Abstract: A computer system includes a processor core and a memory system in signal communication with the processor core. The memory system includes a first cache and a second cache. The first cache is arranged at a first level of a hierarchy in the memory system and is configured to store a plurality of first-cache entries. The second cache is arranged at a second level of the hierarchy that is lower than the first level, and stores a plurality of second-cache entries. The first cache maintains a directory that contains information for each of the first-cache entries. The second cache maintains a shadow pointer directory (SPD) that includes one or more SPD entries that maps each of the first-cache entries to a corresponding second cache entry at a lower-level cache location.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for inter-app communications between software applications on a mobile communications device. In one aspect, a computer-readable medium on a mobile computing device comprising an inter-application communication data structure to facilitate transitioning and distributing data between software applications in a shared app group for an operating system of the mobile computing device includes a scheme field of the data structure providing a scheme id associated with a target software app to transition to from a source software app, wherein the scheme id is listed on a scheme list stored with the source software app; and a payload field of the data structure providing data and/or an identification where to access data in a shared file system accessible to the software applications in the shared app group, wherein the payload field is encrypted.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for inter-app communications between software applications on a mobile communications device. In one aspect, a computer-readable medium on a mobile computing device comprising an inter-application communication data structure to facilitate transitioning and distributing data between software applications in a shared app group for an operating system of the mobile computing device includes a scheme field of the data structure providing a scheme id associated with a target software app to transition to from a source software app, wherein the scheme id is listed on a scheme list stored with the source software app; and a payload field of the data structure providing data and/or an identification where to access data in a shared file system accessible to the software applications in the shared app group, wherein the payload field is encrypted.

Abstract: An active chaff may be released by an aircraft to assist the aircraft in evading at least one of radar detection and a missile. The active chaff may include a signal generator, a signal spreading device, a microprocessor, a power source, and a substantially high-drag aerodynamic envelope. The signal generator may emit a signal to assist the aircraft in evading radar detection and/or a missile. The signal spreading device may spread the generated signal. The microprocessor may control the signal generator and the signal spreading device. The power source may power the signal generator and the microprocessor.

Abstract: A method comprises removing space debris having a relatively low ballistic coefficient by hastening orbital decay of the debris. A transient gaseous cloud is created at an altitude of at least 100 km above Earth. The cloud has a density sufficient to slow the debris so the debris falls into Earth's atmosphere.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle having a drive train that supplies power to the front wheel and includes a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch operatively engaged with the front wheel drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: An active chaff may be released by an aircraft to assist the aircraft in evading at least one of radar detection and a missile. The active chaff may include a signal generator, a signal spreading device, a microprocessor, a power source, and a substantially high-drag aerodynamic envelope. The signal generator may emit a signal to assist the aircraft in evading radar detection and/or a missile. The signal spreading device may spread the generated signal. The microprocessor may control the signal generator and the signal spreading device. The power source may power the signal generator and the microprocessor. Each of the signal generator, signal spreading device, microprocessor, and power source may be located on or within the substantially high-drag aerodynamic envelope.

Abstract: A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter through body cavities of varying thicknesses. The retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound, a second ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound, and a sheath disposed between the two rings. Optionally, the second ring may be detachably attached to the sheath to adapt the retractor to body cavities of varying thickness. Additional rings may be disposed along the sheath to provide for adjustment of the distance between the first and second rings. The retractor may also include an expandable foam annulus that can adjust the distance between the first and second rings.

Abstract: A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring. Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment means at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both.

Abstract: A method comprises removing space debris having a relatively low ballistic coefficient by hastening orbital decay of the debris. A transient gaseous cloud is created at an altitude of at least 100 km above Earth. The cloud has a density sufficient to slow the debris so the debris falls into Earth's atmosphere.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle having a drive train that supplies power to the front wheel and includes a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch operatively engaged with the front wheel drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a stable maritime platform are disclosed. The platform is pivotally supported by a superstructure of a floating vessel, the platform to receive a downward force from an object. A platform trunnion is connected to the platform to convert the downward force on the platform into rotational movement. A counterweight axle is connected to the platform trunnion to transform the rotational movement into angular displacement that moves a counterweight away from the superstructure of the floating vessel. Thus, the downward force of the object may be counteracted to balance the floating vessel.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle having a drive train that supplies power to the front wheel and includes a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch operatively engaged with the front wheel drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both.

Abstract: An active chaff may be released by an aircraft to assist the aircraft in evading at least one of radar detection and a missile. The active chaff may include a signal generator, a signal spreading device, a microprocessor, a power source, and a substantially high-drag aerodynamic envelope. The signal generator may emit a signal to assist the aircraft in evading radar detection and/or a missile. The signal spreading device may spread the generated signal. The microprocessor may control the signal generator and the signal spreading device. The power source may power the signal generator and the microprocessor. Each of the signal generator, signal spreading device, microprocessor, and power source may be located on or within the substantially high-drag aerodynamic envelope.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a stable maritime helicopter platform are disclosed. In one embodiment, a ship that may be converted into a spar buoy includes a flipping mechanism to convert the ship to the spar buoy, a takeoff and landing platform for helicopters and other VTOL vehicles, and an actuation and balance system to deploy the platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both.