Abstract: An example virtualized computing system includes: a host cluster having hosts and a virtualization layer executing on hardware platforms of the hosts, the virtualization layer supporting execution of virtual machines (VMs); an orchestration control plane integrated with the virtualization layer, the orchestration control plane including a master server executing in a first VM of the VMs; guest cluster infrastructure software (GCIS) executing in the master server, the GCIS configured to create a set of objects defining a container orchestration cluster, and manage lifecycles of second VMs of the VMs based on state of the set of objects; and guest software executing in the second VMs to implement the container orchestration cluster as a guest cluster of the host cluster, the guest software having components that interface with the GCIS.

Abstract: A thermionic energy conversion system, preferably including one or more electron collectors, interfacial layers, encapsulation, and/or electron emitters. A method for manufacturing the thermionic energy conversion system. A method of operation for a thermionic energy conversion system, preferably including receiving power, emitting electrons, and receiving the emitted electrons, and optionally including convectively transferring heat.

Abstract: A baluster installation device and related methods of use may be used to aid in holding, leveling, and properly installing balusters, spindles, rails, and similar components. The device may be configured to be removable attachable to a component, such as a baluster. The device may further be configured to aid in proper alignment and spacing of balusters and may include one or more features to aid in location and marking of locations or distances. The device may also include one or more features configured to aid in properly aligning retention components, such as screws. The device may also include one or more additional components or features, which may optionally be removable or attachable, such as a level or thumb screws.

Abstract: A bowl assembly for a micro puree machine including an inner beaker and an outer bowl. The inner beaker is configured to receive ingredients and has an exterior bottom surface that includes a beaker alignment feature. The outer bowl is configured to receive the inner beaker therein. The outer bowl includes an interior bottom surface that includes a bowl alignment feature and an exterior bottom surface that includes a bowl securing element. The beaker alignment feature of the inner beaker exterior bottom surface is complementary to the bowl alignment feature of the outer bowl interior bottom surface such that, at times the inner beaker is positioned in the outer bowl, the complementary bowl alignment feature and inner beaker alignment feature prevent rotation of the inner beaker relative to the outer bowl. The bowl securing element is configured to receive and attach to a platform of a micro puree machine.

Abstract: A small-gap device system, preferably including two or more electrodes and one or more spacers maintaining a gap between two or more of the electrodes. A spacer for a small-gap device system, preferably including a plurality of legs defining a mesh structure. A method of spacer and/or small-gap device fabrication, preferably including: defining lateral features, depositing spacer material, selectively removing spacer material, separating the spacer from a fabrication substrate, and/or assembling the small-gap device.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to various ways of improving the functioning of computer systems, information networks, data stores, search engine systems and methods, and other advantages. Among other things, provided herein are methods, systems, components, processes, modules, blocks, circuits, sub-systems, articles, and other elements (collectively referred to in some cases as the “platform” or the “system”) that collectively enable, in one or more datastores (e.g., where each datastore may include one or more databases) and systems, the creation, development, maintenance, and use of a set of custom objects for use in a wide range of activities, including sales activities, marketing activities, service activities, content development activities, and others, as well as improved methods and systems for sales, marketing and services that make use of such entity resolution systems and methods as well as custom objects.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to various ways of improving the functioning of computer systems, information networks, data stores, search engine systems and methods, and other advantages. Among other things, provided herein are methods, systems, components, processes, modules, blocks, circuits, sub-systems, articles, and other elements (collectively referred to in some cases as the “platform” or the “system”) that collectively enable, in one or more datastores (e.g., where each datastore may include one or more databases) and systems, the creation, development, maintenance, and use of a set of custom objects for use in a wide range of activities, including sales activities, marketing activities, service activities, content development activities, and others, as well as improved methods and systems for sales, marketing and services that make use of such entity resolution systems and methods as well as custom objects.

Abstract: An electronic lock refrigeration assembly for storage of food includes a refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit has a peripheral surface and a back surface. A plurality of doors is positioned on the peripheral surface of the refrigeration unit. Each of the doors has a key pad and a handle. Additionally, each of the doors has a cavity. The plurality of doors encloses the cavity of each of the doors. A locking system is positioned on the peripheral surface of the refrigeration unit. The locking system includes a screen and a pay pad. The screen is a computer of the locking system. The screen allows the user to select an open locker to use. The pay pad is an electronic payment pad. The pay pad is in electric communication with the screen.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for translating a tracking module to a unique identifier and provide for a registration system used to improve the functioning of computer systems, information networks, data stores, search engine systems and methods, and other advantages. The techniques provide for generating an urchin tracking module (UTM) from a globally unique identifier (GUID) and/or for translating the urchin tracking module (UTM) to a globally unique identifier (GUID). The techniques relate to registration systems and processes for using registration definitions in a customer relationship management (CRM)-powered application.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to various ways of improving the functioning of computer systems, information networks, data stores, search engine systems and methods, and other advantages. Among other things, provided herein are methods, systems, components, processes, modules, blocks, circuits, sub-systems, articles, and other elements (collectively referred to in some cases as the “platform” or the “system”) that collectively enable, in a single database and system, the development and maintenance of a set of universal contact objects that relate to the contacts of a business and that have attributes that enable use for a wide range of activities, including sales activities, marketing activities, service activities, content development activities, and others, as well as improved methods and systems for sales, marketing and services that make use of such universal contact objects.

