Abstract: Technology for managing objects. A method is applied to a set of objects, for example, in view of commissioning such objects. The method includes patterning a surface of each object of a set of objects to be managed.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a surface has a vehicle including an extensible boom. A multi-purpose hood is attached to the boom. The hood includes at least one nozzle for spraying a fluid through an outlet of the hood, the nozzle adapted for reciprocating, non-rotational movement in a generally linear direction relative to the opening in the hood. The multi-purpose hood may be adapted for rotating independently about three different axes, and may include a first actuator for controlling a roll of the hood, a second actuator for controlling a yaw of the hood, a third actuator for controlling a pitch of the hood, and a fourth actuator for controlling an extension of the boom and a second actuator for controlling a swing of the boom. The extensible boom may be connected to a telescoping conduit for communicating fluid along the boom to or from the multi-purpose hood. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispensation system having a hopper that is located remote to the remainder of the dispensation system. The hopper can be located remote from a delivery system and a conveyor or other transmitting device can connect the hopper to the delivery system. The hopper can therefore be located in an area that is more accessible or less valued than the area in which the products or objects are dispensed, allowing a more efficient product distribution system.

Abstract: A method and a system convert the value of a gift card for use with a mobile device. The value of the gift card is determined from an issuer of the gift card. The value of the gift card is stored in a digital payment account in a storage device. The digital payment account stores values of gift cards from issuers. A financial transaction corresponding to the issuer of the gift card is performed on the digital payment account. The value of a first gift card from a first issuer of a first digital payment account is exchanged with the value of a second gift card from a second issuer of a second digital payment account.

Abstract: Isolated cells are described that are not embryonic stem cells, not embryonic germ cells, and not germ cells. The cells can differentiate into at least one cell type of each of at least two of the endodermal, ectodermal, and mesodermal lineages. The cells do not provoke a harmful immune response. The cells can modulate immune responses. As an example, the cells can suppress an immune response in a host engendered by allogeneic cells, tissues, and organs. Methods are described for using the cells, by themselves or adjunctively, to treat subjects. For instance, the cells can be used adjunctively for immunosuppression in transplant therapy. Methods for obtaining the cells and compositions for using them also are described.

Abstract: A drive circuit comprising a DC bus configured to supply power to a load, a first fuel cell coupled to the DC bus and configured to provide a first power output to the DC bus, and a second fuel cell coupled to the DC bus and configured to provide a second power output to the DC bus supplemental to the first fuel cell. The drive circuit further includes an energy storage device coupled to the DC bus and configured to receive energy from the DC bus when a combined output of the first and second fuel cells is greater than a power demand from a load, and provide energy to the DC bus when the combined output of the first and second fuel cells is less than the power demand from the load.

Abstract: A system is configured to perform a method of customizing an application. The method includes receiving a connection from a client machine that is executing an application configurable by configuration information. The method also includes determining that the application has not been customized by the configuration information. The method further includes transmitting the configuration information to the client machine in response to the determining that the application has not been customized by the configuration information. In response to the transmitting of the configuration information, the application is configured to include a category structure for the application. In some example embodiments, the configuration information includes a software module upgrade of the application.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter.

Abstract: Patterning a substrate can be provided. A substrate is covered by an immersion liquid and a microfluidic probe head is positioned in proximity with the surface of the substrate, so as to immerse a processing surface of the probe head in the immersion liquid. Liquid flows are generated between the processing surface of the probe head and the surface of the substrate, via the probe head. The liquid flows generated include an etching flow of an etching liquid (e.g., an acid or solvent) and a processing flow of a processing liquid (e.g., a solution or suspension).

Abstract: Isolated cells are described that are not embryonic stem cells, not embryonic germ cells, and not germ cells. The cells can differentiate into at least one cell type of each of at least two of the endodermal, ectodermal, and mesodermal lineages. The cells do not provoke a harmful immune response. The cells can modulate immune responses. As an example, the cells can suppress an immune response in a host engendered by allogeneic cells, tissues, and organs. Methods are described for using the cells, by themselves or adjunctively, to treat subjects. For instance, the cells can be used adjunctively for immunosuppression in transplant therapy. Methods for obtaining the cells and compositions for using them also are described.

