Abstract: A method for verification of a data value via a Merkle root includes: storing, in a memory of a processing server, a Merkle root; receiving at least a data value, a nonce, and a plurality of hash path values; generating a combined value by combining the data value and the nonce; generating a first hash value via application of a hashing algorithm to the combined value; generating a subsequent hash value via application of the hashing algorithm to a combination of the first hash value and a first of the plurality of hash path values; repeating generation of the subsequent hash value using a combination of the next hash path value of the plurality of hash path values and the most recent subsequent hash value; and verifying the data value based on a comparison of the Merkle root and the last generated subsequent hash value.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, system and methods are provided comprising generating a nominal computer-aided design (CAD) image of a component; producing a physical representation of the component from the nominal CAD image using an additive manufacturing (AM) process; measuring the physical component to obtain measurement data; determining a deviation between geometry associated with the nominal CAD image and the obtained measurement data; determining a compensation field for the deviation, if the deviation is outside of a tolerance threshold; modifying the nominal CAD image by the compensation field; and producing a physical representation of the component from the modified nominal CAD image. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus configured to collect raw data from a plurality of wireless devices. The raw data includes activity recorded when the wireless devices are at a selected topographic region. The raw data is combined to produce aggregated data representative of the activities of the individual wireless devices. Either the aggregated data or the raw data are selected for analysis depending on whether the raw data meets a threshold activity or subscriber density level. The selected data are analyzed to identify activity patterns of users of the wireless devices.

Abstract: A hybrid diffusion-brazing process and hybrid diffusion-brazed article are disclosed. The hybrid diffusion-brazing process includes providing a component having a temperature-tolerant region and a temperature-sensitive region, brazing a braze material to the temperature-tolerant region during a localized brazing cycle, then heating the component in a furnace during a diffusion cycle. The brazing and the heating diffusion-braze the braze material to the component, and the localized brazing cycle is performed independent of the diffusion cycle in the hybrid diffusion-brazing process. The hybrid diffusion-brazed article includes a component, and a braze material diffusion-brazed to the component with a filler material. The filler material has a melting temperature that is above a tolerance temperature of the component.

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: A method of surface treating a metallic part includes steps of coating the metallic part with a tribological thin film coating, and tumbling the metallic part after the coating step to remove surface micro-particles. The tumbling step may also remove delaminated areas of the tribological thin film coating. According to some embodiments, the metallic part may be tumbled with an alkaline solution.

Abstract: A method for correction of thermal defects using tomographic scanning for additive manufacturing is provided. The method may include forming a portion of an object using an additive manufacturing system based on an intended three-dimensional (3D) model of the object that is in an additive manufacturing system format. The portion of the object is scanned using a tomographic scanner to obtain a model of the portion of the object in a tomographic scanner format. The model is converted from the tomographic scanner format into the additive manufacturing system format to obtain a converted tomographic model; and the converted tomographic model is compared to the intended 3D model to identify a defect in the portion of the object. A modified 3D model may be generated of the object correcting the intended 3D model to address the defect of the portion of the object.

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: 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.

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 that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, by a system comprising a processor, via a first emergency media channel a first video stream comprising first evacuation routing information for a first evacuation group responsive to receiving a notification of an emergency event, instructing, by the system, a first media processor device to select the first emergency media channel while disabling selection of other media channels according to the first evacuation routing information, where the content of the emergency media channel is presented at a display device by way of the first media processor device, and enabling, by the system, the first media processor device to select the other media channels responsive to receiving user input acknowledging the emergency media channel. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed enabling recommendations of content items available in multiple formats based on an expected difficulty of a user in comprehending individual formats of the content item. For example, a user wishing to increase reading fluency may be provided with a recommendation for a multi-format content item including both an e-book and an audiobook. The recommended multi-format content item may be selected such that the e-book is expected to be somewhat difficult for the user to comprehend, and such that the audiobook is expected to be relatively less difficult for the user to comprehend. Thereafter, the user may simultaneously consume multiple formats of the recommended content item (e.g., by listening to the audiobook simultaneously to reading the e-book) in order to increase reading fluency.

