Abstract: A biometric imaging and biotelemetry (BIB) system is provided that may be configured to capture, analyze, and process qualitative and quantitative biomarker data acquired from the process of imaging individuals. The BIB system can rapidly measure facial and other body temperatures of a test subject, along with a plurality of other biometric parameters that may be compiled into a subject-specific health profile which, in turn, may provide insights into the wellness or illness of the individual. The BIB system captures biometric data by appropriately configured, multispectral, high resolution digital cameras and sensors. This data is then interconnected to data processing units that employ algorithms, artificial intelligence, and self-learning/deep learning to analyze and process data, render decisions, and manage actions via complex analytical methodologies. The BIB system provides essentially instantaneous analyses that give real-time insights into the wellness or illness of a test subject.

Abstract: A method for shimming a thrust bearing for an accessory power take off shaft to obtain optimal meshing of bevel gears within the internal gearbox (IGB) without disassembly of the IGB is enabled by relocating the thrust bearing from the engine sump. The accessory gearbox (AGB) is driven from a power off-take from the turbine spool via the IGB. The radial position of the power take-off bevel gear is established by a radial position of the thrust bearing attached to the exterior of the casing via a housing. Candidate shims are selected from a set each having different thicknesses, the shims are formed of two halves and placed between the housing and the engine casing to adjust the radial position of the thrust bearing and consequently the power take-off bevel gear, without requiring the disassembly of the IGB.

Abstract: A strut may include an outer tube including an outer tube first end, an outer tube second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the outer tube first end to the outer tube second end. The outer tube may define an interior. The strut also may include an additively manufactured inner tube at least partially within the interior of the outer tube of the strut. The additively manufactured inner tube defines an additively manufactured inner tube first end and an additively manufactured inner tube second end. The additively manufactured inner tube first end is integrally joined to the outer tube proximate to the outer tube first end.

Abstract: Provided are methods and mRNA expression chips for identifying genes that are defined by certain nitrogen and water content relationships in soil. The genes can be up or down regulated under low nitrogen or arid conditions to increase the yield or biomass of crops.

Abstract: A seal assembly is disclosed for sealing a higher pressure fluid cavity from a lower pressure fluid cavity. The seal assembly comprises a runner mounting assembly, a circumferential ceramic runner carried by the runner mount assembly, and a carbon seal ring sealingly engaged to the runner. The runner mount assembly comprises an annular central junction portion radially spaced from the shaft, a pair of shaft engaging flanges, and a pair of runner engaging flanges. The runner is radially positioned between the runner engaging flanges of the runner mount assembly and the carbon seal ring.

Abstract: A method for shimming a thrust bearing for an accessory power take off shaft to obtain optimal meshing of bevel gears within the internal gearbox (IGB) without disassembly of the IGB is enabled by relocating the thrust bearing from the engine sump. The accessory gearbox (AGB) is driven from a power off-take from the turbine spool via the IGB. The radial position of the power take-off bevel gear is established by a radial position of the thrust bearing attached to the exterior of the casing via a housing. Candidate shims are selected from a set each having different thicknesses, the shims are formed of two halves and placed between the housing and the engine casing to adjust the radial position of the thrust bearing and consequently the power take-off bevel gear, without requiring the disassembly of the IGB.

Abstract: A strut may include an outer tube including an outer tube first end, an outer tube second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the outer tube first end to the outer tube second end. The outer tube may define an interior. The strut also may include an additively manufactured inner tube at least partially within the interior of the outer tube of the strut. The additively manufactured inner tube defines an additively manufactured inner tube first end and an additively manufactured inner tube second end. The additively manufactured inner tube first end is integrally joined to the outer tube proximate to the outer tube first end.

Abstract: A biometric imaging and biotelemetry (BIB) system is provided that may be configured to capture, analyze, and process qualitative and quantitative biomarker data acquired from the process of imaging individuals. The BIB system can rapidly measure facial and other body temperatures of a test subject, along with a plurality of other biometric parameters that may be compiled into a subject-specific health profile which, in turn, may provide insights into the wellness or illness of the individual. The BIB system captures biometric data by appropriately configured, multispectral, high resolution digital cameras and sensors. This data is then interconnected to data processing units that employ algorithms, artificial intelligence, and self-learning/deep learning to analyze and process data, render decisions, and manage actions via complex analytical methodologies. The BIB system provides essentially instantaneous analyses that give real-time insights into the wellness or illness of a test subject.

Abstract: A method for shimming a thrust bearing for an accessory power take off shaft to obtain optimal meshing of bevel gears within the internal gearbox (IGB) without disassembly of the IGB is enabled by relocating the thrust bearing from the engine sump. The accessory gearbox (AGB) is driven from a power off-take from the turbine spool via the IGB. The radial position of the power take-off bevel gear is established by a radial position of the thrust bearing attached to the exterior of the casing via a housing. Candidate shims are selected from a set each having different thicknesses, the shims are formed of two halves and placed between the housing and the engine casing to adjust the radial position of the thrust bearing and consequently the power take-off bevel gear, without requiring the disassembly of the IGB.

