Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a container, a thermal exchange device, a first thermal storage material, and a second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is disposed in the container. The first thermal storage material is disposed in the container and is spaced apart from the thermal exchange device. The second thermal storage material is also disposed in the container in contact with the thermal exchange device. The first and second thermal storage materials are immiscible. The second thermal storage material is less reactive with the construction material of the thermal exchange device as compared to the first thermal storage material. Optionally, a second thermal exchange device can be submerged in the second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is configured to supply heat to the second thermal storage material and the second thermal exchange device facilitates extraction of heat from the second thermal storage material.

Abstract: Methods of producing microrods for electron emitters and associated microrods and electron emitters. In one example, a method of producing a microrod for an electron emitter comprises providing a bulk crystal ingot, removing a first plate from the bulk crystal ingot, reducing a thickness of the first plate to produce a second plate, and milling the second plate to produce one or more microrods. In another example, a microrod for an electron emitter comprises a microrod tip region that comprises a nanoneedle that in turn comprises a nanorod and a nanoprotrusion tip. The microrod and the nanoneedle are integrally formed from a bulk crystal ingot by sequentially: (i) removing the microrod from the bulk crystal ingot; (ii) coarse processing the microrod tip region to produce the nanorod; and (iii) fine processing the nanorod to produce the nanoprotrusion tip.

Abstract: Methods for providing track condition information include receiving, at a first mobile track control station, a track condition notification. Such methods further include transmitting, from the first mobile track control station to a second mobile track control station in a network of mobile track control stations, the track condition notification. Such methods further include receiving, at the first mobile track control station from a third mobile track control station, affected track sector data regarding an affected track sector. Such methods further include transmitting, from the first mobile track control station to a first mobile track information station within a first vehicle, the affected track sector data, wherein the affected track sector data is configured to be used by the first mobile track information station to determine whether the first vehicle is within the affected track sector.

Abstract: A preform for forming a composite structure, such as, but not limited to a panel for a building, house or the like includes a body substantially formed of a reinforcing material. The reinforcing material defines one or more compartments or sections. The compartments are fillable with a granular filler material through which settable liquid matrix material is impregnatable to form the composite structure. There is also disclosed a composite structure, a panel and related methods of forming the preform, the composite structure and the panel.

Abstract: A building system (5) including a panel system (10) and a formwork system (78). The panel system (10) includes a plurality of modular panels (12) arranged to fit with one another in a predetermined grid arrangement (13) to form side walls of a building in a fitted condition. At least the bottom sides (24) of each of the modular panels (12) includes a plurality of apertures (34) that are arranged at predetermined spaced apart locations along the bottom side (24) so as to coincide with the predetermined grid arrangement (13). The formwork system (78) includes a plurality of modular formwork members (80) that are associated with each of the modular panels (12) to provide a supporting slab (72) having slab apertures (76) to allow coupling with the modular panels (12). Modular panels (12), formwork members (80) and associated methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for providing track condition information include receiving, at a first mobile track control station, a track condition notification. Such methods further include transmitting, from the first mobile track control station to a second mobile track control station in a network of mobile track control stations, the track condition notification. Such methods further include receiving, at the first mobile track control station from a third mobile track control station, affected track sector data regarding an affected track sector. Such methods further include transmitting, from the first mobile track control station to a first mobile track information station within a first vehicle, the affected track sector data, wherein the affected track sector data is configured to be used by the first mobile track information station to determine whether the first vehicle is within the affected track sector.

Abstract: A building system (5) including a panel system (10) and a formwork system (78). The panel system (10) includes a plurality of modular panels (12) arranged to fit with one another in a predetermined grid arrangement (13) to form side walls of a building in a fitted condition. At least the bottom sides (24) of each of the modular panels (12) includes a plurality of apertures (34) that are arranged at predetermined spaced apart locations along the bottom side (24) so as to coincide with the predetermined grid arrangement (13). The formwork system (78) includes a plurality of modular formwork members (80) that are associated with each of the modular panels (12) to provide a supporting slab (72) having slab apertures (76) to allow coupling with the modular panels (12). Modular panels (12), formwork members (80) and associated methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for providing track condition information include receiving, at a first mobile track control station, a track condition notification. Such methods further include transmitting, from the first mobile track control station to a second mobile track control station in a network of mobile track control stations, the track condition notification. Such methods further include receiving, at the first mobile track control station from a third mobile track control station, affected track sector data regarding an affected track sector. Such methods further include transmitting, from the first mobile track control station to a first mobile track information station within a first vehicle, the affected track sector data, wherein the affected track sector data is configured to be used by the first mobile track information station to determine whether the first vehicle is within the affected track sector.

Abstract: A building system (5) including a panel system (10) and a formwork system (78). The panel system (10) includes a plurality of modular panels (12) arranged to fit with one another in a predetermined grid arrangement (13) to form side walls of a building in a fitted condition. At least the bottom sides (24) of each of the modular panels (12) includes a plurality of apertures (34) that are arranged at predetermined spaced apart locations along the bottom side (24) so as to coincide with the predetermined grid arrangement (13). The formwork system (78) includes a plurality of modular formwork members (80) that are associated with each of the modular panels (12) to provide a supporting slab (72) having slab apertures (76) to allow coupling with the modular panels (12). Modular panels (12), formwork members (80) and associated methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for providing track condition information, including receiving, at a first mobile track control station, a track condition notification; transmitting, from the first mobile track control station to a second mobile track control station in a network of mobile track control stations, the track condition notification; receiving, at the first mobile track control station from a third mobile track control station, affected track sector data regarding an affected track sector; and transmitting, from the first mobile track control station to a first mobile track information station within a first vehicle, the affected track sector data, wherein the affected track sector data is configured to be used by the first mobile track information station to determine whether the first vehicle is within the affected track sector.

