Abstract: An aircraft computer system includes segregated processing elements, each executing an autonomous agent. Each autonomous agent receives a set of data pertaining to aircraft events and processes the data to identify a set of instructions for resolving the event. Each autonomous agent then compares all competing solutions to determine if each autonomous agent agrees; if so, the solution is implemented, if not, the disparity is resolved either automatically via a voting algorithm or with the intervention of a human decision maker.

Abstract: Transparently executing applications among cores in a multi-processor system includes monitoring elements associated with each processor which align execution of threads within corresponding cores of the processors. Alignment is accomplished by monitoring system resource utilization by each core, comparing process counters associated with corresponding cores, and comparing data sets in and out during application frame switching. In a further aspect, inputs are coordinated by a synchronization element. Likewise, outputs for corresponding cores are compared to ensure no corrupted data is propagated.

Abstract: A decentralized Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) architecture configured for onboard avionics processing eliminates centralized computing cabinets and distributes avionics processing capabilities to a network of smart switching devices positioned throughout the aircraft, each smart switch including a multicore processing environment (MCPE) for generalized application hosting in addition to the switching elements. The smart switching network can be scaled up or down for smaller or larger aircraft, or organically grown by adding more processing components. Additional real-time multicore processors may be located in smart remote data concentrators (RDC) for handling I/O and routing of network data between external remote units and aircraft systems and the hosted applications on the smart switches. The real-time environments executing on the smart RDCs may be reserved for low-latency closed-loop functions, or may host additional general-purpose avionics processing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable joint-support apparatus and device for use in treating pain, inflammation, and or other injury to a joint and joint area of a body, and configured for physical and functional flexibility, in that the joint support is flexible and can be worn over clothing. The device is generally suited for support of an ankle joint, a knee joint, a wrist joint, although could also support an elbow, shoulder or hip joint with minimal modifications. In one embodiment, a joint support device/apparatus comprises: one or more of a support member; and at least one securement means configured for providing compression to the joint area of a wearer.

Abstract: Petroleum Analytics Learning Machine (or PALM) system is a machine learning based, “brutally empirical” analysis system for use in all upstream and midstream oil and gas operations. PALM system optimizes exploration, production and gathering from at least one well of oil and natural gas fields to maximize production while minimizing costs. Normalized data are processed to determine clusters of correlation in multi-dimensional space to identify a machine learned ranking of importance weights for each attribute. Predictive and prescriptive optimization on the normalized data is performed utilizing unique combinations of machine learning and statistical algorithm ensembles. The unstructured textual data are classified to correlate with optimal production to capture the dynamics of at least one or more wells of oil and natural gas fields and to provide categorization results from labeled data sets to identify patterns.

Abstract: A handle is releasably secured to a rail wall by means of fasteners extending from inside the rail. An actuator shaft pushes against a contact plate to move a movable braking member to stop the rotation of a rod inside the rail.

Abstract: A blind is arranged such that minimal force is required to rotate the tilt drum to tilt the slats from the fully open to the fully closed position and back, with each of the front and rear tilt cables sharing the load nearly equally throughout the entire path from the fully open to the fully closed position and back.

Abstract: A covering for architectural openings includes a cord drive with a pulley that is supported by a bearing surface which lies in the plane of the cord.

Abstract: A suture button for a surgical procedure provides an anchor for pulling and maintaining suture tension through a transosseous tunnel during an operation such as meniscal root repair in the knee. The suture button includes a body having a first tapered longitudinal end, a second tapered longitudinal end, a first side, a second side, an anterior surface and a posterior surface. A first concave notch is defined in the first side, and a second concave notch is defined in the second side. The first notch is open to a first suture dock in the first side, and the second notch is open to a second suture dock in the second side. Each of the first and second suture docks includes a seat to centrally position suture material. A center passage is defined through the suture body at a location between the first and second suture docks.

Abstract: A backpack strap spool for rolling up an excess length of a backpack strap. A roller is rolled against the backpack strap, allowing it to be rolled into a tight roll next to the arm loop of the backpack. A loop is connected to end tabs of the roller and restrains the strap against the roller. The loop has several holes to adjust the tightness of the loop against the strap and roller, preventing the strap from becoming unrolled. Accessories may be clipped or inserted into the unused holes of the loop.

