Abstract: A support surface including a cutout on a bottom surface of the support surface. The cutout, which can include a plurality of cutouts, provides a controlled structural collapse of the support surface by varying a stiffness in a cross-section. That is, the area in which the cutouts are positioned collapses more easily than the surrounding area of the support structure, thus making the area with the cutouts perceived as being softer. The cutouts can reduce the peak pressures on the portion of the user's body (for example, the user's ischial tuberosities) that is positioned over the cutouts. The support surface can also include a low-friction interface extending across a top surface of the support surface.

Abstract: A base for a chair is described. The example base for the chair includes a central support coupled to a seat pan of the chair, a first pair of legs extending radially from the central support, and a second pair of legs extending radially from the central support. The first pair of legs extend in a direction opposite the second pair of legs. A first angle between the first pair of legs is larger than a second angle between the second pair of legs.

Abstract: A stationary hybrid battery back-up system incorporates two different battery units that differ in terms of recharging efficiency, cycle life, power capability, depth of discharge threshold, temperature threshold, internal impedance threshold, charger rate efficiency and/or stand-by efficiency. The battery back-up system of the present invention comprises an auxiliary power supply that can be used to charge the first and second batteries and/or provide power to a load. When the operating voltage of the system drops, due to a power failure of a power source, the control system may couple the first and/or second battery unit to a load. The control system may have voltage threshold limits wherein it engages the first and second battery units to support the load demand. The first and second battery units may be charge by the auxiliary power supply when the operating voltage is above a threshold level.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell utilizes an air flow device that draws air through the cell from a scrubber that may be removed while the system is operating. The negative pressure generated by the air flow device allows ambient air to enter the cell housing when the scrubber is removed, thereby enabling continued operation without the scrubber. A moisture management system passes outflow air from the cell through a humidity exchange module that transfers moisture to the air inflow, thereby increasing the humidity of the air inflow. A recirculation feature comprising a valve allow a controller to recirculate at least a portion of the outflow air back into the inflow air. The system may comprise an inflow bypass conduit and valve that allows the humidified inflow air to pass into the cell inlet without passing through the scrubber. The scrubber may contain reversible or irreversible scrubber media.

Abstract: A chair is described herein. The chair includes a first back support coupled to a base of the chair using one or more first support arms. The chair also includes a second back support coupled to the base of the chair using one or more second support arms. The first and second back supports are independently rotatable.

Abstract: Physical and/or financial instruments may optimally hedge the cash flow of one or more renewable energy generators based on a desired risk and return profile of renewable infrastructure investors. Baseline revenues may be determined based on forward-looking electricity market price scenarios corresponding to qualified market products intended for sale from the renewable energy generators. Risk and return metrics of cash flows of the renewable energy generators may be determined. At least one physical hedge and/or financial hedge may be added. The size and operation of the renewable energy generators along with any physical hedges, or financial hedges, or both physical and financial hedges, may be optimized across multiple market price scenarios of qualified market products to optimize investor-tailored risk and return utility functions.

Abstract: In an aspect, provided is an alkaline rechargeable battery comprising: i) a battery container sealed against the release of gas up to at least a threshold gas pressure, ii) a volume of an aqueous alkaline electrolyte at least partially filling the container to an electrolyte level; iii) a positive electrode containing positive active material and at least partially submerged in the electrolyte; iv) an iron negative electrode at least partially submerged in the electrolyte, the iron negative electrode comprising iron active material; v) a separator at least partially submerged in the electrolyte provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; vi) an auxiliary oxygen gas recombination electrode electrically connected to the iron negative electrode by a first electronic component, ionically connected to the electrolyte by a first ionic pathway, and exposed to a gas headspace above the electrolyte level by a first gas pathway.

Abstract: Fastening art with double nuts for a dual-threaded screw structure is provided, in which loosening is not created even if the structure is subjected to vibration. A spring washer is caused to intervene between the nuts, when double nuts of an inner nut and an outer nut are screwed onto a thread portion on which dual-threaded screw is formed. Only by tightening the outer nut, also the inner nut is tightened and the spring washer is compressed. Both axial force for clamping the fastened member and axial force between the nuts can be secured with the spring washer, so that loosening does not occur easily.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices may enable management of a renewable power asset. A control device may generate a Day-Ahead (DA) pricing model, a Real-Time (RT) pricing model and a renewable generation model for the renewable power asset. Optimal DA commitments may be determined, and an optimal RT schedule estimated. A DA power delivery strategy and an RT power delivery strategy may be determined. The determined DA and RT power delivery strategies may be evaluated based on obtained real power prices. The DA and RT power delivery strategies may be redetermined, and the renewable power asset may be controlled to deliver power the DA and RT power delivery strategies. The value of the renewable power asset may be maximized while bounding financial risks and returns associated with scheduling the renewable power asset as tailored to risk preferences of the renewable power asset owner or operator.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a battery, a bulk energy storage system including the battery, and/or a method of operating the bulk energy storage system including the battery. In various embodiment, the battery may include a first electrode, an electrolyte, and a second electrode, wherein one or both of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises direct reduced iron (“DRI”). In various embodiments, the DRI may be in the form of pellets. In various embodiments, the pellets may comprise at least about 60 wt % iron by elemental mass, based on the total mass of the pellets. In various embodiments, one or both of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises from about 60% to about 90% iron and from about 1% to about 40% of a component comprising one or more of the materials selected from the group of SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, and TiO2.

