Abstract: A method for propagating configuration data using a blockchain includes: storing a blockchain comprised of a plurality of blocks, each being comprised of a block header having a timestamp and one or more configuration transactions; receiving one or more configuration data items; generating a new configuration transaction for each configuration data item; hashing a most recent block identified based on the timestamp included in the respective block header to generate a previous block hash value; hashing a combination of the new configuration transactions and/or data associated therewith to generate a current block hash value; generating a new block header, the new block header including a current timestamp, the previous block hash value, the current block hash value, and a digital signature; generating a new block comprised of the new block header and each new configuration transaction; and updating the blockchain by appending the new block.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic system for use with an item container/carrier, such as a suitcase, briefcase, backpack, car trunk, purse, wallet, storage compartment, storage facility, locker, or similar. The system is used with item containers/carriers that contain portable items which can be identified by electronic, optical, or similar means. For example, the portable items may be outfitted with portable item reporting devices (BIRDS) which provide item monitoring and signaling; or the portable items may be identified via RFID tags. The system includes a sensor to identify portable items in the container/carrier via their BIRD signals, RFID signatures, or optical signature. The system includes memory to store identifications of portable items. The system can store one or more lists of specified portable items which are expected to be present within the containers/carriers, possibly with different lists being applicable in different contexts.

Abstract: A method (700) of providing multimedia content is described including providing (610) a first stream of multimedia content, determining (720) a data rate of the first stream, and providing (750) a second stream of multimedia content based on the data rate. An apparatus (110, 220) for providing multimedia content is described including a content processor (225, 600) operable to determine a data rate of a first stream of multimedia content, and a switch (227) coupled to the content processor and operable to provide the first stream of multimedia content, and provide a second stream of multimedia content in place of the first stream of multimedia content based on the data rate. A computer system (800), computer-readable storage mediums and non-transitory computer-readable program products for providing multimedia content are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for intermedullary bone fracture fixation are described herein. The fixation device includes a main body having a flexible state and a rigid state. The fixation device further includes a proximal interface coupled to a proximal end of the main body to anchor the fixation device to an exterior surface of the bone and a distal interface coupled to a distal end of the main body to anchor the fixation device to an interior cavity of the bone. The fixation device further includes a locking interface to configured to convert the main body from the flexible state to the rigid state.

Abstract: A wireless charging system including a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is formed of a coil of wire that includes a first loop portion, a second loop portion, and a crossing portion. The crossing portion electrically couples the first loop portion and the second loop portion such that when current is generated in the coil, electrical current flows through the first loop portion in a different rotational direction than in the second loop portion. The receiver is formed of a ferromagnetic core and multiple (e.g., three) coils disposed about the ferromagnetic core. Each coil may be disposed about a different axis of the core such that current may be induced in at least one of the coils by a magnetic field in any direction.

Abstract: Medical breathing tubes have a tubular body that defines a lumen extending between open terminal ends of the tubular body. An internal form is enclosed within the lumen and supportive of the tubular body. The internal form may be a coated encapsulated internal form where the coating secures the internal form to the tubular body. The internal form may provide for a series of alternative crests and troughs of the tubular body. A patient interface and/or a securement system may be attached to the tubular body.

Abstract: A vaginal insert which can be provided in an applicator for the treatment of urinary incontinence in females. The vaginal insert can provide tension-free incontinence treating support perpendicularly to the urethra (i.e., across the urethra).

Abstract: A portable item reporting device is configured to be attached to and in substantial collocation with a portable item, or to be integrated into a portable item. The device includes an environmental sensor to monitor two or more real-time environmental factors, such as item location, item movement, ambient light, ambient sounds, ambient temperature, etc. The device is configured to store usage expectation data indicative of historical and/or expected item usage and environments when the item is in normal use/storage associated with an authorized user. The device monitors current environmental conditions surrounding and pertaining to the item. The device compares the expected environment with the current environment, and/or with the recent historical environment.

Abstract: A method for processing votes in a public blockchain includes: generating an election reference and candidate references; generating an asymmetric cryptographic key pair comprised of a master private key and master public key; generating a registration block for addition to a blockchain including the election reference, candidate references, and master public key; transmitting the registration block to nodes associated with the blockchain; receiving a plurality of voting messages, each including a vote and the election reference, where the vote includes a voter reference and at least one candidate reference; generating one or more voting blocks for addition to the blockchain including the received votes; and transmitting each generated voting block to nodes associated with the blockchain.

Abstract: A wireless charging table comprising a table top having an upper surface upon which one or more electronic devices can be placed, a wireless charging transmitter positioned under the upper surface of the table top, the wireless charging transmitter comprising a plurality of transmitter coils that define a charging region at the upper surface of the table top, and a power distribution system operatively coupled to the wireless charging transmitter, the power distribution system configured to receive power from an alternating current (AC) power source and distribute power to the wireless charging transmitter. The plurality of transmitter coils include at least a first transmitter coil comprising: a first loop portion; a second loop portion; and a crossing portion comprising overlapping conductive paths that electrically couple the first loop portion.

