Abstract: A method of controlling an elastomeric damper. The damper is heated by passing an electric current through the damper or through a heating element in contact with the damper said heating causing a decrease in stiffness of the damper. The elastomeric damper may comprise an elastomeric material filled with electrically conductive particles, and the damper may be heated by passing an electric current through the elastomeric material. Alternatively the damper may be heated using a discrete resistive heating element, such as a coil embedded within the elastomeric damper or wound around it.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a write element configured to apply a magnetic field to write data on a portion of a heat-assisted magnetic recording media in response to an energizing current. An energy source is configured to heat the portion of the media being magnetized by the write element. A preheat energizing current is applied to the write element during an interval before writing the data to the portion of the media. The preheat energizing current does not cause data to be written to the media and brings at least one of the write element and driver circuitry into thermal equilibrium prior to writing the data on the portion.

Abstract: A sealing member for forming a seal in an aircraft, the sealing member comprising: a sealing material; and a stiffening element which provides structural support to the sealing material and comprises a material with a glass transition temperature below +50° C. The stiffening element is relatively flexible when the aircraft is at low altitude (high temperature) but becomes relatively stiff (increasing resistance to seal flutter) when the aircraft is at cruise altitude (low temperature).

Abstract: A method for managing a plurality of files in a communication network having a plurality of clients includes a server receiving (502) metadata associated with a secured file stored in a virtual data drive of a first client. The server also receives (504) data segments associated with the file from the virtual data drive of the first client. The server stores the metadata and data segments associated with the file at the server. The server generates (506) a first representation of the file based on the received metadata and data segments associated with the file and sends (508) the first representation of the file to the plurality of clients. Next, the server receives (510) a request from a second client for at least one data segment of the file. The server authenticates the request based on a plurality of access rights of a user of the second client and sends (512) the at least one data segment of the file to the second client when the request is authenticated.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing and/or analyzing nucleic acid sequencing data comprises receiving a first data input and a second data input. The first data input comprises untargeted sequencing data generated from a first nucleic acid sample obtained from a subject. The second data input comprises target-specific sequencing data generated from a second nucleic acid sample obtained from the subject. Next, with the aid of a computer processor, the first data input and the second data input are combined to produce a combined data set. Next, an output derived from the combined data set is generated. The output is indicative of the presence or absence of one or more polymorphisms of the first nucleic acid sample and/or the second nucleic acid sample.

Abstract: A tank for containing a fluid, such as fuel, oil or gas within a chamber. The walls of the chamber are partially defined by a rigid structure having an opening; and partially defined by an elastomeric diaphragm which is attached around its periphery to the rigid structure and covers the opening in the rigid structure. An attachment frame engages the diaphragm and the rigid structure, and extends around the periphery of the diaphragm. The attachment frame has a first portion which engages the diaphragm, and a second portion which is positioned outside an outer edge of the diaphragm and attached to the rigid structure.

Abstract: A blade seal comprising: a base; a tip; a first part formed from an elastomeric material which extends continuously from the base to the tip; and a second part formed from an elastomeric material mixed with conductive filler which extends continuously from the base to the tip. The blade seal is manufactured by compressing the first and second parts together; and curing one or both of the parts as they are compressed together.

Abstract: A bonding lead comprising a core; and a sheath bonded to the core. The core comprises a substrate of fibers coated with nano-objects with at least one dimension between 1 nm and 200 nm. The nano-objects form a continuous electrically conductive network from one end of the bonding lead to the other with some of the nano-objects coating the fibers and others forming bridges between adjacent fibers. The nano-objects may be carbon nanotubes and the core may be woven or knitted. A conductive connector is provided at each end of the bonding lead, for instance a tab formed from an electrically conductive polymer. The lead can be used to dissipate static charge and/or lightning current between components, typically within an aircraft fuel tank.

Abstract: A routing clip for securing a line to a structure comprising: a base for attaching the clip to a structure; and a clamp comprising: a first flexible strap which extends from the base and has one or more projections extending from its side; and a second flexible strap which extends from the base and has a passageway for receiving the first flexible strap and a locking surface which is arranged to engage one of the projections on the first flexible strap to prevent the first flexible strap from being withdrawn from the passageway. At least part of the clip is made from an elastomeric material.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for sample processing and data analysis. Sample processing may include nucleic acid sample processing and subsequent sequencing. Some or all of a nucleic acid sample may be sequenced to provide sequence information, which may be stored or otherwise maintained in an electronic storage location. The sequence information may be analyzed with the aid of a computer processor, and the analyzed sequence information may be stored in an electronic storage location that may include a pool or collection of sequence information and analyzed sequence information generated from the nucleic acid sample. Methods and systems of the present disclosure can be used, for example, for the analysis of a nucleic acid sample, for producing one or more libraries, and for producing biomedical reports. Methods and systems of the disclosure can aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and prevention of one or more diseases and conditions.

