Abstract: A private identity system performs on-device embedding and homomorphic tokenization (HT) to map plaintext inputs to non-invertible HT tokens. During enrollment, HT tokens are stored and a centroid can be computed for each user. During prediction, a new HT token shortlists nearest centroids, followed by 1:1 distance verification against stored embeddings. On success, the system returns a UUID bound to the user. Because passkeys can be shared via device or account keychains, the UUID binds the ceremony to the same enrolled individual without exposing biometrics.

Abstract: A private identity system is configured to invoke an embedding layer that constructs encoded embeddings from plaintext identification inputs using pre-trained models. Identification inputs can be captured (e.g., biometric, face image, retinal scan, fingerprint, voice, health data, behavioral, etc.) in plaintext versions and transformed into encoded embeddings. The embeddings can be produced to be homomorphic one-way encryptions of the plaintext identification instances. According to some embodiments, the encoded embeddings can be used to identify an entity. The encoded embeddings can be stored in a vector database during enrollment, retrieved by querying the vector database during prediction, and used to establish a match to an identifier, identity, and/or entity. In further embodiments, vector indexes can be used to speed queries executed on the vector database, and achieve improved computation, reduced query speed, and improved identification latency relative to multiple AI model architectures (e.g.

Abstract: An EGR cooler includes an elongated, stainless steel cooler housing with a first end having a stainless steel end plate and a second end opposite the first end, and an Inconel diffuser having an inlet end defining a gas inlet and an outlet end welded to the stainless steel end plate. The stainless steel end plate having a first thickness and the outlet end of the Inconel diffuser including a sidewall having a second thickness that is 50% or less of the first thickness.

Abstract: An EGR cooler includes an elongated, stainless steel cooler housing with a first end having a stainless steel end plate and a second end opposite the first end, and an Inconel diffuser having an inlet end defining a gas inlet and an outlet end welded to the stainless steel end plate. The stainless steel end plate having a first thickness and the outlet end of the Inconel diffuser including a sidewall having a second thickness that is 50% or less of the first thickness.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine includes a compound piston body having a crown piece joined to a skirt piece by a circumferential weld. The skirt piece is formed of a lower temperature-capable steel such as a low alloy steel, and the crown piece is formed of a higher temperature-capable steel having a martensitic microstructure and containing about 10% wt. or greater of chromium. Related methodology for making a piston is also disclosed.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine includes a compound piston body having a crown piece joined to a skirt piece by a circumferential weld. The skirt piece is formed of a lower temperature-capable steel such as a low alloy steel, and the crown piece is formed of a higher temperature-capable steel having a martensitic microstructure and containing about 10% wt. or greater of chromium. Related methodology for making a piston is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes and proteins, and methods of their use. In particular, the invention describes genes encoding proteins having diacylglycerol acetyltransferase activity, specifically for transferring an acetyl group to a diacylglycerol substrate to form acetyl-Triacylglycerols (ac-TAGS), for example, a 3-acetyl-1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol. The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type forms of the transferase, as well as mutants and variant forms. The present invention also relates to methods of using novel diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes and proteins, including their expression in transgenic organisms at commercially viable levels, for increasing production of 3-acetyl-1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerols in plant oils and altering the composition of oils produced by microorganisms, such as yeast, by increasing ac-TAG production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes and proteins, and methods of their use. In particular, the invention describes genes encoding proteins having diacylglycerol acetyltransferase activity, specifically for transferring an acetyl group to a diacylglycerol substrate to form acetyl-Triacylglycerols (ac-TAGS), for example, a 3-acetyl-1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol. The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type forms of the transferase, as well as mutants and variant forms. The present invention also relates to methods of using novel diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes and proteins, including their expression in transgenic organisms at commercially viable levels, for increasing production of 3-acetyl-1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerols in plant oils and altering the composition of oils produced by microorganisms, such as yeast, by increasing ac-TAG production.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes an engine having an engine housing. The engine system further includes an exhaust system, and a turbine disposed within the exhaust system. A particulate reduction device is disposed in the exhaust system upstream of the turbine. The particulate reduction device includes an exhaust retarder having a flow property which is based at least in part on a residence requirement for combustion of particulates in exhaust gases passing therethrough. The flow property may be a flow restriction property, and the exhaust retarder may include a flow restricting trapping element configured to trap particulates in the exhaust gases. The flow restricting trapping element defines a combustion efficacy to exhaust mass flow and temperature coefficient for the particulate reduction device which is based at least in part on a combustion initiating residence requirement for particulates passing through the particulate reduction device.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes an engine having an engine housing. The engine system further includes an exhaust system, and a turbine disposed within the exhaust system. A particulate reduction device is disposed in the exhaust system upstream of the turbine. The particulate reduction device includes an exhaust retarder having a flow property which is based at least in part on a residence requirement for combustion of particulates in exhaust gases passing therethrough. The flow property may be a flow restriction property, and the exhaust retarder may include a flow restricting trapping element configured to trap particulates in the exhaust gases. The flow restricting trapping element defines a combustion efficacy to exhaust mass flow and temperature coefficient for the particulate reduction device which is based at least in part on a combustion initiating residence requirement for particulates passing through the particulate reduction device.

