Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a vocational mask configured to be worn by a user. The vocational mask includes a virtual retinal display, a memory device storing instructions, and a processing device communicatively coupled to the memory device and the virtual retinal display. The processing device executes the instructions to execute an artificial intelligence agent trained to perform at least one or more functions to determine certain information. The one or more functions include identifying perception-based objects and features, determining cognition-based scenery to identify one or more material defects, one or more assembly defects, one or more acceptable features, or some combination thereof, and determining one or more recommendations, instructions, or both. The processing device causes the certain information to be presented via the virtual retinal display.

Abstract: Vehicle structural components and additive manufacturing methods for forming the components are described. The structural components incorporate hydrogen storage materials for use in conjunction with hydrogen fuel cells in electric-powered vehicles such as unmanned aerial vehicles. The hydrogen storage materials can be in the form of a 3D printed metal foam that includes a metal hydride and an inert structural metal. The material can exhibit a very low weight density able to store hydrogen in a low pressure solid-state form at a high energy density. The structural components that carry the hydrogen storage materials can be exchangeable components of a vehicle, and the vehicle can be refueled by merely exchanging an exhausted component for a replacement component that is fully-charged with hydrogen.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating assembly for a drum enclosure assembly is provided. The tamper-indicating assembly includes a tamper-indicating device that defines a cavity sized to receive and surround at least a portion of the closure bolt, the first flanged end, and the second flanged end to prevent movement of the closure bolt. A tab extends radially outward from the tamper-indicating device with respect to an axial centerline of the tamper-indicating assembly. The tamper-indicating assembly further includes a pin non-removably coupled to the tamper-indicating device. The pin extends through the tamper-indicating device and across the cavity such that the tamper-indicating device and the pin collectively surround the closure bolt. The exemplary tamper-indicating device described herein includes features that facilitate the robotic application of the tamper-indicating device to a drum enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices that use a low-thermal conductivity inert gas to shield reactant gases and thus enabling a cold wall operation within a hot wall system.

Abstract: A method for heat treating a thermocouple includes connecting leads from a power source to conducting wires of a thermocouple and generating a substantially constant current at a target amperage from the power source. The substantially constant current may be applied to the conducting wires via the leads to heat the conducting wires via ohmic heating to an anneal temperature. The current from the power source to the conducting wires is stopped after a heat treatment time.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns crystalline pairs of triethylsilyl-ethynyl tetraceno[2,3-b]thiophene and derivatives thereof. The crystallized pairs generate and maintain a high degree of spin polarization that constitutes a qubit. In some aspects, end substitution of a heterocyclic ring with a silicon-based group enforces the necessary pairwise interaction, with larger intermolecular distances between pairs in the crystal that can then produce a parallel alignment of the magnetic axes of all molecules within the crystal unit cell. In addition, end substitution provide energy level alignment between a triplet pair and the emissive singlet state which then allows for low temperature emission from the triplet pair.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for lighting. The apparatus may include a removable recess lighting assembly. The lighting assembly may include a light-emitting diode (“LED”) light source. The LED light source may include an LED. The lighting assembly may define a central axis. The apparatus may include a heat sink. The heat sink may be configured to be mounted in a structure. The heat sink may be configured to retain the lighting assembly. The heat sink may be configured to release the lighting assembly in response to a translation of the lighting assembly along the central axis. The translation may be a translation without a rotation of the light assembly about the central axis. In operation, the lighting assembly may be serviced without causing damage to the structure in which the apparatus is mounted. The lighting assembly may be removed through a defined aperture in the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and methods are disclosed for an upper stage space launch vehicle that uses gases from the propellant tanks to power an internal combustion engine that produces mechanical power for driving other components including a generator for generation of electrical current for operating compressors and fluid pumps and for charging batteries. These components and others comprise a thermodynamic system from which system enthalpy may be leveraged by extracting and moving heat to increase the efficient use of propellant and the longevity and performance of the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting system capable of mounting objects to support structures. The mounting system includes a wall mount including a display bracket configured to hold the object, a fixed support bracket coupleable to a vertical support structure, and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly has a low-profile stowed configuration in which the object is held in a raised position close to the support structure. The linkage assembly moves to another configuration to move the object. The object can be held in a lowered position. A biasing mechanism can facilitate convenient movement of the object.

