Abstract: A computerized system for complying with critical infrastructure protection (“CIP”) standards concerning system configuration changes. The system can be used to automatically identify and track changes to computers on the network, improving system security and CIP compliance reporting. In certain embodiments, the system collects system information on servers and workstations using built-in commands. The configuration profiles of these computers/devices can be archived for audit purposes.

Abstract: Among other things, we describe techniques for encoding data that is included in electronic communications. In one aspect, a first electronic communication system sends, to an entity, a first email message that includes a Message-ID field including data that identifies an action to be carried out by a second electronic communication system. The first electronic communication system receives, from the entity, a second email message that includes an In-Reply-To field containing the data that identifies the action to be carried out by the second electronic communication system. The first electronic communication extracts the data from the In-Reply-To field in a message header of the first electronic communication. The second electronic communication system may be the same as the first electronic communication system, or may be an electronic communication system other than the first electronic communication system.

Abstract: Among other things, we describe enabling two or more users to share a workspace that is dynamically populated by artifacts of electronic communications among the users that are expressed in a form of at least one of social network posts and email messages, and in which the users can interact using the artifacts in any of the forms.

Abstract: A modified portion of gas hot water heater exhaust vent tubing. Cold water tubing is wound around the outside of a tube of the same interior diameter and vertical orientation as the exhaust vent tube that typical gas hot water heaters are designed to operate with. Said vent tube is insulated, double-walled, or is otherwise of a sufficient thickness and/or appropriate material composition so as to prevent condensation occurring on its interior surfaces, and may contain small vents or perforations that allow hot exhaust gases to communicate with the cold water tubing. An insulating jacket is located proximally to the cold water tubing whereby the insulating jacket, cold water tubing and vent tube portion are enclosed within a housing portion. The present invention is meant to easily replace an existing section of exhaust venting typically used in a consistent vertical orientation with a common gas hot water heater.

Abstract: Among other things, at a client computer system in communication with a computer network, a request object is generated that includes logic to control the handling of requests. At least one of the requests depends on (for example, simply by being part of a sequence) a result of at least one of the other of the requests. The request object is sent to a server computer system that is in communication with the computer network. A response object is received that includes results of at least some of the requests.

Abstract: An illuminated ear protector, comprising a pair of ear covers, each ear cover comprising a translucent rigid shell having an open end and a closed end, a circuit board attached within the rigid shell comprising at least one battery connector thereon, at least one and preferably two light emitting diode lights electrically connected to the circuit board, a switch connected to the circuit board controlling the at least one light emitting diode light, a first reflector located at the open end and oriented such that substantially all light from the at least one light emitting diode light is directed towards the closed end, a plate attached to the open end which supports the reflector, a peripheral sealing ring for contacting one of the ears and cushioning the ear cover there against which is attached to an opposite side of the plate from the reflector, and a headband attached to each of the ear covers which extends over the head of the user and secures each of the ear covers over one of the ears of the user.

Abstract: A pair of cooling ear muffs, for use by a user in cooling the head of the user. A pair of ear covers each have a shell and contain a reservoir for holding a chilled liquid. A sealing ring on each ear cover encircles the ear and a thermal membrane communicates heat from the ear to the reservoir. A connecting band extends between the ear covers for maintaining the ear muffs on the head of the user while holding the ear covers in position on the ears.

Abstract: A heated ear guard, for warming the ears of the user, having a pair of reflector assemblies and a headband extending between the reflector assemblies for positioning the reflector assemblies over the ears of the user. Each reflector assembly has an open end, a light bulb, and orients light from the light bulb toward the open end. When the open end is positioned over the ears the light bulbs radiate heat to the ears. The reflector assemblies may include a translucent peripheral ring that encircles the open end and allows some light to escape thereat to enhance the visibility of the user.

Abstract: A multi-component hybrid turbine blade comprises a shank portion and an airfoil portion. The airfoil portion comprises a composite section having a first density. The composite section comprises a recess and an insert section. The insert section has a second mass density, which is less than the first mass density. The insert section is disposed in the recess, and the insert section is bonded to the composite section. The composite section and the insert section together define an airfoil shape. A fabrication method comprising laying up composite material layers to form a portion of the composite section. The portion of the composite section comprises a recess. Disposing the insert section in the recess. Laying up additional composite material layers to achieve a final desired thickness of the composite section while covering the insert section.

Abstract: A multi-component hybrid turbine blade comprises a shank portion and an airfoil portion. The airfoil portion comprises a composite section having a first density. The composite section comprises a recess and an insert section. The insert section has a second mass density, which is less than the first mass density. The insert section is disposed in the recess, and the insert section is bonded to the composite section. The composite section and the insert section together define an airfoil shape. A fabrication method comprising laying up composite material layers to form a portion of the composite section. The portion of the composite section comprises a recess. Disposing the insert section in the recess. Laying up additional composite material layers to achieve a final desired thickness of the composite section while covering the insert section.

Abstract: A kneeling tray, for use by a worker when kneeling upon a ground surface, comprising a housing having a bottom which is positionable on the ground surface and a top having a cushion. A heating element is located within the cushion for warming the cushion. The heating element may be powered by line current and by rechargeable battery packs. The rechargeable battery packs may be recharged when the tray is connected to a line power source.

Abstract: A flexible tool that fits over the pressure or concave side of a metallic airfoil that includes a lightweight material component for a gas turbine engine during the fabrication of the airfoil. The metallic fan airfoil includes pockets or cavities that have been machined into the airfoil in order to reduce the weight of the airfoil. The tool is a flexible body manufactured from sheets of composite material and includes an integral elastomeric seal. The tool is placed over the airfoil and forms a seal against the pressure side of the airfoil so that lightweight resin can be injected into the pockets and retained in position during curing. The flexible tool is formed by laying up thin sheets of composite material that includes fiber over a metallic master tool after partially cured elastomeric material is placed inside a marking corresponding to the airfoil perimeter.

Abstract: A caul is used in an autoclave process for consolidating a composite, multi-ply, gas turbine fan blade preform having first and second opposite sides and a varying thickness therebetween. The caul includes a body having fibers situated in a matrix. The caul is complementary in shape to the preform first side and has a bending flexibility varying over the body for correspondingly varying consolidation of the preform. The second side of the preform is shaped by a bottom mold in the autoclave chamber.

Abstract: An inflatable support for lower legs including a knee support adapted for receiving a knee therein. A lower leg and foot support is secured to the knee support. The lower leg and knee support is comprised of a tubular member capable of being filled with a selected material. The tubular member is arranged to define an upper shin support, a lower floor support, and a bend positionable within an arch between a foot and an ankle. The tubular member is positionable along the lower leg and foot to evenly distribute the weight thereof as applied when in kneeling position. A heat retaining bladder is coextensive with the tubular member to impart heat the the lower leg directly and indirectly through the tubular member.