Abstract: An electrical connection element for providing an electrical connection to a porous material may include a first electrically conductive plate disposed on at least a portion of a first side of the porous material. A second electrically conductive plate may be disposed on at least a portion of a second side of the porous material, opposite to the first side. An electrically conductive material may impregnate the porous material in a region between the first and second electrically conductive plates, and an electrical connector may be attached to at least one of the first and second electrically conductive plates.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns new classes of pesticidally active proteins and the polynucleotide sequences that encode these proteins. In preferred embodiments, these pesticidal proteins have molecular weights of approximately 40-50 kDa and of approximately 10-15 kDa.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a turbocharger. The turbocharger may include a titanium-aluminide turbine and a shaft. A single joint connects the turbine to the shaft. The joint may include an alloy comprising at least 80 atomic percent nickel and palladium.

Abstract: A particulate filter and a method for reducing pollutants are provided. The particulate filter comprises at least one first piece, said first piece comprising non-linear channels, and at least one second piece adjacent to the at least one first piece. The particulate filter is configured such that either the at least one first piece or the at least one second piece comprise either sintered metal fibers or porous metallic foam. The method comprises the steps of providing a particulate filter, said filter comprising, at least one first piece, said first piece comprising non-linear channels and at least one second piece adjacent to the at least one first piece, catalyzing the particulate filter with a catalyst, passing exhaust stream through the filter, filtering at least some soot from the exhaust stream, and chemically converting at least some NOx from the exhaust stream with the catalyst.

Abstract: A catalytic converter, an exhaust system comprising a catalytic converter, and a method of manufacturing a catalytic converter are provided. The catalytic converter comprises at least one channel configured to receive gas flow and a catalyst coated on the at least one channel. In one of the disclosed embodiments, at least one channel is partially non-linear along its length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes and proteins, and methods of their use. In particular, the invention describes genes and proteins that exhibit both long-chain acyltransferase and acetyltransferase activity. The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type forms of the transferase, as well as mutants and variant forms, some of which possess altered characteristics relative to the wild-type transferase. The present invention also relates to methods of using diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes and proteins, including in their expression in transgenic organisms and in the production of acetyl-glycerides in plant oils, and in particular seed oils.

Abstract: A heat and corrosion resistant cast austenitic stainless steel alloy which contains less than about 15% nickel. The alloy has a completely austenitic microstructure in an as-cast state, and a creep rupture life exceeding 20,000 hrs at a stress of 35 MPa and a temperature of 850° C., when creep tested in the as-cast state under ASTM E139 test conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides cyclopropane fatty acid synthase genes and proteins, and methods of their use. The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type forms of the synthase, as well as mutants and variant forms, some of which possess altered characteristics relative to the wild-type synthase. The present invention also provides methods of using cyclopropane fatty acid synthase genes and proteins, including in their expression in transgenic organisms and in the production of cyclopropane fatty acids in plant oils, and in particular seed oils.

Abstract: An electrical connection element for providing an electrical connection to a porous material may include a first electrically conductive plate disposed on at least a portion of a first side of the porous material. A second electrically conductive plate may be disposed on at least a portion of a second side of the porous material, opposite to the first side. An electrically conductive material may impregnate the porous material in a region between the first and second electrically conductive plates, and an electrical connector may be attached to at least one of the first and second electrically conductive plates.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns new classes of pesticidally active proteins and the polynucleotide sequences which encode these proteins. More specifically, in preferred embodiments, pesticidal proteins of approximately 40-50 kDa and of approximately 10-15 kDa are used for controlling corn rootworms. Also described are novel pesticidal isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis.