Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for recycling lead-acid batteries, and more specifically, relates to purifying and recycling the lead content from lead-acid batteries. A system includes a reactor that receives and mixes a lead-bearing material waste, a carboxylate source, and a recycled liquid component to form a leaching mixture yielding a lead carboxylate precipitate. The system also includes a phase separation device coupled to the reactor, wherein the phase separation device isolates the lead carboxylate precipitate from a liquid component of the leaching mixture. The system further includes a closed-loop liquid recycling system coupled to the phase separation device and to the reactor, wherein the closed-loop liquid recycling system receives the liquid component isolated by the phase separation device and recycles a substantial portion of the received liquid component back to the reactor as the recycled liquid component.

Abstract: A drive unit of a top drive system includes a drive stem having a plurality of ports from an exterior thereof to an interior thereof. A plurality of sliding coupling members is disposed in the ports. A coupling collar encircles the drive stem and has actuation surfaces and recessed surfaces on an interior thereof, wherein the recessed surfaces align with the ports when the coupling collar is in a first position, and the actuation surfaces align with the ports when the coupling collar is in a second position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a content server to select sets of video streams having different encoding parameters for transmitting the sets of video streams to a media device are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method for transmitting video streams for a media program from a server to a media device includes: selecting, by the server, first encoding parameters including a first bitrate for a first set of video streams for the media program based on a first estimated bandwidth capacity for a network linking the server and the media device, transmitting the first set of video streams from the server to the media device, determining, by the server, second encoding parameters including a second bitrate for a second set of video streams for the media program, and transmitting the second set of video streams from the server to the media device.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing a waste management app. The system may have a locating device disposed onboard a service vehicle and configured to generate a first signal indicative of a location of the service vehicle, an input device, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive a route assignment including waste services to be performed by the service vehicle, and to track movement of the service vehicle during performance of the waste services based on the first signal. The controller may also be configured to provide a graphical user interface for display on the input device, listing the waste services from the route assignment to be performed by the service vehicle and showing a location of the service vehicle relative to at least one location at which the waste services are to be performed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrocarbon monitoring are provided. An example method (e.g., performed by a monitoring system) includes receiving one or more first downhole measurements including a first speed of sound (SoS) measurement of a flowing fluid at a first location, wherein a pressure of the flowing fluid at the first location is greater than a bubble-point pressure of the flowing fluid; receiving one or more second downhole measurements including a second SoS measurement of the flowing fluid at a second location, wherein a pressure of the flowing fluid at the second location is less than the bubble-point pressure of the flowing fluid and wherein the flowing fluid is a 3-phase fluid mixture at the second location; and calculating one or more phase flow rates of the 3-phase fluid mixture, based on the first SoS measurement, the second SoS measurement, and a measurement of a bulk velocity of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: Present embodiments include a series of lithium battery modules having a plurality of electrochemical cells having different electrical characteristics such as voltages and/or capacities. The battery modules are each constructed using components, architectures, production methods, among other things, in common with each other. The lithium ion battery modules may include a first battery module type having a first capacity and a first voltage, a second battery module type having a second capacity and a second voltage, and, in some embodiments, additional battery module types (e.g., a third battery module type having a third capacity and a third voltage) having different voltages and/or capacities. The lithium ion battery modules may all have the same footprint.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes a first prime mover, a transmission, a power take-off (PTO), a lubrication system for the transmission and the PTO, and a control system. The transmission is powered by the first prime mover. The transmission is configured to rotate a drive shaft of the vehicle. The PTO is connected to the transmission at a first interface. The PTO includes the first interface and a second interface. The control system is configured to control fluid flow through the lubrication system for at least one mode where the input section of the PTO is stationary and the output section rotates.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: Relays having internal connections on both sides of their switches may be used in conjunction with a connector that integrates both the normal relay switch control lines with the sensing conductors of a control module for a battery module of an energy storage device. In this manner, sensing conductors may be routed along with the switch control lines for the relay instead of separately as described above. This integration reduces the complexity and cost associated with the energy storage device, because it reduces the number of separately routed lines and also eliminates the external connections for at least some of the sensing conductors.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided. The electrochemical cell includes a positive electrode including a first lithium metal-based material, the first lithium metal-based material including one or more transition metal ions, and wherein the positive electrode has an operating voltage of 4.5 volts versus lithium metal potential or greater. The electrochemical cell also includes an electrolyte formed from ingredients comprising a solvent and lithium salt. The solvent includes at least one carbonic ester. The electrochemical cell further includes a negative electrode including a second lithium metal-based material, the second lithium metal-based material including one or more transition metal ions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a monolithic multi-optical-waveguide penetrator or connector. One example apparatus generally includes a plurality of large diameter optical waveguides, each having a core and a cladding, and a body having a plurality of bores with the optical waveguides disposed therein, wherein at least a portion of the cladding of each of the optical waveguides is fused with the body, such that the apparatus is a monolithic structure. Such an apparatus provides for a cost- and space-efficient technique for feedthrough of multiple optical waveguides. Also, the body may have a large outer diameter which can be shaped into features of interest, such as connection alignment or feedthrough sealing features.

