Abstract: A thermionic energy converter, preferably including an anode and a cathode. An anode of a thermionic energy converter, preferably including an n-type semiconductor, one or more supplemental layers, and an electrical contact. A method for work function reduction and/or thermionic energy conversion, preferably including inputting thermal energy to a thermionic energy converter, illuminating an anode of the thermionic energy converter, thereby preferably reducing a work function of the anode, and extracting electrical power from the system.

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 thermionic energy converter, preferably including an anode and a cathode. An anode of a thermionic energy converter, preferably including an n-type semiconductor, one or more supplemental layers, and an electrical contact. A method for work function reduction and/or thermionic energy conversion, preferably including inputting thermal energy to a thermionic energy converter, illuminating an anode of the thermionic energy converter, thereby preferably reducing a work function of the anode, and extracting electrical power from the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-piece shaft assembly for a driven turbocharger with a traction drive. The turbo shaft is attached to a turbine and compressor, and is inserted into a traction barrel that has traction surfaces to mate to the traction drive. In this way, the traction drive can be assembled with only the traction barrel, and the turbo shaft can be inserted through the barrel at the end to simplify assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an LED-based lighting element configured to emulate a glass-bulb filament light. The lighting element has a diffuser between an LED and a transparent lens. The LED emits light of a predetermined color in an emission pattern having a preferential direction of emission. The diffuser receives the light emitted according to the emission pattern and scatters the received light according to a diffusion pattern, thereby reducing the light projected in the preferential direction. The diffuser has an absorption coefficient that is substantially constant throughout the visible spectrum so as not to substantially change the predetermined color of the emitted light as it is scattered by the diffuser. The transparent lens is configured to receive the light scattered by the diffuser and to transmit the received light therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an LED-based lighting element configured to emulate a glass-bulb filament light. The lighting element has a diffuser between an LED and a transparent lens. The LED emits light of a predetermined color in an emission pattern having a preferential direction of emission. The diffuser receives the light emitted according to the emission pattern and scatters the received light according to a diffusion pattern, thereby reducing the light projected in the preferential direction. The diffuser has an absorption coefficient that is substantially constant throughout the visible spectrum so as not to substantially change the predetermined color of the emitted light as it is scattered by the diffuser. The transparent lens is configured to receive the light scattered by the diffuser and to transmit the received light therethrough.

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: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an LED-based lighting element configured to emulate a glass-bulb filament light. The lighting element has a diffuser between an LED and a transparent lens. The LED emits light of a predetermined color in an emission pattern having a preferential direction of emission. The diffuser receives the light emitted according to the emission pattern and scatters the received light according to a diffusion pattern, thereby reducing the light projected in the preferential direction. The diffuser has an absorption coefficient that is substantially constant throughout the visible spectrum so as not to substantially change the predetermined color of the emitted light as it is scattered by the diffuser. The transparent lens is configured to receive the light scattered by the diffuser and to transmit the received light therethrough.

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: Disclosed are embodiments of thrust absorbing planetary traction drives that utilize roller-shaft traction interfaces that are slanted to absorb thrust created on a turbo shaft by a turbine or compressor. Slanted traction surfaces on the sun portion of the turbo shaft are slanted inwardly so that the turbo shaft remains centered in the planetary traction drive. Either double roller planets or single roller planets can be used to absorb thrust in the axial direction of the turbo shaft. Various curved and slanted surfaces can be utilized to create traction interfaces that hold and stabilize the turbo shaft both axially and radially.

