Abstract: A “dry” packaging in which a prosthetic heart valve is packaged within a container with hydrogel that can be provided in many forms. Certain embodiments include hydrogel that is preloaded with glycerol or the like. The hydrogel regulates the humidity within the container through a diffusion-driven mechanism if a gradient of humidity between the inside and the outside of the hydrogel exists. Humidity regulation is important to prevent the tissue of the valve structure from drying out. When the partially-hydrated hydrogel is present within container, which is saturated with air of a predefined humidity, the water molecules from the air will be absorbed by the hydrogel if the air humidity is high (i.e. when the thermodynamics favor hydrogel hydration) or vice versa. Various embodiments are configured to also house at least a portion of a delivery device for delivering the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: There is provided a gaming machine and method that utilize a presentation assembly configured to present a plurality of reels, an array, and a prize board. The reels bear prize symbols. The prize board includes prizes and associated collection registers. The prize symbols are associated with respective ones of the prizes. Game-logic circuitry is configured to spin and stop the reels to land symbols from the reels in the array and update the register for the prize that is associated with any landed prize symbol. In response to none of the updated registers being filled, the game-logic circuitry is configured to hold the landed prize symbols in place in the array and repeat the above operations until any of the updated registers are filled, at which time the prizes associated with the filled registers are awarded.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a storage system comprising a storage tank configured to store fuel at a cryogenic temperature for a predetermined amount of time. The storage tank may have a plurality of layers comprising: a first layer comprising a pressure vessel for containing the fuel at a pressurized state; a second layer comprising insulation for the first layer; a third layer comprising a vapor barrier; and a fourth layer comprising a shell configured to maintain a rigidity of the storage tank.

Abstract: A vehicle having an exoskeleton exterior panel that provides crash resistance is described. The exterior panel may be formed from a monolithic metal sheet and attached to an exterior portion of the vehicle frame, and the exterior panel does not comprise an additional support structure. At least one component may be directly attached to the exterior panel, and the exterior panel may bear the load of the at least one component. Methods of manufacturing the vehicle are also described.

Abstract: An automated picking system robotic device testing station having rollers for engagement with the wheels of a robotic device; and a controller to vary the rotation of the rollers.

Abstract: A customisable, modular storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. The stacks are contained within towers formed of stacks of bin receiving units. A grid network of tracks is provided on the top of the bin receiving units upon which load handling devices run. The load handling 30 devices take containers from the stacks and deposit them at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for storing, transporting, and using hydrogen. In some embodiments, the method may comprise (a) storing hydrogen fuel in one or more fuel storage modules; (b) transporting the one or more fuel storage modules to a vehicle fueling site, wherein one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles are located at or near the vehicle fueling site; (c) loading the one or more fuel storage modules into the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles, wherein the one or more fuel storage modules are configured to be releasably coupled to the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles; and (d) decoupling the one or more fuel storage modules from the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles after the one or more fuel storage modules are depleted or partially depleted.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes a platform and a plurality of supports configured to selectively engage a nearby structure. The plurality of supports include at least a first support and a second support. The first and second supports alternate between engaging the nearby structure to support the platform while the other one of the supports is disengaged from the nearby structure. At least one of the first and second supports is configured to move relative to the platform while engaging the nearby structure to cause vertical movement of the platform.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for a hydrogen-powered hybrid electric powertrain and the associated hydro-electro-aero-thermal management system (HEATMS).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides modular hydrogen-fuel storage assemblies with an external form factor corresponding to Unit Load Device (ULD) cargo containers, allowing the assemblies to be easily loaded into and stored in a cargo bay area of an aircraft. Each assembly can house one or more hydrogen fuel tanks containing liquid and gaseous hydrogen, which can be used to power an APU or other power system of the aircraft. Each assembly can include an internal cradle system for securing the tanks within the assembly, a ground servicing panel for refueling, a quick connection assembly for quickly coupling the assembly to the APU or other power system, a cold box for managing various fluid flow, and an avionics bay for controlling the various components of the assembly.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing robotic service device is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The fire extinguishing robotic service device is capable of driving to any location on the grid in order to extinguish a fire. The service device may also be provided with a camera or a sensor to locate the fire.

Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. Each container may be provided with connectors having a push fit male connector located at a top edge of the container and a female connector at a bottom edge of the container. Adjacent containers in a stack can be linked by routing means, which form moldings on each container. The connectors can also have spring-loaded contacts. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending core which includes a paper or other non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material and a wrapper engaged around the longitudinally extending core wherein the filter or filter element is readily biodegradable and wherein; the longitudinally extending core includes two plugs of paper or other non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material distanced longitudinally from each other and the wrapper engaged around the plugs of paper or other non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material defines a cavity between the plugs of paper or other non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material; and/or at least one end of the wrapper extends beyond the end of the longitudinally extending core around which is engaged to define a cavity or recess at the end of the filter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for a hydrogen-powered hybrid electric powertrain and the associated hydro-electro-aero-thermal management system (HEATMS).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for storing, transporting, and using hydrogen. In some embodiments, the method may comprise (a) storing hydrogen fuel in one or more fuel storage modules; (b) transporting the one or more fuel storage modules to a vehicle fueling site, wherein one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles are located at or near the vehicle fueling site; (c) loading the one or more fuel storage modules into the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles, wherein the one or more fuel storage modules are configured to be releasably coupled to the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles; and (d) decoupling the one or more fuel storage modules from the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles after the one or more fuel storage modules are depleted or partially depleted.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing robotic service device is described for use with a robotic picking system grid. The fire extinguishing robotic service device is configured for driving to any location on the grid in order to extinguish a fire. The service device may also be provided with a camera sensor to locate the fire.

Abstract: An automated vending system includes a physical item storage unit, and a plurality of land-based transportation mechanisms, or vehicles, arranged to store a predicted number and assortment of items to vend. A processing resource can communicate with the plurality of transportation vehicles, and is arranged to support a machine learning module. A plurality of data sources is arranged to provide data to the machine learning module to determine a plurality of respective actions for the plurality of transportation vehicles. The processing resource can communicate respective control instructions to the plurality of transportation vehicles. A selected transportation mechanism which receives the control instruction can operate in response to the control instruction in order to convey the item to a determined vending location.

Abstract: A storage system Includes a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending transverse to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern having a plurality of grid spaces. A plurality of stackable storage containers are arranged in stacks, the stacks of storage containers being located beneath the rails or tracks. Each stack is located within the footprint of a grid space. A load handling device is arranged to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks of storage containers. The load handling device includes a lifting device arranged to lift storage containers from a top of a stack. The lifting device includes a cable to provide a service from a service source in the load handling device to the one or more storage containers.

Abstract: A storage system is disclosed where goods can be stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of rails (e.g., tracks) on which load handling devices can run. To take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following exemplary services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensors, and data logging devices. The provision of these services within the framework rather than across the system as a whole, can allow for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.

Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run to lift containers from the stacks and deposit them at alternative locations in the stacks or at stations where goods may be removed or alternative functions may be undertaken. The containers can provide the following exemplary services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency. The containers when removed from the stacks are electrically connected to the load handling device, power being supplied by a power supply within the load handling device.