Abstract: A method for generating diagnostic test files associated with a battery pack is provided. The method includes providing a diagnostic test data table having a plurality of records. A first record is associated with a first diagnostic test. The first record has a first parameter identifier and a first value. The method further includes generating a diagnostic test parameter configuration file having a data structure associated with the first diagnostic test by accessing the diagnostic test data table. The data structure has a first parameter variable that is set equal to the first value. The method further includes generating a diagnostic test software source code file based on the diagnostic test parameter configuration file utilizing a kernel translator program.

Abstract: A barbeque smoker has an angled front with a heated exhaust that increases draft and air circulation, resulting in a more even heat and smoke distribution than conventional smokers. By heating an internal chimney directly over the smoker's fire, the temperature in the exhaust is higher than it is inside the cooking chamber, thus increasing draft/air circulation. The chimney intake is positioned below the cooking grates and runs on an upward angle through the cooking chamber. The chimney terminates outside the top of the smoker. This configuration forces the chamber to uniformly fill with heat and smoke before any heat or smoke can exit the cooking chamber. The increased draft aids efficient circulation of the heat and smoke, creating a very uniform cooking environment.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a write element configured to apply a magnetic field to write data on a portion of a heat-assisted magnetic recording media in response to an energizing current. An energy source is configured to heat the portion of the media being magnetized by the write element. A preheat energizing current is applied to the write element during an interval before writing the data to the portion of the media. The preheat energizing current does not cause data to be written to the media and brings at least one of the write element and driver circuitry into thermal equilibrium prior to writing the data on the portion.

Abstract: A hydraulically damped mounting device (10) having a flow limiting element (42), such as a resilient diaphragm, in a switchable auxiliary passageway (36) that is in fluid communication with its working chamber (22). The switchable auxiliary passageway corresponds to an additional fluid mass that can be switched into and out of communication with the working chamber to control the vibration characteristics of the device.

Abstract: A method for generating diagnostic test files associated with a battery pack is provided. The method includes providing a diagnostic test data table having a plurality of records. A first record is associated with a first diagnostic test. The first record has a first parameter identifier and a first value. The method further includes generating a diagnostic test parameter configuration file having a data structure associated with the first diagnostic test by accessing the diagnostic test data table. The data structure has a first parameter variable that is set equal to the first value. The method further includes generating a diagnostic test software source code file based on the diagnostic test parameter configuration file utilizing a kernel translator program.

Abstract: A method for managing a plurality of files in a communication network having a plurality of clients includes a server receiving (502) metadata associated with a secured file stored in a virtual data drive of a first client. The server also receives (504) data segments associated with the file from the virtual data drive of the first client. The server stores the metadata and data segments associated with the file at the server. The server generates (506) a first representation of the file based on the received metadata and data segments associated with the file and sends (508) the first representation of the file to the plurality of clients. Next, the server receives (510) a request from a second client for at least one data segment of the file. The server authenticates the request based on a plurality of access rights of a user of the second client and sends (512) the at least one data segment of the file to the second client when the request is authenticated.

Abstract: An aircraft wing comprising first and second fuel pipe segments which are coupled together with a pipe coupling device comprising a corrugated tube formed from an elastomer filled with conductive material. The pipe coupling device is particularly useful for connecting together fuel pipe segments in an aircraft wing as it removes the need to attach bonding leads between fuel pipe segments to dissipate lightning currents and static.

Abstract: A foldable seal comprising an elastomeric seal substrate and at least one moulded-in stiffener plate embedded within the seal substrate. Also, a method of manufacturing the seal.

Abstract: A method and a system for managing one or more files in a communication network are provided. The system includes a server, a first client, and a second client. When the first client places a file in a virtual data drive of the first client, data segments and metadata associated with the file are uploaded at the server. The server generates a first representation of the file. The server then sends the first representation of the file to the first and second clients. The second client stores the first representation of the file in its local storage. The second client can then send a request to the server to access the file based on the first representation of the file. The requested file is sent to the second client by the server. The sent file is not cached by the second client, if the file is a secured file.

Abstract: An aircraft wing assembly comprising: a spar; a fuel tank; a track container which is attached to the spar and extends into the fuel tank; a track which extends through the spar and into the track container; and a high-lift device, such as a slat or flap, carried by the track. The track container comprises a stiffening element encased in an elastomeric sheath. The track container is manufactured by placing a stiffening element and elastomeric material together in a mould; and compressing and heating them to cure and shape the elastomeric material.