Abstract: Improved techniques for facilitating emergency access to one or more contacts stored on a portable electronic device are disclosed. One or more contacts on the portable electronic device are designated as emergency contacts. While the portable electronic device is password-locked, a request to display the one or more emergency contacts on the password-locked portable electronic device is received. Without requiring a password, the one or more emergency contacts are displayed on the portable electronic device.

Abstract: Implantable devices for fixation of curved bone such as the pelvic ring pubic symphysis and acetabulum, and methods for the use of the devices are disclosed. The implantable devices are convertible between a flexible state and a rigid state, and include an elongate structure having a proximal bone interface, a main body, and a distal bone interface. In a flexible state, the devices may be inserted along, and conform to a curved pathway, and in the rigid state, the devices may support the mechanical loads required to fixate a fracture.

Abstract: The disclosure defined by this invention describes a method for preparing a flour tortilla (including whole wheat or multi grain) which utilizes a fatty substance in the form of a powder, granulate or crystal to improve the properties of the tortilla.

Abstract: A method for propagating configuration data using a blockchain includes: storing a blockchain comprised of a plurality of blocks, each being comprised of a block header having a timestamp and one or more configuration transactions; receiving one or more configuration data items; generating a new configuration transaction for each configuration data item; hashing a most recent block identified based on the timestamp included in the respective block header to generate a previous block hash value; hashing a combination of the new configuration transactions and/or data associated therewith to generate a current block hash value; generating a new block header, the new block header including a current timestamp, the previous block hash value, the current block hash value, and a digital signature; generating a new block comprised of the new block header and each new configuration transaction; and updating the blockchain by appending the new block.

Abstract: Automated pipetting systems and methods are disclosed for aspirating and dispensing fluids, particularly biological samples. In one aspect, a liquid dispenser includes a manifold and one or more pipette channels. The manifold includes a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and a plurality of lanes. Each lane includes an electrical connector, a port to the pressure channel, and a port to the vacuum channel. The pipette channels can be modular. Each pipette channel includes a single dispense head and can be selectively and independently coupled to any one lane of the plurality of lanes. In some aspects, a valve in the pipette channel is in simultaneous fluid communication with a pressure port and a vacuum port of the manifold. The valve selectively diverts gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispense head in response to control signals received through the electrical connector of the manifold.

Abstract: An improved apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium are provided for implementing a secured communication system via synchronized hardware-based security. The present disclosure thus includes, without limitation, various example implementations directed toward secured data transmission reliant on hardware-based encryption and/or decryption methods. The secured communication system may provide secure real-time communications over networks, such as, but not limited, to computer networks, even when the networks being used are inherently insecure.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof. Such compounds are MEK inhibitors and are useful in the treatment of proliferative diseases, such as cancer. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds as well as methods of using the compounds and compositions of the invention in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A nasal cannula arrangement for use as part of systems for delivery respiratory gases to a patient is disclosed. The nasal cannula arrangement includes a manifold part adapted to receive gases from a delivery conduit. The manifold includes one but preferably a pair of prongs extending upward and curving towards the rear of the manifold. The prongs are inserted into the nostrils of the patient and deliver gases to a patient. The prongs have a cut out on the rear side of the prongs. The cut out forms a gases outlet in the prongs and are shaped such that the area of the cut out area is greater than the cross sectional area of the prongs at the entry point to the prongs.

Abstract: A method for recovery of missing or extra data using a bloom filter includes: storing a plurality of transaction messages, each including a transaction value; generating a bloom filter of the transaction messages, the bloom filter being generated using a number of hash rounds and with a size at least double the number of transaction messages; generating a recover message including the number of transaction messages, the number of hash rounds, the size, and the generated bloom filter; transmitting the recover message to a consensus node; receiving a response message from the consensus node, the response message including at least one additional transaction message; and inserting the at least one additional transaction message into the plurality of transaction messages.

Abstract: A method for addition of a block to a permissioned blockchain using efficient consensus includes: storing a blockchain; receiving transaction messages having transaction values from consensus nodes; generating a Merkle root for the transactions messages using transaction references; generating a proposed block header having the Merkle root and a hash of the header of the most recently added block in the blockchain; hashing the proposed block header; transmitting a proposal message having a digital signature and the hashed proposed block header to auditing nodes; receiving a response message accepting the digital signature from a majority of auditing nodes; transmitting an accept message to the auditing nodes; transmitting a confirmation message to the consensus nodes including the hashed proposed block header and digital signature; and writing a new block to the blockchain having the transaction values from the transaction messages and a header including the proposed block header and digital signature.