Abstract: Methods of forming a ceramic matrix, as well as fiber preforms and methods of forming fiber preforms to facilitate formation of a ceramic matrix are provided. The method includes obtaining a fiber preform to facilitate forming the ceramic matrix. The fiber preform includes a fiber layer with a plurality of fibers and a heating element embedded within the fiber preform. The method also includes heating the fiber preform via the heating element embedded within the fiber preform, and depositing matrix material into the fiber preform by embedded wire chemical vapor deposition (EWCVD) of the matrix material during the heating of the fiber preform by the heating element. The chemical vapor deposition of the matrix material within the fiber preform facilitates formation of the ceramic matrix.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating fiber structures with embedded sensors are provided. The method includes obtaining a scaffold fiber and forming, by 1½-D printing using laser induced chemical vapor deposition, circuitry on the scaffold fiber to provide a fiber structure with embedded sensor. The forming includes printing a solid state oscillator about the scaffold fiber, and printing a sensing device about the scaffold fiber electrically coupled to the solid state oscillator to effect, at least in part, oscillations of the solid state oscillator. The forming further includes printing an antenna about the scaffold fiber electrically connected to the solid state oscillator to facilitate in operation wireless transmitting of a signal from the fiber structure with embedded sensor.

Abstract: Nuclear fuel structures and methods for fabricating are disclosed herein. The nuclear fuel structure includes a plurality of fibers arranged in the structure and a multilayer fuel region within at least one fiber of the plurality of fibers. The multilayer fuel region includes an inner layer region made of a nuclear fuel material, and an outer layer region encasing the nuclear fuel material. A plurality of discrete multilayer fuel regions may be formed over a core region along the at least one fiber, the plurality of discrete multilayer fuel regions having a respective inner layer region of nuclear fuel material and a respective outer layer region encasing the nuclear fuel material. The plurality of fibers may be wrapped around an inner rod or tube structure or inside an outer tube structure of the nuclear fuel structure, providing both structural support and the nuclear fuel material of the nuclear fuel structure.

Abstract: A collapsible acoustic honeycomb ceiling installation can be made by cutting desired material into panels. Next, a manufacturer can cut one or more notches into the panels. The manufacturer can assemble the collapsible acoustic honeycomb ceiling installation by aligning the one or more notches on the panels and slideably connecting the panels. The resultant collapsible acoustic honeycomb ceiling installation can provide a versatile decorative feature to a space while maintaining or altering the acoustics of the space as desired. Further, because the ceiling installation is collapsible, a manufacturer or installer can easily transport, install, and remove the ceiling installation.

Abstract: An enclosure for recessed lighting, comprising a lateral wall, a top wall and a removable and re-attachable enclosure base, the enclosure base includes a light source, power supply, optic, heat sink and a collar. The enclosure may include an integral junction box, or hangar bar bracket, and one or more cutouts to reduce the possible interference between enclosure and joists in the installation vicinity. The enclosure may be made out of a 3D printable material, moldable material or plastic to facilitate ease of manufacture, reduction of parts, reduction of weight, and elimination of finish steps, such as paint. Multiple enclosures may be stacked for shipping or storage, and hanger bars may be affixed to the lateral wall for installation of the enclosure in a ceiling or wall without the need for a secondary bracket.

Abstract: A fiber comprises a bulk material comprising: one or more of carbon, silicon, boron, silicon carbide, and boron nitride; and a metal or metal alloy whose affinity for oxygen is greater than that of the bulk material. At least a first portion of the metal or metal alloy is present at the entrance to grain boundaries at the surface of the fiber and within the fiber to a depth of at least 1 micron from the fiber surface. A method of improving a fiber comprises heating a fiber in an inert atmosphere to 900-1300 C for sufficient time to allow at least some of a metal or metal alloy, placed on the fiber, to diffuse and/or flow into and along grain boundaries to a depth of at least 1 micron. The metal or metal alloy has a greater affinity for oxygen than that of the fiber bulk material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to formwork. In a particular form the present disclosure relates to lost column formwork. In one aspect, there is provided a lost column formwork shell portion comprising an elongate body comprising a generally u-shaped cross-section shape comprising a pair of lengthwise extending edges, an inner side and an outer side, and at least one spacer element depending from the inner side of the shell portion and projecting inwardly. In a further aspect, there is provided a lost column formwork shell assembly comprising a pair of shell portions joined along their lengthwise extending edges. In a further aspect, there is provided a lost column formwork assembly a shell assembly, bracing and reinforcement. The lost column formwork assembly ensures that the required axis distance is maintained across its length, is braced against bulging under the hydrostatic pressure of concrete filling, and is quicker and easier to assemble than commonly known alternatives.

Abstract: A collapsible formwork element, the element including: a pair of opposing side wall panels; and at least one connector member extending between the side wall panels, wherein the formwork element is movable between an expanded configuration, wherein the opposing panels are spaced apart, and a collapsed configuration, wherein the opposing panels are relatively closer together.

Abstract: A system and method provide a material with uniform micro-structure. In an embodiment, an equal channel angular extrusion system includes an interior mandrel. The interior mandrel includes an expanding shear material section and a contracting shear material section. In addition, the system includes a material. The material is disposed about a portion of the interior mandrel. Moreover, the system includes a pressure application device. The pressure application device applies pressure to the material to force the material to contact the expanding shear material section to provide an expanded post-shear material section. Pressure from the pressure application device applies pressure to the material to force the expanded post-shear material section to contact the contracting shear material section to provide a contracted shear material section.