Abstract: A system includes a vehicle cover, a mechanical tensioning device, a memory device, storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute instructions to perform the steps of a method to secure a vehicle. The mechanical tensioning device may include attachment means to attach the device to a wheel of the vehicle and means to attach a security cable of the vehicle cover integrated into a bottom edge of the vehicle cover to the mechanical tensioning device. The mechanical tensioning device may include a rotational reel connected to either a tensioning motor or a tensioning crank and optionally including either a mechanical bi-stable device or one or more sensors configured to monitor the tension of the security cable when engaged to the mechanical tensioning device. The processor may monitor for a change in tension and execute one or more security measures in response.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a multi-channel DC bus assembly comprising a first channel and a second channel, a first electromechanical device coupled to a positive DC link of the first channel, and a second electromechanical device coupled to a positive DC link of the second channel. A first DC-to-AC voltage inverter is coupled to the positive DC link of the first channel and a second DC-to-AC voltage inverter is coupled to the positive DC link of the second channel. The apparatus further includes a bi-directional voltage modification assembly coupled to the positive DC link of the second channel and a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the first electromechanical device.

Abstract: The present invention provides 5-[5]-[2-cycloalkyl]-6-pyridazin-3-yl]-1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione compounds, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that inhibit the activity of CD73 and are useful in treating cancer.

Abstract: A method and a system convert the value of a gift card for use with a mobile device. The value of the gift card is determined from an issuer of the gift card. The value of the gift card is stored in a digital payment account in a storage device. The digital payment account stores values of gift cards from issuers. A financial transaction corresponding to the issuer of the gift card is performed on the digital payment account. The value of a first gift card from a first issuer of a first digital payment account is exchanged with the value of a second gift card from a second issuer of a second digital payment account.

Abstract: Isolated cells are described that are not embryonic stem cells, not embryonic germ cells, and not germ cells. The cells can differentiate into at least one cell type of each of at least two of the endodermal, ectodermal, and mesodermal lineages. The cells do not provoke a harmful immune response. The cells can modulate immune responses. As an example, the cells can suppress an immune response in a host engendered by allogeneic cells, tissues, and organs. Methods are described for using the cells, by themselves or adjunctively, to treat subjects. For instance, the cells can be used adjunctively for immunosuppression in transplant therapy. Methods for obtaining the cells and compositions for using them also are described.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to: sensing and/or authentication using luminescence imaging; diagnostic assays, systems, and related methods; temporal thermal sensing and related methods; and/or to emissive species, such as those excitable by white light, and related systems and methods.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to: sensing and/or authentication using luminescence imaging; diagnostic assays, systems, and related methods; temporal thermal sensing and related methods; and/or to emissive species, such as those excitable by white light, and related systems and methods.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to: sensing and/or authentication using luminescence imaging; diagnostic assays, systems, and related methods; temporal thermal sensing and related methods; and/or to emissive species, such as those excitable by white light, and related systems and methods.

Abstract: Compositions, articles, systems, and methods for sensing and/or authentication using luminescence imaging are generally provided. In some embodiments, an article (or packaging material of an article) is associated with an emissive material comprising an emissive species (e.g., a luminescent species). In some cases, the emissive species has an emission lifetime of at least 10 nanoseconds (ns). In some cases, a characteristic of an article (e.g., identity, authenticity, age, quality, purity) may be determined by obtaining an image (or series of images) comprising time-dependent information related to an emissive species. In certain instances, for example, the emission lifetime of an emissive species may be determined from an image (or series of images). Since the emission lifetime of an emissive species may be modified by a number of factors, including but not limited to binding or proximity to other molecules (e.g.