Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for obtaining a problem specification file descriptive of a combinatorial optimization problem; identifying a plurality of combinable vector-matrix operations of the combinatorial optimization problem; generating an instruction set for the one or more processors, wherein the instruction set includes a first instruction that, when implemented, causes the one or more processors to perform a combined matrix-matrix operation replacing the plurality of combinable vector-matrix operations; and executing the instruction set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to activatable promoters, as well as expression systems, vectors, delivery systems, reaction vessels, aqueous objects and compositions comprising said activatable promoters. The invention also provides compositions comprising assemblies and networks of aqueous objects comprising said activatable promoters. The invention additionally provides methods of expressing a transcript and methods of expressing a polypeptide using the activatable promoters of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to activatable promoters, as well as expression systems, vectors, delivery systems, reaction vessels, aqueous objects and compositions comprising said activatable promoters. The invention also provides compositions comprising assemblies and networks of aqueous objects comprising said activatable promoters. The invention additionally provides methods of expressing a transcript and methods of expressing a polypeptide using the activatable promoters of the invention. The invention further provides phospholipid mixtures, as well as aqueous objects and compositions comprising said phospholipid mixtures.

Abstract: An oil pipe assembly for a gas turbine engine. The oil pipe assembly includes a first pipe that defines a first fluid passage between an oil supply and a bearing chamber, and a second pipe that houses the first pipe and defines a second fluid passage between the first pipe and the second pipe that is supplied with cooling air. The oil pipe assembly also includes a restrictor that extends from the second pipe and restricts the passage of fluid from the second fluid passage before it flows into a breather. Pressure and temperature sensors) are located adjacent the restrictor to detect and measure changes in air pressure and air temperature adjacent the restrictor from which a controller identifies whether a leak has occurred in the first pipe or the second pipe. A method for detecting a leak in the oil pipe assembly, and a gas turbine are also described.

Abstract: A shaft apparatus for a gas turbine engine comprising: a first shaft portion; a second shaft portion; and a ratchet mechanism configured to permit the first shaft portion to rotate with respect to the second shaft portion in a first direction, and to prevent the first shaft portion from rotating with respect to the second shaft portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A gas turbine engines comprising the shaft apparatus and methods of operating a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.

Abstract: An oil pipe assembly for a gas turbine engine. The oil pipe assembly includes a first pipe that defines a first fluid passage between an oil supply and a bearing chamber, and a second pipe that houses the first pipe and defines a second fluid passage between the first pipe and the second pipe that is supplied with cooling air. The oil pipe assembly also includes a restrictor that extends from the second pipe and restricts the passage of fluid from the second fluid passage before it flows into a breather. Pressure and temperature sensors) are located adjacent the restrictor to detect and measure changes in air pressure and air temperature adjacent the restrictor from which a controller identifies whether a leak has occurred in the first pipe or the second pipe. A method for detecting a leak in the oil pipe assembly, and a gas turbine are also described.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising an engine core comprising a compressor; a compressor bleed valve in fluid communication with the compressor and configured to release bleed air from the compressor; and a combustor comprising a fuel manifold configured to provide fuel to the combustor; wherein the fuel manifold is in thermal contact with a cooling conduit; and the gas turbine engine further comprises a fluid conduit to supply bleed air from the compressor bleed valve to the cooling conduit.

Abstract: A shaft apparatus for a gas turbine engine comprising: a first shaft portion; a second shaft portion; and a ratchet mechanism configured to permit the first shaft portion to rotate with respect to the second shaft portion in a first direction, and to prevent the first shaft portion from rotating with respect to the second shaft portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A gas turbine engines comprising the shaft apparatus and methods of operating a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to activatable promoters, as well as expression systems, vectors, delivery systems, reaction vessels, aqueous objects and compositions comprising said activatable promoters. The invention also provides compositions comprising assemblies and networks of aqueous objects comprising said activatable promoters. The invention additionally provides methods of expressing a transcript and methods of expressing a polypeptide using the activatable promoters of the invention. The invention further provides phospholipid mixtures, as well as aqueous objects and compositions comprising said phospholipid mixtures.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an electronic component to a heat sink or other support structure includes an insulative housing including a main body portion and a pair of opposed depending legs. The main body portion has a central recess formed therein. A pivot block or fulcrum is disposed in the recess. The apparatus also includes a load bar that is engageable with the pivot block to exert a compressive force upon the pivot block.

Abstract: A series of spaced-apart light gauge cold formed steel studs underlie an elongated light gauge cold formed steel channel or box. A series of joist supports are connected to the channel and a series of joists, formed of a light gauge cold formed steel, are connected to the joist supports and extend outwardly from the box. Decking is supported on the joist. Concrete is poured into the channel to form a reinforced header or beam, and concrete is also poured onto the decking to form a concrete floor. Together, the concrete floor and header form a monolithic concrete structure that enables the joist to be misaligned with studs.

