Abstract: A method of intentionally pollinating a Poaceae crop by monitoring one or more environmental parameters and intentionally pollinating said crop at a time based upon the monitored parameters. The correct selection of parameters has been shown to markedly increase seed set, yield, and/or other desirable characteristics, including but not limited to preferred content of oil, starch, protein, and/or other nutritional components. Parameters may include one or more of: temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficit.

Abstract: A method of intentionally pollinating a Poaceae crop by monitoring one or more environmental parameters and intentionally pollinating said crop at a time based upon the monitored parameters. The correct selection of parameters has been shown to markedly increase seed set, yield, and/or other desirable characteristics, including but not limited to preferred content of oil, starch, protein, and/or other nutritional components. Parameters may include one or more of: temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficit.

Abstract: A method of identifying a selected pollination window in a Poaceae crop by monitoring one or more environmental parameters and identifying a selected pollination window based upon the monitored parameters. The correct selection of parameters has been shown to markedly increase seed set, yield, and/or other desirable characteristics, including but not limited to preferred content of oil, starch, protein, and/or other nutritional components. Parameters may include one or more of: temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficit.

Abstract: Described are methods of Poaceae pollen preservation which improve the viability and longevity of such pollen for use in pollinating plants. In addition, methods of thawing and stabilization of cryogenically stored pollen are described. Methods of statically drying pollen in preparation for cryogenic, refrigerated, or ambient storage that help preserve high pollen fertility levels are described. In addition, the requirement for a specific relative humidity range during drying is demonstrated. Using a rate of drying that is optimized to predict the pollen moisture content is used to maximize pollen fertility post-storage. In addition, the consideration of evaporative demand at the time of preparing pollen for storage is demonstrated to be important to maximizing post-storage fertility.

Abstract: A method of identifying a selected pollination window in a Poaceae crop by monitoring one or more environmental parameters and identifying a selected pollination window based upon the monitored parameters. The correct selection of parameters has been shown to markedly increase seed set, yield, and/or other desirable characteristics, including but not limited to preferred content of oil, starch, protein, and/or other nutritional components. Parameters may include one or more of: temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficit.

Abstract: An Environmental Control System may use an electronic air treatment system to control humidity in an aircraft. The electronic air treatment system may use an electronic charging system and a separation system. A turbine rotor may drive a power generating stage to provide high voltage power to the electronic charging system. The charging stage may charge airflow passing through to repel liquid particles away from the airflow. Liquid droplets may be collected and centrifugally flung toward a periphery of the separation system. The liquid particles may be collected outside of the airflow, which may be allowed to pass through the separation system and out to a destination in the aircraft without the collected liquid.

Abstract: A turbomachine having gas cooled bearings may include an axially-oriented, cooling-gas passageway interconnecting first and second bearing chambers. The passageway may include grooves formed at an interface between an aerodynamic component of the turbomachine (e.g., a wheel or impeller) and a portion of a shaft assembly of the turbomachine.

Abstract: An Environmental Control System may use an electronic air treatment system to control humidity in an aircraft. The electronic air treatment system may use an electronic charging system and a separation system. A turbine rotor may drive a power generating stage to provide high voltage power to the electronic charging system. The charging stage may charge airflow passing through to repel liquid particles away from the airflow. Liquid droplets may be collected and centrifugally flung toward a periphery of the separation system. The liquid particles may be collected outside of the airflow, which may be allowed to pass through the separation system and out to a destination in the aircraft without the collected liquid.

Abstract: A turbomachine having gas cooled bearings may include an axially-oriented, cooling-gas passageway interconnecting first and second bearing chambers. The passageway may include grooves formed at an interface between an aerodynamic component of the turbomachine (e.g., a wheel or impeller) and a portion of a shaft assembly of the turbomachine.

Abstract: A compressor ported shroud takes compressed air from the shroud of the compressor before it is completely compressed and delivers it to foil bearings. The compressed air has a lower pressure and temperature than compressed outlet air. The lower temperature of the air means that less air needs to be bled off from the compressor to cool the foil bearings. This increases the overall system efficiency due to the reduced mass flow requirements of the lower temperature air. By taking the air at a lower pressure, less work is lost compressing the bearing cooling air.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rotor assembly. The method includes providing a stub shaft having a first part and a second part, providing a magnet between the first part and the second part, and compressing the magnet between the first part and the second part using a connecting device. The method also includes drilling a hole through the first part and the magnet, cooling an inner shaft, and inserting the inner shaft into the hole.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rotor assembly. The method includes providing a stub shaft having a first part and a second part, providing a magnet between the first part and the second part, and compressing the magnet between the first part and the second part using a connecting device. The method also includes drilling a hole through the first part and the magnet, cooling an inner shaft, and inserting the inner shaft into the hole.

Abstract: A compressor ported shroud takes bearing compressed air from the shroud of the compressor before it is completely compressed and delivers it to foil bearings. The compressed air has a lower pressure and temperature than compressed outlet air. The lower temperature of the air means that less air needs to be bled off from the compressor to cool the foil bearings. This increases the overall system efficiency due to the reduced mass flow requirements of the lower temperature air. By taking the air at a lower pressure, less work is lost compressing the bearing cooling air.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a compressor and a fuel processor downstream of the compressor. A fuel cell stack is in communication with the fuel processor and compressor. A combustor is downstream of the fuel cell stack. First and second turbines are downstream of the fuel processor and in parallel flow communication with one another. A distribution valve is in communication with the first and second turbines. The first and second turbines are mechanically engaged to the compressor. A bypass valve is intermediate the compressor and the second turbine, with the bypass valve enabling a compressed gas from the compressor to bypass the fuel processor.