Abstract: The method uses mass compute resources which are typically not in use to identify novel alloys. Owners of compute resources are offered a contract agreeing that the owner will receive a defined amount of a digital currency in exchange for the use of their compute resources. The digital currency may be managed using a blockchain ledger. The compute resources may be consumer devices which the user agrees to offer for use to develop alloys when the owner is not using the device. Academics and other entities may pay to select each group of elements to submit for computation. Profits realized by commercializing the alloys may be reinvested to fund the continued use of the method. The large amount of compute resources may be used to create a phase diagram for novel alloys in an amount of time that would otherwise be impossible.

Abstract: The invention is a suspended hanger with an adjustable slide that helps to maintain the suspended hanger in a balanced condition. The hanger has a tubular channel with a longitudinal slot. The channel has one or more devices for attaching suspended objects to the channel. Affixed to the channel by means of the slot is a slide that has a frictional breaking mechanism. The braking mechanism uses a lever and compression spring to secure the slide to any position along the channel. When objects are suspended from or removed from the hanger, the slide is adjusted to achieve the balanced condition. The suspended hanger may be suspended overhead by one or more pulleys. The invention is especially suited for holding bicycles, especially three bicycles.

Abstract: A third-party server is disclosed herein for managing settlement services between two or more businesses, the server being third-party with respect to each of the businesses. The server may include one or more hardware processors and hardware memory. The hardware memory may store various instructions executable by the processors, including: instructions for accessing and updating first and second digital accounting platforms utilized by a first and a second business, respectively; receiving first transaction data from a first business designated for settlement with a second business, and for receiving second transaction data from the second business for settlement with the first business; aggregating the first and second transaction data to determine a payable and receivable between the first and the second business; and directly accessing and updating the respective first and second digital accounting platforms to record the payable and receivable.

Abstract: A method in accordance with the invention includes establishing a cooperative network of businesses, establishing a first entity configured to own and invest in intellectual property assets utilized by the cooperative network of businesses, and establishing a second entity configured to own and invest in physical assets shared and utilized by the cooperative network of business.

Abstract: A method for facilitating transactions between a network of businesses includes determining, for a given time period, a first invoice directed from a first business to a second business, and a second invoice directed from the second business to the first business. The method further includes aggregating the first and second invoices to determine a net payment needed to pay both the first invoice and the second invoice. The net payment is transferred between the first business and the second business. The method further includes updating an accounting platform for each of the first business and the second business to indicate that the first invoice and the second invoice have been paid.