Abstract: An engineered collection medium for use in mineral separation is described. The engineered collection medium has a solid phase body configured with a three-dimensional open-cell structure like foam or sponge to provide collection surfaces. The three-dimensional surface structure is made of a hydrophobic material which is a reaction product of isocyanate and polyol promotes the attraction of mineral particles to the collection surfaces as a hydrophobic foam. The hydrophobic foam can be in the form of a cube, sphere, or sheet and can be used in a filter or conveyor belt in a processor.

Abstract: A new computational machine is invented, called a clock machine, that is a novel alternative to computing machines (digital computers) based on logic gates. In an embodiment, computation is performed with one or more clock machines that use time. In an embodiment, a cryptographic cipher is implemented with random clock machines, constructed from a non-deterministic process, wherein the compiled set of instructions (i.e., the implementation of the cryptographic procedure) is distinct on each device or chip that executes the cryptographic cipher. In an embodiment, by using a different set of clock machines to execute two different instances of the same cryptographic procedure, each execution of a procedure looks different to malware that may try to infect and subvert the cryptographic procedure. This cryptographic process also makes timing attacks more challenging. In an embodiment, a detailed implementation of the Midori cipher with random clock machines is described.

Abstract: Compensation is provided for foreign interference within a cell. Uplink (UL) noise on an UL channel to a first base station (BS) device is detected. Whether the UL noise includes interference is determined. Interference can include any device other than a mobile device configured to communicate with a BS device associated with a cell. The first service area of the BS device can be modified, e.g., scaled based on determining that the UL noise includes interference. Scaling can include reducing the first service area to a second service area that does not include an imbalance region in the first service area caused by the foreign interference. Scaling can be effected by reducing the amount of downlink power from the first BS device, or by adjusting a re-selection parameter associated with reducing the range of the BS device.

Abstract: An air flow control system for an assembly line grow pod is provided. The air flow control system includes a shell including an enclosed area, one or more carts moving on a track within the enclosed area, an air supplier within the enclosed area, one or more outlet vents coupled to the air supplier, and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to identify a plant on the one or more carts, determine an airflow rate based on an airflow recipe for the identified plant, and control the air supplier to output air through the one or more outlet vents at the airflow rate.

Abstract: This invention pertains to secure communications between multiple parties and/or secure computation or data transmission between multiple computers or multiple vehicles. This invention provides a secure method for three or more parties to establish one or more shared secrets between all parties. In some embodiments, there are less than 40 parties and in other embodiments there are more than 1 million parties that establish a shared secret. In some embodiments, establishing a shared secret among multiple parties provides a method for a secure conference call. In some embodiments, a shared secret is established with multiple computer nodes across the whole earth to help provide a secure Internet infrastructure that can reliably and securely route Internet traffic. In some embodiments, a shared secret is established so that self-driving vehicles may securely communicate and securely coordinate their motion to avoid collisions.

Abstract: Provided are antimicrobial nonwovens comprising antimicrobial chemical treated fibers and untreated binder fibers. 0.0003-0.1 wt. % of one or more silver containing antimicrobial chemicals are used in nonwovens to provide an excellent antimicrobial/antiviral property. Exemplary applications and methods of manufacturing antimicrobial products such as a facial covering, a mattress cover, a surface cover and an air filter are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein authenticate a user and help secure transaction. A display screen presents images that are difficult for malware to recognize but a person can recognize. In at least one embodiment, a person communicates transaction information using visual images received from the service provider system. In at least one embodiment, a user selects a sequence of visual images as a means of authenticating the user and logging into a financial account or other corporate account. In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for determining whether to grant access, by generating and displaying visual images on a screen that the user can recognize, and select. In an embodiment, a user presses his or her finger or fingers on a display screen to select images as a method for authenticating and protecting communication from malware.

Abstract: A cover member for use in the treatment of a sample on a substrate is disclosed. The cover member has fluid flow features and is adapted for use in an instrument, such as a laboratory instrument. The cover member comprises at least one orientation feature detectable by the instrument for ascertaining an orientation of the cover member. An automated method for detecting orientation of a cover member in a sample treatment assembly is also disclosed, in which a processor compares data corresponding to one or more images collected from the sample treatment assembly, with data representing a reference image to determine if a cover member is in the sample treatment assembly.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a laminate panel is provided. The laminate panel comprises at least one laminate layer including at least one non-conductive layer and at least one conductive layer patterned to form at least a portion of a B0 coil configured to contribute to a B0 field suitable for use in low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Abstract: A distributed control system for use in an assembly line grow pod includes a master controller and a hardware controller device. The master controller includes a first processor and a first memory for storing a first set of instructions that dictates plant growing operations and a second set of instructions that dictates a plurality of distributed control functions. The hardware controller device is coupled to the master controller via a plug-in network interface. The hardware controller device includes a second processor and a second memory for storing a third set of instructions that dictate a selected control function of the plurality of distributed control functions. Upon the plug-in connection, the master controller identifies an address of the hardware controller device and sends a set of parameters defining a plurality of tasks relating to the selected control function.

