the assembly, generating friction against the borehole wall, and dampening vibrations. By inhibiting CCW bit whirl, other damaging vibrations such as CCW whirl in the drill string can also be prevented up the borehole. Alternatively, only the second collar between the tool and the drill string may define the bend, or both collars can define bends.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a picture signature password system may use a picture signature password to determine access to a computing device or service. A display screen 172 may display a personalized digital image 310. A user input device 160 may receive a user drawing set executed by a user over the personalized digital image 310. A processor 120 may authenticate access to the user session if the user drawing set matches a library drawing set associated with the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in-line blending of biodiesel and diesel fuels in cold weather environments include diluting heated B100 into a portion of heated diesel prior to blending into a cold diesel stream.