Abstract: A machine can include a radially inner component, a radially outer component, and a circumferential seal assembly between the inner and outer components. At least one (e.g., both) of the inner and outer components can be a rotor. The circumferential seal assembly can include a circumferential metallic mount, a circumferential ceramic runner, a circumferential carbon seal, and one or more spring energized seals. The spring energized seals can prevent rotational slippage between the metallic mount and the ceramic runner. The spring energized seals can be necessary to prevent rotational slippage between the metallic mount and the ceramic runner for at least one standard operating state of the machine.

Abstract: An oil scavenge system of a rotatable machine having an axis of rotation is disclosed. The oil scavenge system comprises a sump housing, a scavenge conduit, a bearing, and a squeeze film damper. The sump housing is arranged about the axis and at least partly defining a sump. The sump housing has a radially inner surface for directing the flow of oil and defining a collection orifice. The scavenge conduit is in fluid communication with the collection orifice and a downstream location remote from the sump. The bearing is disposed within the sump. The squeeze film damper is positioned proximate the bearing. The squeeze film damper comprises an annular channel and a supply line. The supply line supplies oil to the annular channel. The squeeze film damper further comprises a discharge line. The discharge line is axially aligned with and discharges toward an inner wall of the scavenge conduit.

Abstract: A method for shimming a thrust bearing for an accessory power take off shaft to obtain optimal meshing of bevel gears within the internal gearbox (IGB) without disassembly of the IGB is enabled by relocating the thrust bearing from the engine sump. The accessory gearbox (AGB) is driven from a power off-take from the turbine spool via the IGB. The radial position of the power take-off bevel gear is established by a radial position of the thrust bearing attached to the exterior of the casing via a housing. Candidate shims are selected from a set each having different thicknesses, the shims are formed of two halves and placed between the housing and the engine casing to adjust the radial position of the thrust bearing and consequently the power take-off bevel gear, without requiring the disassembly of the IGB.

Abstract: A seal assembly is disclosed for sealing a higher pressure fluid cavity from a lower pressure fluid cavity. The seal assembly comprises a runner mounting assembly, a circumferential ceramic runner carried by the runner mount assembly, and a carbon seal ring sealingly engaged to the runner. The runner mount assembly comprises an annular central junction portion radially spaced from the shaft, a pair of shaft engaging flanges, and a pair of runner engaging flanges. The runner is radially positioned between the runner engaging flanges of the runner mount assembly and the carbon seal ring.

Abstract: An oil scavenge system of a rotatable machine having an axis of rotation is disclosed. The oil scavenge system comprises a sump housing, a scavenge conduit, a bearing, and a squeeze film damper. The sump housing is arranged about the axis and at least partly defining a sump. The sump housing has a radially inner surface for directing the flow of oil and defining a collection orifice. The scavenge conduit is in fluid communication with the collection orifice and a downstream location remote from the sump. The bearing is disposed within the sump. The squeeze film damper is positioned proximate the bearing. The squeeze film damper comprises an annular channel and a supply line. The supply line supplies oil to the annular channel. The squeeze film damper further comprises a discharge line. The discharge line is axially aligned with and discharges toward an inner wall of the scavenge conduit.

Abstract: A machine can include a radially inner component, a radially outer component, and a circumferential seal assembly between the inner and outer components. At least one (e.g., both) of the inner and outer components can be a rotor. The circumferential seal assembly can include a circumferential metallic mount, a circumferential ceramic runner, a circumferential carbon seal, and one or more spring energized seals. The spring energized seals can prevent rotational slippage between the metallic mount and the ceramic runner. The spring energized seals can be necessary to prevent rotational slippage between the metallic mount and the ceramic runner for at least one standard operating state of the machine.

Abstract: Provided are methods and mRNA expression chips for identifying genes that are defined by certain nitrogen and water content relationships in soil. The genes can be up or down regulated under low nitrogen or arid conditions to increase the yield or biomass of crops.

Abstract: A light-transmissive transfer belt used in the system for determining toner mass amount and methods for making the belt. A system and method, using the transparent transfer belt, is capable of determining an amount of toner mass present on a toner application surface, and the real-time adjustment of parameters controlling xerographic transfer performance in the system. The system includes transmission-based sensors alone and in combination with reflective-based sensors.

Abstract: A light-transmissive transfer belt used in the system for determining toner mass amount and methods for making the belt. A system and method, using the transparent transfer belt, is capable of determining an amount of toner mass present on a toner application surface, and the real-time adjustment of parameters controlling xerographic transfer performance in the system. The system comprises transmission-based sensors alone and in combination with reflective-based sensors.

Abstract: A light-transmissive transfer belt used in the system for determining toner mass amount and methods for making the belt. A system and method, using the transparent transfer belt, is capable of determining an amount of toner mass present on a toner application surface, and the real-time adjustment of parameters controlling xerographic transfer performance in the system. The system comprises transmission-based sensors alone and in combination with reflective-based sensors.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, the present teachings include electrophotographic charging devices and methods for charging a receptor with a solid state charging device. In an exemplary embodiment, the solid state charging device can include a dielectric layer, a first electrode disposed adjacent to a first surface of the dielectric layer, and a second electrode, wherein the second electrode has a first surface disposed adjacent to a second surface of the dielectric layer. The solid state charging device can further include a plurality of nanostructures, wherein each of the plurality of nanostructures has an end in electrical contact with a second surface of the second electrode. The exemplary solid state charging devices including the nanostructures can use less voltage than conventional charging devices, produce a reduced amount of oxidizing agents, such as, ozone and NOx, and/or operate at a lower temperature.