Abstract: Different systems to achieve solar power conversion are provided in at least three different general aspects, with circuitry that can be used to harvest maximum power from a solar source (1) or strings of panels (11) for DC or AC use, perhaps for transfer to a power grid (10) three aspects can exist perhaps independently and relate to: 1) electrical power conversion in a multimodal manner, 2) alternating between differing processes such as by an alternative mode photovoltaic power converter functionality control (27), and 3) systems that can achieve efficiencies in conversion that are extraordinarily high compared to traditional through substantially power isomorphic photovoltaic DC-DC power conversion capability that can achieve 99.2% efficiency or even only wire transmission losses. Switchmode impedance conversion circuits may have pairs of photovoltaic power series switch elements (24) and pairs of photovoltaic power shunt switch elements (25).

Abstract: A fluid cylinder assembly for a hydraulic actuation system for a bicycle is provided. The fluid cylinder assembly includes a fluid cylinder. The fluid cylinder includes a housing and a piston that is movable within the housing. The fluid cylinder assembly also includes a force applicator connected to the piston of the fluid cylinder, a support, and an actuator pivotably attached to the support. The actuator is operatively connected to the piston of the fluid cylinder via the force applicator, such that the actuator is configured to translate the piston from a first position to a second position when the actuator is actuated. The fluid cylinder is attachable to a handlebar of the bicycle, such that part of the fluid cylinder is positioned within the handlebar and at least part of the force applicator is radially outer relative to the handlebar.

Abstract: In a subscription vehicle system that enables customers to select and swap between a fleet of available vehicles, the fleet of vehicles are evaluated to determine if the fleet is optimized in view of target metrics and if the fleet can be improved by introducing other assets, removing assets or trading assets.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering single-dose packages sequentially from a substantially continuous strip having a first dispensing end and a second end, e.g., contained within a cassette or other dispenser. The strip includes a cover layer attached to a base layer to define a plurality of blisters therebetween that have one or more medications therein. The blisters are aligned in single file generally along the longitudinal axis between the first and second ends and/or otherwise arranged in single-dose packages adjacent one another, e.g., at least some of the single-dose packages including a plurality of blisters having different types of medications therein. A first single-dose package at the first dispensing end may be separable from a second adjacent single-dose package such that individual single-dose packages may be removed successively from the first dispensing end.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing energy of a working mass may include two or more immiscible liquids having different densities. The two immiscible liquids may include a predetermined proportion of oil and water. The apparatus may include a supporting structure, a hermetically sealed vessel, and an electric generator driven by fluid flow. The hermetically sealed vessel may have an elongate shape housing the working mass such that the working mass moves within the hermetically sealed vessel. An electric generator driven by fluid flow may be housed within the hermetically sealed vessel and having an inlet and an outlet. The electric generator driven by fluid flow may be configured to produce electric power as the predetermined portion of oil and water passes into the inlet and out of the outlet in response to a movement of the hermetically sealed vessel.

Abstract: A privacy display comprises a luminance-privacy arrangement and a contrast-privacy arrangement. In a privacy mode of operation, ambient light levels are detected and a visual security level is calculated. At and above a visual security level threshold the luminance-privacy arrangement is operable and below the threshold both the luminance-privacy and contrast-privacy arrangements are operable. Image quality for on-axis users is optimised and high levels of visual security are achieved for off-axis snoopers over a wide range of display illuminance conditions.

Abstract: A dual-lead thread drive screw system for a lateral expanding coaxial spinal implant. The system consists of a centrally located drive screw with lateral actuators. The actuators contain pins positioned through angular slots located on sidewalls attached to endplates. The angular slots provide angular positioning when the actuator pins translate through them. A carriage contains a drive screw for operating of the actuators. Alignment pins provided on each endplate allow the endplates rotate laterally relative to the carriage. An adjustment nut is axially retained by the carriage, but allowed to rotate. To expand/contract the endplates, the drive screw and adjustment nut are rotated together, with no relative motion between them. To change the angle of the endplates, the drive screw is rotated.