Abstract: A system for implementing an electrical rotary joint in a large-diameter system using relatively small-diameter capsule slip rings is described herein. The system includes a system rotor that rotates about a system axis of rotation, and a system stator that is stationary with respect to the system rotor. The system also includes at least one conductive contact channel disposed on one of the system rotor and the system stator. The system further includes at least one capsule slip ring (CSR) coupled to the other of the system rotor and the system stator. The at least one CSR has a conductive annular element coupled thereto, the conductive annular element in mechanical contact with the at least one conductive contact channel such that the at least one CSR forms an electrical rotary joint between the system rotor and the system stator.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate, generally, to directionally oriented keyboards for interfacing with a virtual workspace, including applications executing therein, and related systems, methods, and devices. A selectable object of an invoked directionally oriented keyboard may be selected responsive to directional information. Directional information may be provided by a user input device such as a thumbstick device or video capture device. A selectable object and/or information associated with the selectable object may be provided to a business application that is associated with an invoked directionally oriented keyboard.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes a housing configured to contain a volume of water, the housing including an interior surface adjacent a first portion of the water having a first net charge. The radiation detector also includes a first electrode coupled to the housing within the first portion of the water, and a second electrode coupled to the housing within a second portion of the water adjacent the first portion of the water. The radiation detector further includes a current detector connected in series between the first electrode and the second electrode, the current detector configured to detect a current associated with an ionized radiation product that enters the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a handle for an electronic device that consists of a ring mounted on a hinge that slides over a user's finger to aid in holding the electronic device. The hinge allows the handle to either be stored in a recessed area of the exterior face of the electronic device when not in use, or rotated perpendicular to the exterior face of the electronic device when in use. The handle also features standardized contact patches that mate with clips that can be used to mount the electronic device on a vehicle dashboard or similar. The handle can be integrated into the electronic device itself, or into a separate, protective case placed around the electronic device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a turbine bypass for an engine with a driven turbocharger. During engine cold start, or periods of idle or low load engine operation, the bypass can be utilized to direct hot exhaust gasses directly to an exhaust aftertreatment. This provides higher temperatures to the exhaust aftertreatment, increasing the ability to eliminate harmful emissions such as NOx. The driven turbocharger can still provide boost to the engine through supercharging, so that engine torque and power can be maintained while the turbine bypass is in operation.

Abstract: A thermionic energy converter, preferably including an anode and a cathode. An anode of a thermionic energy converter, preferably including an n-type semiconductor, one or more supplemental layers, and an electrical contact. A method for work function reduction and/or thermionic energy conversion, preferably including inputting thermal energy to a thermionic energy converter, illuminating an anode of the thermionic energy converter, thereby preferably reducing a work function of the anode, and extracting electrical power from the system.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a challenge engine. The challenge engine identifies a set of player metrics for players within a game and determines properties of at least one metric of the set of player metrics for a specified player. The challenge engine generates a first gaming instance based on the properties of the at least one metric. The first gaming instance is customized to the specified player. The challenge engine detects one or more interactions of the specified player with at least one element of the first gaming instance. In response to the one or more interactions, the challenge engine generates a second gaming instance based on the properties of the at least one metric. The second gaming instance is customized to the specified player and distinct from the first gaming instance.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a curtain configured decorative lighting system. The curtain configuration of decorative light stings is obtained by using light-string distribution elements, each of which receives an input signal by a conductive lead. The input signal is indicative of a plurality of lighting commands. The light-string distribution element then provides an output signal to a tap connector, to which a decorative light string can be connected. The provided output signal is indicative of lighting commands corresponding to a plurality of lighting elements distributed along the decorative light string connected thereto. The plurality of lighting elements of the attached decorative light string each illuminate in response to one of the lighting commands indicated by the output signal. In some embodiments, the decorative light string provides to the tap connector a signal indicative of lighting commands that do not correspond to lighting elements of that decorative light string.

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 gantry rail for a gantry computed tomography (CT) system includes a secondary side of a rotary transformer and an annular body having an annular rolling surface and an annular slip ring surface. The annular body is aligned orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the gantry CT system. The annular rolling surface has a normal vector that extends radially outward and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The annular slip ring surface defines a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and includes a slot disposed in the slip ring surface. The slot is configured to engage the secondary side of the rotary transformer.