Abstract: Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described. Low pressure solar receivers are provided that function to convert solar radiation energy to thermal energy of a working fluid, e.g., a working fluid of a power generation or thermal storage system. In some embodiments, low pressure solar receivers are provided herein that are useful in conjunction with gas turbine based power generation systems.

Abstract: In some aspects the invention is directed to methods of analyzing a polynucleotide which include steps of directing to a nanopore an excitation beam having a predetermined polarization state; translocating a polynucleotide through the nanopore, wherein nucleotides of the polynucleotide are labeled with fluorescent labels having absorption dipoles and wherein the nanopore spatially orients the fluorescent labels so that during translocation the adsorption dipoles are substantially unresponsive to the excitation beam; detecting changes in fluorescent signals generated by the fluorescent labels as nucleotides with fluorescent labels exit the nanopore and absorption dipoles thereof become responsive to excitation by the excitation beam with the predetermined polarization state; and identifying nucleotides exiting the nanopore from the changes in fluorescent signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for separating oxygen from air using a sorption/desorption cycle that includes a reduced or minimized difference between the maximum and minimum pressures involved in the sorption/desorption cycle. The reduced or minimized difference in pressures can be achieved in part by using valves that can allow for commercial scale flow rates while avoiding large pressure drops for flows passing through the valves. A rotary wheel adsorbent is an example of a system that can allow for a sorption/desorption cycle with reduced and/or minimized pressure drops across valves associated with the process. Stationary adsorbent beds can also be used in combination with commercially available valves that have reduced and/or minimized pressure drops.

Abstract: A system and corresponding methods for recommending a discussion group as an appropriate place to post a message are provided. In one embodiment, the system searches a plurality of existing posts to identify the posts that are similar to a subject of a user's message. The system identifies the discussion groups that contain the identified posts and selects one of the identified discussion groups to recommend as an appropriate discussion group to post the user's message.

Abstract: A weather radar system for an aircraft includes a weather radar system and a processing circuit. The weather radar system is configured to determine weather data, the weather data including an indication of precipitation at a plurality of altitudes, a plurality of azimuth angles, and at a plurality of ranges from the aircraft. The processing circuit is configured to receive the weather data from the weather radar system and generate an overhead display from an overhead perspective based on the weather data. The overhead display visually illustrates the precipitation at a particular distance from the aircraft and at a particular azimuth angle. The processing circuit is configured to generate a face-on on display based on the weather data and cause a display screen to display the overhead display and the face-on display. The face-on display visually illustrates a particular altitude of the precipitation and the azimuth angle of the precipitation.

Abstract: A light-blocking element is movably coupled to and recessed into one of a first rail and a movable rail, and, when the movable rail moves to a position closest to the first rail, the light-blocking element enters into a recess in the other of said first rail and said movable rail and thereby is recessed into both said first rail and said movable rail.

Abstract: In one aspect, a lift station configured for use with a covering for an architectural structure includes a housing and one or more lift spools disposed within a spool cavity defined by the housing. Additionally, the lift station also includes first and second outriggers extending outwardly from opposed sides of the housing of the lift station. The first outrigger is configured to define a first cord guide surface for guiding a front lift cord between a front side of the covering and the spool cavity of the housing. Similarly, the second outrigger is configured to define a second cord guide surface for guiding a rear lift cord between a rear side of the covering and the spool cavity of the housing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to nanopore-based methods for analyzing polymers, such as polynucleotides or proteins, containing optical labels specific for different kinds of monomers. In some embodiments, methods of the invention include steps of (a) translocating a polymer through a nanopore, wherein different kinds of monomers of the polymer are labeled with different optical labels that generate distinguishable optical signals and wherein the nanopore constrains the monomers to move single file through an excitation zone that encompasses a plurality of monomers; (b) detecting a time-ordered set of optical signals from the monomers as the polymer passes through the excitation zone; (c) separating optical signals from different kinds of monomers to form monomer-specific time-ordered sets of optical signals; and (d) determining a sequence of monomers from the monomer-specific time-ordered sets of optical signals from the polymer.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides systems and methods for allocating resources within an infrastructure, such as an electrical grid, in response to changes to inputs and output demands on the infrastructure, such as energy sources and sinks.

Abstract: A power assist module for use in roller tube driven product such as roller shades. The module may be pre-wound prior to installation in a roller tube and retains its pre-wound condition, even after use, when removed from the roller tube.