Abstract: A mounting system capable of mounting objects to support structures. The mounting system includes a wall mount including a display bracket configured to hold the object, a fixed support bracket coupleable to a vertical support structure, and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly has a low-profile stowed configuration in which the object is held in a raised position close to the support structure. Tilt adjustment mechanisms are used to adjust the tilt of the display bracket.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes bridged bicyclic compounds and other non-flat organic molecules that have the ability to solvate lithium salts in higher concentrations without significant changes to the electrolyte viscosity which assists in improving the fast charge capability of lithium-ion cells. Using non-flat polar molecules may enable higher solubility of the salts while minimizing viscosity changes to the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the fused bicyclic compound is 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carbonitrile (BHCN).

Abstract: An energy production device may include a core configured to heat a heat transmission fluid, an energy harnessing device configured to convert heat into electrical energy and a heat transfer device positioned over the core configured to receive the heat transmission fluid and transfer the heat to the energy harnessing device. The energy production device may further include a vibration isolator positioned between the energy harnessing device and the heat transfer device. The vibration isolator may be configured to secure the energy harnessing device to the heat transfer device and substantially prevent the transmission of motion from the energy harnessing device to the heat transfer device.

Abstract: A method of operating a lighting device is disclosed for providing power to a light source that has at least two modes of operation. Each mode of operation propagates a beam of light having different spectral characteristics, wherein when the two modes are operated, the total spectral output enhances a visual characteristic of a target within an area surrounding the target. A first mode of the at least two modes is a dulling mode and a second mode of the at least two modes is a vivifying mode.

Abstract: A kelp-inspired marine energy converter (MEC) device having a plurality of strips of flexible electroactive materials connected to a power conditioning module and anchored to a structure (such as the ocean floor) is described. The movement of the strips caused by water motion or current action (i.e., water motion) converted by the electroactive material to electrical energy.

Abstract: A mounting system capable of mounting objects to support structures is disclosed. The mounting system includes a wall mount including a display bracket configured to hold the object, a fixed support bracket couplable to a vertical support structure, and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly has a low-profile stowed configuration in which the object is held in a raised position close to the support structure. The linkage assembly moves to another configuration to move the object. The object can be held in a lowered position. A pinion adjustment mechanism can be used to control a biasing mechanism for facilitate convenient movement of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for light tape. The light tape may include a first segment. The light tape may include a first array of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”). The first array of LEDs may be disposed along the first segment. The first array of LEDs may emit light in a first direction. The light tape may include a second array of LEDs. The second array of LEDs may be disposed along the first segment. The second array of LEDs may emit light in a second direction. The light tape may include a first extension extending from the first segment. The first extension may be physically connected to a second extension extending from a second segment. The first extension may form a joint when connected to the second extension. The joint may include at least one LED disposed on each of the first extension and the second extension.

Abstract: Systems and methods for classifying and sorting of dark colored and/or black-colored plastic materials utilizing a vision system or one or more sensor systems implemented with one or more medium wavelength infrared cameras whereby the captured image data is process within a machine learning system in order to identify or classify each of the materials, which may then be sorted into separate groups based on such an identification or classification.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition that includes a first layer having a first molecule that includes a metal and a halogen, a second layer that includes the first molecule, and a third layer that includes a chiral molecule, where the third layer is positioned between the first layer and the second layer, and the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer form a crystalline structure.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is a method that includes a first reacting a molecule from at least one of a carboxylic acid, an ester of a carboxylic acid, and/or an anhydride with ammonia to form a nitrile, where the first reacting is catalyzed using an acid catalyst. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the molecule may include at least one of acetic acid, lactic acid, and/or 3-hydroxyproprionic acid (3-HPA). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the molecule may include at least one of methyl acetate, ethyl lactate, and/or ethyl 3-hydroxypropanoate (ethyl 3-HP). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the anhydride may be acetic anhydride.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling traffic flow on road(s). The methods comprise: obtaining, by a processor, traffic related information comprising a total number of vehicles that caused an activation of a sensor of a first detector located at a first intersection of a plurality of intersections; generating, by the processor, a predicted traffic volume at one or more downstream second intersections based on the traffic related information; generating, by the processor, a traffic light timing for at least two next cycles based on the predicted traffic volume; and controlling, by the processor, a traffic light of the one or more downstream second intersections in accordance with the traffic light timing to reduce a probability or likelihood that the vehicle will stop at a red light thereat. .