Abstract: Some variations provide a functionalized composite material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer binder matrix disposed in a distinct volume; a plurality of discrete metal or metal alloy particles dispersed in the thermoplastic polymer matrix; and a plurality of discrete particulates assembled on surfaces of the discrete metal or metal alloy particles, wherein the discrete particulates are in contact with the thermoplastic polymer binder matrix, wherein the discrete particulates are smaller than the discrete metal or metal alloy particles in at least one dimension, and wherein the discrete particulates are compositionally different than the discrete metal or metal alloy particles. The discrete particulates may be selected and/or configured to function as a grain refiner, a sintering aid, and/or a strengthening phase, within the functionalized composite material.

Abstract: A robot may include a manipulator arm including a plurality of links and one or more grippers configured to perform a gripper work. A camera may be positioned at an end of the manipulator arm to provide a direct line of sight to the grippers and observe the gripper work from above the grippers.

Abstract: Block construction of prefabricated buildings is disclosed. A building is constructed by the following steps. A plurality of structural units are assembled into a plurality of volumetric blocks. The structural units fabricated separately prior to assembly into the volumetric blocks. The volumetric blocks are assembled into a building frame. At least one non-structural module is inserted into the building frame. The non-structural module is affixed to one or more of the volumetric blocks.

Abstract: The present application relates to a volumetric module constructed from a module chassis, an exterior wall attached to at least a portion of the module chassis, a floor assembly attached to at least a portion of the module chassis, and a façade adjustably attached to at least a portion of the module chassis. The volumetric module may be configured to interface with a separate accommodation module.

Abstract: Block construction of prefabricated buildings is disclosed. A building is constructed by the following steps. A plurality of structural units are assembled into a plurality of volumetric blocks. The structural units fabricated separately prior to assembly into the volumetric blocks. The volumetric blocks are assembled into a building frame. At least one non-structural module is inserted into the building frame. The non-structural module is affixed to one or more of the volumetric blocks.

Abstract: The present application relates to a volumetric module constructed from a module chassis, an exterior wall attached to at least a portion of the module chassis, a floor assembly attached to at least a portion of the module chassis, and a facade adjustably attached to at least a portion of the module chassis. The volumetric module may be configured to interface with a separate accommodation module.

Abstract: A dashboard is developed to assess the ability of workers in an organization to accomplish one or more goals of the organization. The dashboard permits defining one or more competencies employees in the organization are required to have, and defining a skill set for each competency. Each skill set has one or more skills the employees are required to have to carry out each competency. Each skill under each competency for each employee is rated according to degree of experience in that skill. A discrete skill level in each competency for each of the employees is determined or calculated from the above rating information. Once the rating information is processed, the information can be instantaneously displayed in various viewing formats to give a snapshot look at the breadth of skill in the organization.

Abstract: A versatile door has a latch side removeable from the door body. When the latch side is removed, one or more door panels may be removed from the door body. Panels may be removed for refinishing, repair or replacement. Other panel types such as panels with message boards, illumination or openings can customize a door for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acrylic sheet that can be die-cut without cracking, yet has low temperature impact resistance and good weatherability. Specifically, the acrylic sheet is an impact modified copolymer having a matrix with a Tg of between 70 and 86° C. In a preferred embodiment the matrix is a copolymer of methyl methacrylate and from 12 to 18 percent by weight of ethyl acrylate.

Abstract: A high density, optical fiber array includes etched silicon front and guide masks anodicly bonded to high temperature glass die plate and/or spacer. Optical fibers secured in the front plate holes have the same thermal expansion coefficient as the masks and die/spacer plates to reduce the need for certain epoxy interplate zones which would have a different thermal expansion coefficient. Methods and a system for making the mask/plate stack are also disclosed along with various plate stacking arrangements and the front plate anodicly bonded to a glass lens array.

Abstract: A high density, optical fiber array includes etched silicon front and guide masks anodicly bonded to high temperature glass die plate and/or spacer. Optical fibers secured in the front plate holes have the same thermal expansion coefficient as the masks and die/spacer plates to reduce the need for certain epoxy interplate zones which would have a different thermal expansion coefficient. Methods and a system for making the mask/plate stack are also disclosed along with various plate stacking arrangements and the front plate anodicly bonded to a glass lens array.

Abstract: A method of making and an etchable wafer substrate for use in making optical fiber array plates includes forming a progressively increasing series of metrology holes when the plate holes are formed. The variation between designed plate hole diameter and actual plate hole diameter is determined by sequentially inserting a probe of known designed diameter into the metrology holes to determine the two size-adjacent metrology holes variation. The plate hole diameter can be determined by comparing one of the size-adjacent metrology hole diameter with the respective art work metrology hole diameter. Plate hole diameters can then be corrected for variation with further processing.

Abstract: A method of making and an etchable wafer substrate for use in making optical fiber array plates includes forming a progressively increasing series of metrology holes when the plate holes are formed. The variation between designed plate hole diameter and actual plate hole diameter is determined by sequentially inserting a probe of known designed diameter into the metrology holes to determine the two size-adjacent metrology holes variation. The plate hole diameter can be determined by comparing one of the size-adjacent metrology hole diameter with the respective art work metrology hole diameter. Plate hole diameters can then be corrected for variation with further processing.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided herein that are useful for qualitatively detecting the presence of, and/or quantitatively determining the amount of, one or more analytes in a relatively small microvolume fluid sample, including body-fluid samples and non-body fluid samples. High throughput techniques are also provided for evaluating multiple samples.