Abstract: A system for reducing fouling and improving efficiency in a coal-fired power plant that may include: 1) an analyzer grid, the analyzer grid including a plurality of sensors that measure gas characteristics through an approximate cross section of a flow through a boiler of the coal-fired power plant; 2) a plurality of air injectors with enhanced controllability; 3) means for analyzing the measurements of the gas characteristics; and 4) means for controlling the air injectors with enhanced controllability. The analysis of the measurements of the gas characteristics may include analyzing the measurements to determine zones of non-homogeneous flow.

Abstract: A corner drift connector for preventing damage to exterior walls of buildings during wind, earthquake, or other building-deforming events is described. The corner drift connector is slidably attached to each of two angled walls which form a corner of a building. Slots in flanges of the corner drift connector facilitate utilizing connectors to attach the corner drift connector to the walls while allowing relative motion between the walls and the connector. A cover placed outside the corner drift connector conceals the connector and its intersections with the walls.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a building structure is provided. The connector assembly includes an elongated track that is mounted to a first member of a building frame structure. A connecting member is connected to the elongated track and retained within a pair of opposed channels that form a part of the track. Connected to the connecting member is a second member of the building frame structure. Formed in the connecting member is at least one elongated slot that permits the connecting member to be connected to the second member and for there to be relative movement between the connecting member and the second member. Further, the connecting member is slidable back and forth within the elongated track. Thus, it is appreciated that bidirectional movement between the first and second members can be accommodated by the connecting member sliding back and forth along the track on one hand and by there being relative movement about the connection between the connecting member and the second member.

Abstract: A system for reducing fouling and improving efficiency in a coal-fired power plant that may include: 1) an analyzer grid, the analyzer grid including a plurality of sensors that measure gas characteristics through an approximate cross section of a flow through a boiler of the coal-fired power plant; 2) a plurality of air injectors with enhanced controllability; 3) means for analyzing the measurements of the gas characteristics; and 4) means for controlling the air injectors with enhanced controllability. The analysis of the measurements of the gas characteristics may include analyzing the measurements to determine zones of non-homogeneous flow.

Abstract: A method for controlling the use of oligonucleotide sequences released from arrays, comprises synthesizing a chemical array of oligonucleotides on a substrate under conditions for producing an array of cleavable oligonucleotides that are blocked from enzymatic reactions after cleavage. Methods may also include receiving a chemical array of cleavable oligonucleotides on a substrate, and cleaving the oligonucleotides from the array, wherein the oligonucleotides are blocked from enzymatic reactions after cleavage. Arrays, populations of oligonucleotides and kits are also provided to facilitate the methods.

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting two building members together. The connector, in one embodiment, includes first and second plates secured together. Each plate includes one or more elongated slots wherein the elongated slots of one plate are oriented at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the slots formed in the other plate. Fasteners extend through the slots in the plates and connect the plates of the connector to two building members such as a horizontal building member and a vertical building member. Once connected, one of the building members is free to move with respect to the other building member while the connector is connected to the two building members. In another embodiment, the connector is slidable within a track. In this embodiment, a portion of the connector extends from the track and connects to one of the building members while the track connects to the other one of the building members.

Abstract: A tape dispensing unit (10), feeding tear tapes (12, 13), to a continuous portion of packaging material (14). The tear tape is applied to the packaging portions so that consumers may easily open the assembled packages. Tape is applied to packaging from a reel. A reserve reel also holding tape is provided. When the end of the tape on the reel in use is reached the tape dispensing unit splices together the end of the tape in use with the beginning of the reserve reel, so that tape is fed continuously to the packaging material.

Abstract: A system for managing replacement components for equipment having a plurality of components each with a limited useful life has a computer with a processor. The system includes a computer program module for defining a duty profile comprising a plurality of usage cases for the equipment, each usage case involving two or more of the plurality of components and specified operating conditions assumed to be experienced by the involved components during the execution of each of the usage cases. There are also a computer program module for determining a theoretical useful life for each component involved in a duty profile, the theoretical useful life being based on component useful life data under the specified operating conditions; and sensors for determining and monitoring the occurrence of equipment operation corresponding to a usage case and measuring the actual operating conditions experienced in the operation and the number of such operations.

Abstract: A tape dispensing unit (10), feeding tear tapes (12, 13), to a continuous portion of packaging material (14). The tear tape is applied to the packaging portions so that consumers may easily open the assembled packages. Tape is applied to packaging from a reel. A reserve reel also holding tape is provided. When the end of the tape on the reel in use is reached the tape dispensing unit splices together the end of the tape in use with the beginning of the reserve reel, so that tape is fed continuously to the packaging material.