Abstract: A pony module having a solar panel may power a controller and/or drive device in a solar tracker. The pony module may be mounted directly on the drive device or a cradle supporting a solar panel support (e.g., a torque tube) attached to the drive device. The controller may be mounted on the solar panel of the pony module or may be mounted on the torque tube itself.

Abstract: Provided are electrochemical cells including separators permeable to some materials and impermeable to other materials in electrolytes. Also provide are methods of forming such separators. The selective permeability of a separator is achieved by its specific pore diameter and a narrow distribution of this diameter. Specifically, a species responsible for ion transport in an electrochemical cell are allowed to pass through the separator, while another species is blocked thereby preventing degradation of the cell. For example, a species containing lithium ions is allowed to pass in rechargeable cells, while one or more species containing transition metals are blocked. In some embodiments, a separator may include a membrane layer with at least 90% of pores of this having a diameter of between about 0.1 nanometers and 1.0 nanometer. The membrane layer may be a standalone layer or supported by a membrane support.

Abstract: A composite membrane with nanostructured inorganic and organic phases is applied as an ion-selective layer to prove processability, prevent dendrite shorting, and increase power output of lithium-metal anodes through better Li-ion conductivity. Nanoconfinement, as opposed to macroscale confinement, is known to dramatically alter the properties of bulk materials. Control over a ceramic's size, shape, and properties is achieved with polymer templates. This is a new composition of matter and unique approach to composite membrane design.

Abstract: Provided are electrochemical cells including separators permeable to some materials and impermeable to other materials in electrolytes. Also provide are methods of forming such separators. The selective permeability of a separator is achieved by its specific pore diameter and a narrow distribution of this diameter. Specifically, a species responsible for ion transport in an electrochemical cell are allowed to pass through the separator, while another species is blocked thereby preventing degradation of the cell. For example, a species containing lithium ions is allowed to pass in rechargeable cells, while one or more species containing transition metals are blocked. In some embodiments, a separator may include a membrane layer with at least 90% of pores of this having a diameter of between about 0.1 nanometers and 1.0 nanometer. The membrane layer may be a standalone layer or supported by a membrane support.

Abstract: A method for preparing a stabilized assembly includes combining a first liquid phase including nanoparticles and a second, immiscible liquid phase, dissolving in the second phase a first end-functionalized polymer having a first molecular weight, and a second end-functionalized polymer having a second molecular weight, wherein the second molecular weight is greater than the first molecular weight, applying a shearing external deformation field to increase the surface area of the first phase to create a new interface, wherein the nanoparticle surfactants form a disordered, jammed assembly at the new interface, and releasing the shearing external deformation field. The polymer and the nanoparticles can interact at an interface through ligand interactions to form nanoparticle surfactants and upon releasing the external deformation field the jammed assembly at the new interface traps the first phase in a deformed state having the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase as interpenetrating domains.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane comprising a polyamine polymer. In another embodiment, the present invention provides an electrochemical cell comprising a membrane of the present invention; a positive electrode; and a negative electrode. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising a polyamine polymer of Formula J, I or II.

Abstract: A method for preparing a stabilized assembly includes combining a first liquid phase including nanoparticles and a second, immiscible liquid phase, dissolving in the second phase a first end-functionalized polymer having a first molecular weight, and a second end-functionalized polymer having a second molecular weight, wherein the second molecular weight is greater than the first molecular weight, applying a shearing external deformation field to increase the surface area of the first phase to create a new interface, wherein the nanoparticle surfactants form a disordered, jammed assembly at the new interface, and releasing the shearing external deformation field. The polymer and the nanoparticles can interact at an interface through ligand interactions to form nanoparticle surfactants and upon releasing the external deformation field the jammed assembly at the new interface traps the first phase in a deformed state having the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase as interpenetrating domains.

Abstract: Provided are electrochemical cells including separators permeable to some materials and impermeable to other materials in electrolytes. Also provide are methods of forming such separators. The selective permeability of a separator is achieved by its specific pore diameter and a narrow distribution of this diameter. Specifically, a species responsible for ion transport in an electrochemical cell are allowed to pass through the separator, while another species is blocked thereby preventing degradation of the cell. For example, a species containing lithium ions is allowed to pass in rechargeable cells, while one or more species containing transition metals are blocked. In some embodiments, a separator may include a membrane layer with at least 90% of pores of this having a diameter of between about 0.1 nanometers and 1.0 nanometer. The membrane layer may be a standalone layer or supported by a membrane support.