Abstract: A system and method for construction estimation using aerial images is provided. The system receives at least one aerial image of a building. An estimation engine processes the aerial image at a plurality of angles to automatically identify a plurality (e.g., perimeter and interior) lines in the image corresponding to a plurality of features of a roof the building. The estimation engine allows users to generate two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of the roof by automatically delineating various roof features, and generates a report including information about the roof of the building.

Abstract: A burner system, preferably including input plumbing, a combustion region, and an exhaust section. In some embodiments, the burner system can include, be attached to, be configured to couple with, and/or be otherwise associated with a thermionic energy converter (TEC). A method of burner system operation, preferably including operating the burner system in a combustion mode and optionally including operating a TEC.

Abstract: A system for combined heat and electric power generation, preferably including a heat reservoir and one or more electric generators, each preferably including a heat source and an energy converter. A method for combined heat and electric power generation, preferably including activating an electric generator, deactivating the electric generator, and/or providing heat from a heat reservoir.

Abstract: A small-gap device system, preferably including two or more electrodes and one or more spacers maintaining a gap between two or more of the electrodes. A spacer for a small-gap device system, preferably including a plurality of legs defining a mesh structure. A method of spacer and/or small-gap device fabrication, preferably including: defining lateral features, depositing spacer material, selectively removing spacer material, separating the spacer from a fabrication substrate, and/or assembling the small-gap device.

Abstract: A small-gap device system, preferably including two or more electrodes and one or more spacers maintaining a gap between two or more of the electrodes. A spacer for a small-gap device system, preferably including a plurality of legs defining a mesh structure. A method of spacer and/or small-gap device fabrication, preferably including: defining lateral features, depositing spacer material, selectively removing spacer material, separating the spacer from a fabrication substrate, and/or assembling the small-gap device.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to various ways of improving the functioning of computer systems, information networks, data stores, search engine systems and methods, and other advantages. Among other things, provided herein are methods, systems, components, processes, modules, blocks, circuits, sub-systems, articles, and other elements (collectively referred to in some cases as the “platform” or the “system”) that collectively enable, in one or more datastores (e.g., where each datastore may include one or more databases) and systems, the creation, development, maintenance, and use of a set of custom objects for use in a wide range of activities, including sales activities, marketing activities, service activities, content development activities, and others, as well as improved methods and systems for sales, marketing and services that make use of such entity resolution systems and methods as well as custom objects.

Abstract: A system and method for construction estimation using aerial images is provided. The system receives at least one aerial image of a building. An estimation engine processes the aerial image at a plurality of angles to automatically identify a plurality (e.g., perimeter and interior) lines in the image corresponding to a plurality of features of a roof the building. The estimation engine allows users to generate two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of the roof by automatically delineating various roof features, and generates a report including information about the roof of the building.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to various ways of improving the functioning of computer systems, information networks, data stores, search engine systems and methods, and other advantages. Among other things, provided herein are methods, systems, components, processes, modules, blocks, circuits, sub-systems, articles, and other elements (collectively referred to in some cases as the “platform” or the “system”) that collectively enable, in a single database and system, the development and maintenance of a set of universal contact objects that relate to the contacts of a business and that have attributes that enable use for a wide range of activities, including sales activities, marketing activities, service activities, content development activities, and others, as well as improved methods and systems for sales, marketing and services that make use of such universal contact objects.

Abstract: Forward-looking sales activities are poorly served by existing Customer Relationship Managements systems, as the customer information those systems maintain by definition does not include the speculatively interested “leads” pursued in initial sales contacts. An Enrichment database, asynchronously loaded with corporate and optionally individual contact information in anticipation of use, provides real-time access to information in support of such first customer contacts. The Enrichment information may also be used to expedite creation and revision of CRM records.

Abstract: A system and method for construction estimation using aerial images is provided. The system receives at least one aerial image of a building. An estimation engine processes the aerial image at a plurality of angles to automatically identify a plurality (e.g., perimeter and interior) lines in the image corresponding to a plurality of features of a roof the building. The estimation engine allows users to generate two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of the roof by automatically delineating various roof features, and generates a report including information about the roof of the building.