Abstract: A spinal interbody device (IBD) includes a solid wall that at least partially defines a boundary of the IBD and a porous body connected to the solid wall. The porous body includes a plurality of sections that form at least a portion of both a superior and inferior bone interface side of the IBD. Each section of the porous body has a different porosity than an adjacent section such that the porosities increase toward a center of the IBD.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biocide compositions, formulations and methods for using formulations. In particular the present disclosure relates to biocide compositions and their use in effecting biocidal activity in subterranean oil and gas wells being drilled, completed, worked over or produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for printing on cotton fabric comprising (1) contacting cotton fabric with an aqueous solution comprising (A) 40% to 70% by weight of at least one multivalent cationic salt; (B) optionally 0.1% to 5% by weight of a blocked isocyanate crosslinking agent, and (C) 3% to 40% by weight of a waterborne resin, all percentages based on the weight of the aqueous solution; (2) drying the cotton fabric to remove the water from the cotton fabric; and (3) digitally printing the pretreated and coated cotton fabric with a water-based textile ink.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula (I) are estrogen receptor alpha modulators, where the variables in Formula (I) are described in the disclosure. Such compounds, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and compositions thereof, are useful for treating diseases or conditions that are estrogen receptor alpha dependent and/or estrogen receptor alpha mediated, including conditions characterized by excessive cellular proliferation, such as breast cancer.

Abstract: A container includes a blank having a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another and erected about an interior space, and a plurality of top flaps foldably connected to the plurality of panels to enclose a top end of the interior space, and a plurality of bottom flaps wherein each of the bottom flaps is foldably connected to a corresponding panel of plurality of panels to enclose a bottom end of the interior space. The blank includes a line of weakness pattern configured to allow a user to break the top flaps from a closed configuration enclosing the interior space to an open configuration allowing access to the interior space.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for liquefied natural gas production facilities are disclosed herein. A liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility includes a liquefaction unit that condenses natural gas vapor into liquefied natural gas; an electric-driven compression system for the refrigerant(s) in power to the liquefaction unit; and a sequestration compression unit configured to compress and convey at least one CO2-rich stream towards a sequestration site, thereby reducing the overall emissions from the LNG facility.

Abstract: Accessing data using a first storage device and a second storage device that is a synchronous mirror of the first storage device includes determining if the first and second storage devices support alternative mirroring that bypasses having the first storage device write data to the second storage device and choosing to write data to the first storage device only or both the first and second storage device based on criteria that includes metrics relating to timing, an identity of a calling process or application, a size of an I/O operation, an identity of a destination volume, a time of day, a particular host id, a particular application or set of applications, and/or particular datasets, extents, tracks, records/blocks. A single I/O operation may be bifurcated to provide a portion of the I/O operation to only the first storage device or to both the first storage device and the second storage device.

Abstract: Efficient data transfer is disclosed. A server provides an endpoint for a client. The client can communicate with a cloud storage system through the server rather than connect directly to the cloud storage system. The server is configured to perform requests in a manner that reduces the amount of data transferred to and from the cloud storage system.

Abstract: A method for texturing a plastic substrate, while forming a dye sublimation image in the plastic substrate is provided. A first side of a dye carrier sheet having an image formed thereon of a dye sublimation ink is placed on a second side of the plastic substrate to form a stack. A first side of a textured cover is placed on a side of the stack. A clamping pressure is provided on the textured cover and the stack, wherein the stack and textured cover are clamped together. The stack is heated to at least a sublimation temperature of the stack, which causes the dye sublimation ink to sublimate and penetrate through the second side of the plastic substrate, creating a dye sublimation image in the plastic substrate and wherein texture from the textured cover is transferred to a side of the plastic substrate.

Abstract: A commercial process with a dependent variable can be associated with a set of independent variables. The commercial process can continuously provide data collection opportunities. An intervention is designed using a model to predict the dependent outcome. The actual outcome of the intervention can be determined within the window of utility for these data. One objective is to improve intervention outcomes with prediction. Purely random outcomes (no model prediction) and outcomes resulting from the intervention (model operations) are aggregated into separate files—a sequence of control model data files and a sequence of model data files of operational data. These model data files and control model data files are used to analyze model performance and to react automatically when identified conditions warrant.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to verify presentation of media content are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus for generating media presentation information includes a comparator to periodically output a value indicative of whether media selected via a set-top box is presented at a media presentation location by comparing a first audio signal associated with the media to ambient audio received in the media presentation location via an audio system associated with a media presentation device. The example apparatus also includes a privacy protector to facilitate operation of the comparator by periodically preventing the comparator from receiving of the ambient audio. The example apparatus also includes a metering module to record presentation of the media based on the output.

Abstract: A gluten-free fermented beverage for human consumption includes a mixture including tea and alcohol. The alcohol is formed by a single culture yeast and fermentable sugar not derived from grain. A method for making the beverage includes steeping a form of tea leaves in water to form a tea, adding a form of yeast nutrient to the tea, adding a fermentable sugar not derived from grain to the tea, adding a single culture yeast to the tea, fermenting the tea mixture, adding citric acid before and/or after the step of fermenting, filtering the fermented tea, and carbonating the fermented tea.