Abstract: A process of hiding a key or data inside of random noise is introduced, whose purpose is to protect the privacy of the key or data. In some embodiments, the random noise is produced by quantum randomness, using photonic emission with a light emitting diode. When the data or key generation and random noise have the same probability distributions, and the key size is fixed, the security of the hiding can be made arbitrarily close to perfect secrecy, by increasing the noise size. The hiding process is practical in terms of infrastructure and cost, utilizing the existing TCP/IP infrastructure as a transmission medium, and using light emitting diode(s) and a photodetector in the random noise generator. In some embodiments, symmetric cryptography encrypts the data before the encrypted data is hidden in random noise, which substantially amplifies the computational complexity.

Abstract: An assembly line grow pod includes a seeding region, a harvesting region, a track that extends between the seeding region and the harvesting region, a cart including a tray for holding plant matter, and a wheel coupled to the tray, where the wheel is engaged with the track, and a weight sensor positioned on the cart or the track, where the weight sensor is positioned to detect a weight of the plant matter positioned within the cart.

Abstract: This invention pertains to secure communications between multiple parties and/or secure computation or data transmission between multiple computers or multiple vehicles. This invention provides a secure method for three or more parties to establish one or more shared secrets between all parties. In some embodiments, there are less than 40 parties and in other embodiments there are more than 1 million parties that establish a shared secret. In some embodiments, establishing a shared secret among multiple parties provides a method for a secure conference call. In some embodiments, a shared secret is established with multiple computer nodes across the whole earth to help provide a secure Internet infrastructure that can reliably and securely route Internet traffic. In some embodiments, a shared secret is established so that self-driving vehicles may securely communicate and securely coordinate their motion to avoid collisions.

Abstract: A common vulnerability during a Diffie-Hellman key exchange is a man-in-the-middle attack, where Eve is able to pretend she is Bob to Alice and also pretend that she is Alice to Bob. In an embodiment, after a key exchange is completed, visual image authentication between Alice and Bob can notify Alice and Bob that Eve has launched a man-in-the-middle attack. When Alice's sequence of visual images derived from her shared secret do not match Bob's sequence of visual images, Alice and Bob know that their key exchange has been compromised by Eve. In this case, Alice and Bob should perform their key exchange again. Our invention provides a malware resistant alternative to not using a root certificate during a key exchange. It is well-known that a root certificate can be compromised by an dishonest or corrupt insider. Since the institution has access to the root certificate, there is no guarantee that a rogue network administrator will not use it to personally profit, or breach the security of the system.

Abstract: Footwear with vertically lapped nonwoven layers in upper and sole structures for enhanced breathability and moisture wicking is disclosed. Exemplary vertically lapped nonwoven dual layers comprise one or more hydrophobic layers and one or more hydrophilic layers that are adhered to each other by a plurality of methods and are further integrated into the inside of the upper and sole of the footwear so that the hydrophilic layer is in direct contact with the feet. The hydrophilic part of the dual layer wicks sweat or bodily fluid from the wearer into the nonwoven and transports the moisture to the hydrophobic layer for fast evaporation, thus keeping the feet dry. The nonwoven footwear is environmentally friendly as the nonwoven layers can be made of recycled materials and may be fully recyclable.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for assessing a state of a vent hose that fluidically couples a crankcase of an engine to an engine air intake system. In one example, a method may include sealing the crankcase from the vent hose, initiating cranking of the engine, monitoring a series of pressure pulsations during a monitoring window duration via a pressure sensor positioned between a crankcase oil separator and the vent hose, and indicating a presence of degradation associated with the vent hose based on the series of pressure pulsations and the monitoring window duration. In this way, diagnosis of a state of the vent hose may be reliably assessed without crankcase pressures confounding pressure measurements as recorded via the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system bypasses harvesting in an assembly line grow pod when it is determined that a plant in a cart is not ready to harvest. The system includes a track, a cart configured to move on the track, one or more sensors and a controller. The cart includes an upper plate that supports a plant. The controller receives information about the plant from the one or more sensors, determines whether the plant in the cart is ready to harvest based on the information; and transmits an instruction for bypassing harvesting the plant in the cart in response to determination that the plant in the cart is not ready to harvest.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a low-field magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. The low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system comprises a magnetics system having a plurality of magnetics components configured to produce magnetic fields for performing MRI, the magnetics system comprising, a B0 magnet configured to produce a B0 field for the MRI system at a low-field strength of less than 0.

Abstract: A gimbal apparatus is disclosed, including a tubular envelope with a variable length between first and second rim structures. A rigid ring structure inside the tubular envelope is connected to diametrically opposite first and second portions of the first rim structure, and is connected to diametrically opposite first and second portions of the second rim structure. A spoke bisects the ring structure.

Abstract: An active hood vent system for a motor vehicle includes a hood vent, having a closure displaceable between a closed position and an opened position, and a control module. That control module is configured to adjust the aero balance of the motor vehicle by opening and closing the closure. Further, the control module may be configured to close the closure and thereby minimize engine compartment air from entering an HVAC inlet of the motor vehicle when the current operating temperature of the motor vehicle is below a predetermined temperature requiring engine cooling, and a current motor vehicle speed is below a predetermined speed where airflow over the hood limits ingestion of engine compartment air by the HVAC inlet.