Abstract: One example includes a switch circuit. The switch circuit includes a transistor configured to activate in response to an activation voltage at an activation terminal of the transistor. The switch circuit also includes a current source coupled to the activation terminal and being configured to generate an activation current. The switch circuit further includes a driver control circuit interconnecting the activation terminal and a voltage rail. The driver control circuit includes digital counter logic configured to cycle through a predetermined number of count values based on an oscillator signal. The driver control circuit is configured to adjust an amplitude of the activation voltage at each of the predetermined number of count values based on the activation current to provide a soft-start activation of the transistor.

Abstract: A control device includes a processor that is configured to execute computer-executable instructions so as to control a robot, wherein the processor is configured to calculate an image processing parameter related to image processing on an image of a target object captured by a camera, by using machine learning, detect the target object on the basis of an image on which the image processing is performed by using the calculated image processing parameter, and control a robot on the basis of a detection result of the target object.

Abstract: A control device includes a processor that is configured to execute computer-executable instructions so as to control a robot, wherein the processor is configured to calculate an optical parameter related to an optical system imaging a target object, by using machine learning, detect the target object on the basis of an imaging result in the optical system by using the calculated optical parameter, and control a robot on the basis of a detection result of the target object.

Abstract: One example includes a switch circuit. The switch circuit includes a transistor configured to activate in response to an activation voltage at an activation terminal of the transistor. The switch circuit also includes a current source coupled to the activation terminal and being configured to generate an activation current. The switch circuit further includes a driver control circuit interconnecting the activation terminal and a voltage rail. The driver control circuit includes digital counter logic configured to cycle through a predetermined number of count values based on an oscillator signal. The driver control circuit is configured to adjust an amplitude of the activation voltage at each of the predetermined number of count values based on the activation current to provide a soft-start activation of the transistor.

Abstract: One example includes a switch circuit. The switch circuit includes a transistor configured to activate in response to an activation voltage at an activation terminal of the transistor. The switch circuit also includes a current source coupled to the activation terminal and being configured to generate an activation current. The switch circuit further includes a driver control circuit interconnecting the activation terminal and a voltage rail. The driver control circuit includes digital counter logic configured to cycle through a predetermined number of count values based on an oscillator signal. The driver control circuit is configured to adjust an amplitude of the activation voltage at each of the predetermined number of count values based on the activation current to provide a soft-start activation of the transistor.

Abstract: Apparatus (100) adapted to provide an indication of an angular position of an input member (106) over multiple turns includes at least two rotatable members (104A-104D) configured, in use, to rotate in accordance with rotation of an input member (106), and at least one sensing device (114A) configured to measure and output an angular position of at least one of the rotatable members. The rotatable members are configured to rotate simultaneously but at different rates. The apparatus further includes a device (114) configured to use the angular position measurements from the at least one sensing device to produce an cation of an angular position of the input member over multiple turns.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for providing an environmental shield includes a bushing adapter configured to sealingly engage a bushing assembly accommodating a first electrical conductor. The bushing adapter further includes a first bore extending longitudinally therethrough to receive the first electrical conductor. An end fitting includes a second bore extending longitudinally therethrough to receive a second electrical conductor, and the end fitting is configured to sealingly engage the bushing adapter such that the first and second bores cooperate to define a main bore. A flowable dielectric material occupies substantially all empty space within the main bore, and at least one fill hole is in fluid communication with the main bore and configured to receive the flowable dielectric material. A method of assembling the electrical connector assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for providing an environmental shield includes a bushing adapter configured to sealingly engage a bushing assembly accommodating a first electrical conductor. The bushing adapter further includes a first bore extending longitudinally therethrough to receive the first electrical conductor. An end fitting includes a second bore extending longitudinally therethrough to receive a second electrical conductor, and the end fitting is configured to sealingly engage the bushing adapter such that the first and second bores cooperate to define a main bore. A flowable dielectric material occupies substantially all empty space within the main bore, and at least one fill hole is in fluid communication with the main bore and configured to receive the flowable dielectric material. A method of assembling the electrical connector assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Among other things, a calibrated and tested dynamic simulation model of at least one municipality or institution or commercial entity is operated to generate information that enables the municipality or institution or commercial entity and suppliers of products for development projects of the municipality or institution or commercial entity to engage in execution of development projects that the model demonstrates will enhance the performance and sustainability of the municipality or institution or commercial entity. The simulation model of the municipality or institution or commercial entity is used to monitor and influence the execution of the development projects or ongoing operations and policies of the municipality or institution or commercial entity.

Abstract: Exemplary connecting rods and methods of making a connecting rod are disclosed. A method of making a connecting rod may include the step of providing a connecting rod blank, where the connecting rod blank includes a crankshaft end and a piston pin end. The method may further include forming a crankshaft pin recess in the crankshaft end of the connecting rod blank and a piston pin recess in the piston pin end, and forming at least one lubrication recess in the piston pin end of the connecting rod blank. The lubrication recess and the piston pin recess may both formed concurrently.