Abstract: A composite membrane with nanostructured inorganic and organic phases is applied as an ion-selective layer to improve processability, prevent dendrite shorting, and increase power output of lithium-metal anodes through better Li-ion conductivity. Nanoconfinement, as opposed to macroscale confinement, is known to dramatically alter the properties of bulk materials. Control over a ceramic's size, shape, and properties is achieved with polymer templates. This is a new composition of matter and unique approach to composite membrane design.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically assigning employees to work plurality of cash registers when the employees report for work is described. The system and method automatically compares the employee's qualifications to the current operational status of a plurality of cash registers and any parameters that may govern the operation of the cash registers such as age requirements for the sale of alcohol. The system automatically assigns an employee to a cash register and transmits real time operational status of those cash registers to a supervisor via a wireless device.

Abstract: Nanocrystals comprising organic ligands at surfaces of the plurality of nanocrystals are provided. The organic ligands are removed from the surfaces of the nanocrystals using a solution comprising a trialkyloxonium salt in a polar aprotic solvent. The removal of the organic ligands causes the nanocrystals to become naked nanocrystals with cationic surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning employees that are schedule to work at a brick and mortar retail store location to coverage areas within the retail store and/or tasks associated with those coverage areas. The system and method takes into account the required coverage area times of each coverage area within the store location, the master schedule of employees available to work within a defined time period that is provided by a schedule management system, and management's preferences regarding coverage area priorities for or associated with certain employees, and then automatically assigns coverage to the scheduled employees based on all those variables. The system and method identifies individuals whose scheduled work shift overlaps with required coverage area times and who are preferred to work in the coverage area and assigns such individuals to work in the coverage area during the overlapping time period (or a portion thereof).

Abstract: A method and system for automatically assigning employees to work plurality of cash registers when the employees report for work is described. The system and method automatically compares the employee's qualifications to the current operational status of a plurality of cash registers and any parameters that may govern the operation of the cash registers such as age requirements for the sale of alcohol. The system automatically assigns an employee to a cash register and transmits real time operational status of those cash registers to a supervisor via a wireless device.

Abstract: Nanocrystals comprising organic ligands at surfaces of the plurality of nanocrystals are provided. The organic ligands are removed from the surfaces of the nanocrystals using a solution comprising a trialkyloxonium salt in a polar aprotic solvent. The removal of the organic ligands causes the nanocrystals to become naked nanocrystals with cationic surfaces.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a magnetic recording head comprising first and second linear levels of magnetic recording devices is provided. Each device in the first linear level is aligned adjacently in a row and is spaced apart from another device in the first linear level. The first linear level is perpendicular to a comparative direction of a recording media travel. The second linear level of magnetic recording devices being connected to the first linear level of magnetic recording devices. Each device in the second linear level is aligned adjacently in a row and is spaced apart from another device in the second linear level. Each device in the second linear level is aligned with an insulating gap between the each device in the first linear level.

Abstract: A magneto-resistive sensor head and a method of manufacturing the magneto-resistive sensor head. The magneto-resistive sensor head includes a first lead and a second lead. A magneto-resistive layer and a biasing layer are disposed between the first lead and the second lead. A grating is disposed in the magneto-resistive layer. The topography of the biasing layer is unaffected by the presence of the grating.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for implementing discrete step stabilization of AMR read sensors in tape or disk drives. In one implementation, a plurality of discrete step stabilizers and AMR read sensor elements are arranged with a rotational symmetry coupled with a plane inversion for an odd number of steps, and no inversion for an even number of steps. Preferably, the steps are oriented at 45 degrees, or approximately parallel to the desired bias direction. For relatively narrow track widths (e.g., approximately 5 microns), the edges of the sensor element nearest the permanent magnets are especially important to stabilize. Therefore, in one implementation, an edge of a stabilizer preferably intersects the edge of the sensor element at one half of the stripe height. Also, the rising and falling edges of the stabilizers do not always have the same slope.

Abstract: A method for occluding aneurysms or peripheral blood vessels is provided which allows for isovolumetric, isobaric delivery of occluding agents to aneurysms or peripheral blood vessels, wherein the aneurysms or peripheral blood vessels are isolated from the general circulation until the occluding agent has stabilized or until occlusion is effected. In particular, a double balloon method for occluding aneurysms or peripheral blood vessels is disclosed wherein a first balloon is inserted into the aneurysm or peripheral blood vessel to deliver an occluding agent, and a second balloon is placed such that it substantially covers the neck of the aneurysm or peripheral blood vessel to substantially seal the aneurysm or peripheral blood vessel from the general circulation. Additionally, an aneurysm or peripheral blood vessel comprising a double balloon configuration useful for occluding aneurysms or peripheral blood vessels is disclosed.