Abstract: A patient interface device (10) includes a patient sealing assembly (60) including a cushion (70), and a frame member (80) coupled to the cushion, and an adjustable forehead support assembly (200) provided at the distal end (120) of the frame member. The adjustable forehead support assembly includes an adjustment mechanism (202) coupled to a forehead cushion (204), wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a forehead cushion support member (212) having a base portion (216) coupled to the forehead cushion and an vertical/upright rotatable wheel member (214). Rotation of the wheel member causes movement of the frame member and the cushion relative to the forehead cushion.

Abstract: A detection apparatus enables detection of a substance that may be present on the surface based on measurement of a stream probe signal correlating a substance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid through a stream probe includes a distal optical gum detector transmission portion and a distal optical gum detector reception portion in a position to transmit and to receive, respectively, an optical signal controlled by a controller, enables the controller to determine if an open port of a distal tip of the stream probe is in contact with a substance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid through the open port and not in contact with the gums of a subject or of a user of the detection apparatus to override false positive signals.

Abstract: A method for processing a guaranteed electronic transaction, includes: storing account profile, each include an account number and balance; receiving a transaction message from an acquiring financial institution via a payment network, the message including a specific account number, transaction amount, and payment guarantee data; identifying a specific account profile that includes the specific account number; deducting the transaction amount from the account balance in the specific account profile; generating a record of payment guarantee that includes the transaction amount and data associated with the payment guarantee data; generating a return message including a response code indicating transaction approval and data associated with the generated record; transmitting the generated record to a computing system via a communication network; and transmitting the generated return message to the acquiring financial institution via the payment network.

Abstract: A method for generating a universal distributed data storage includes: receiving a plurality of data values; generating a key for each of the plurality of data values, wherein the respective key is generated via application of a hashing algorithm to the associated data value; storing, in a database, each of the plurality of data values and the associated generated key as a plurality of key-value pairs; receiving a plurality of additional key-value pairs, wherein each value of the plurality of additional key-value pairs is not included in the plurality of data values; and storing, in the database, each of the plurality of additional key-value pairs, wherein each key included in the plurality of additional key-value pairs is generated via application of the hashing algorithm to the associated value and is not included in the keys generated for each of the plurality of data values.

Abstract: A system for presenting an electronic device on a display table is disclosed. The system includes a table, a processor, an electronic device, and a cable. The table includes a display screen, and the display screen is operably connected to the processor. The electronic device is disposed on the table and includes a touch screen. The cable connects the electronic device to the processor. The touch screen of the electronic device is configured to display an image that changes in response to an input to the touch screen. The display screen of the table is configured to display an image that changes in response to the input to the touch screen of the electronic device. A change in the display screen image comprises a graphical continuation of a change in the touch screen image.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include apparatuses and systems for rotatably engaging an additive manufacturing build plate. An apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure can include: a height adjustable platform; a rotatable member coupled to the height adjustable platform; an alignment member coupled to a first end of the rotatable member; and first and second coupling members each extending from the first radial end of the alignment member wherein the first and second coupling members are oriented substantially parallel to the rotatable member.

Abstract: A method for correction of thermal defects using tomographic scanning for additive manufacturing is provided. The method may include forming a portion of an object using an additive manufacturing system based on an intended three-dimensional (3D) model of the object that is in an additive manufacturing system format. The portion of the object is scanned using a tomographic scanner to obtain a model of the portion of the object in a tomographic scanner format. The model is converted from the tomographic scanner format into the additive manufacturing system format to obtain a converted tomographic model; and the converted tomographic model is compared to the intended 3D model to identify a defect in the portion of the object. A modified 3D model may be generated of the object correcting the intended 3D model to address the defect of the portion of the object.

Abstract: A portable item reporting device (200) is configured to be attached to and in substantial collocation with a portable item (100), or to be integrated into a portable item (100). The device (200) includes environmental sensors (210) to monitor item location, movement, ambient light, sounds, temperature, etc. The device (200) is configured to store usage expectation data (600) indicative of historical and/or expected item usage and environments when the item (100) is in normal use/storage associated with an authorized user (AU). The device (200) monitors current environmental conditions (104) surrounding and pertaining to the item. If the current environment (104) is inconsistent with expected conditions (600), the device (200) assesses that the item (100) is displaced (503.0), meaning either that the item (100) is in abnormal use or abnormal storage, or is under the control of an unauthorized user (UU) who is other than the authorized user (AU).