Abstract: A battery module includes a housing having an opening and an electrochemical cell disposed in the housing. The electrochemical cell includes a first cell surface having electrode terminals and an second cell surface substantially opposite the first cell surface. The battery module also includes a heat sink integral with the housing and a thermally conductive adhesive bonded to the second cell surface and a heat sink surface that is facing the second cell surface. The thermally conductive adhesive can include a bonding shear strength and bonding tensile strength between the electrochemical cell and the heat sink of between approximately 5 megaPascals (MPa) and 50 MPa.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for making armored cables. An example method for making an armored cable includes forming a strip stock into an armor tubing; welding a seam of the armor tubing in a welding zone; inserting at least one of a first optical fiber or a first wire into a first end of a first guide tube, wherein: the first guide tube extends through the welding zone; the first guide tube protects the at least one of the first optical fiber or the first wire during the welding of the seam; and the first guide tube is not part of the armored cable after the making of the armored cable; and supporting the first guide tube within the armor tubing by a plurality of support legs such that the first guide tube does not contact the armor tubing.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: A switching power conversion apparatus includes an input voltage source, an output load, a first switch connected to a switching node, and a second switch connected to the switching node. An inductive element has a magnetizing current connected to the switching node. The inductive element delivers energy via the first and second switches from the voltage source to the load during power conversion cycles. A capacitance connected to the switching node can resonate with the inductive element during a portion of the power conversion cycles to cause a parasitic oscillation. A first clamp subcircuit is across the inductive element and contains a unidirectional auxiliary switch to trap energy from the inductive element and store it into the storage capacitor and prevent parasitic oscillation. The auxiliary switch is complementary to the first switch. A current source discharges the storage capacitor and uses the energy in the switching power conversion apparatus.

Abstract: A switching power conversion apparatus for converting power from an input voltage source to a load includes first and second switches connected to a switching node. An inductive element has a magnetizing current connected to the node, and the inductive element is connected to deliver energy via the first and second switches from the input voltage to the load during a succession of power conversion cycles. A capacitance connected to the node resonates with the inductive element to cause parasitic oscillation. A clamp subcircuit across the inductive element contains an auxiliary switch to trap energy and prevent parasitic oscillation, wherein the auxiliary switch is complementary to the first switch. A controlled voltage source injects energy in the inductive element, when the auxiliary switch turns off to discharge the parasitic capacitance by using trapped energy in the inductive element in addition to injected energy from the controlled voltage source.

Abstract: Provided is a terminal assembly for an electrochemical battery comprising a terminal connector; a conductive flat-plate with an electrically conducting perimeter; an electrically insulating tape member; and a terminal bipolar electrode plate. The electrically insulating tape member is in between the conductive flat-plate and the terminal bipolar electrode plate such that the electrically insulating tape member does not cover the entire surface area of the conductive flat-plate. The electrically conducting perimeter enables bi-directional uniform current flow through the conductive flat-plate between the terminal connector and the terminal bipolar electrode plate. Also provided is a battery frame member for a static rechargeable battery comprising a liquid diversion system; a gutter; a sealing member; a gas channel; and a ventilation hole.

Abstract: A method on a mobile device for a wireless network is described. An audio input is monitored for a trigger phrase spoken by a user of the mobile device. A command phrase spoken by the user after the trigger phrase is buffered. The command phrase corresponds to a call command and a call parameter. A set of target contacts associated with the mobile device is selected based on respective voice validation scores and respective contact confidence scores. The respective voice validation scores are based on the call parameter. The respective contact confidence scores are based on a user context associated with the user. A call to a priority contact of the set of target contacts is automatically placed if the voice validation score of the priority contact meets a validation threshold and the contact confidence score of the priority contact meets a confidence threshold.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery is disclosed. The lead-acid storage battery has a container with a cover, the container including one or more compartments. One or more cell elements are provided in the one or more compartments. The one or more cell elements include a positive plate, the positive plate having a positive grid and a positive electrochemically active material on the positive grid; a negative plate, the negative plate having a negative grid and a negative electrochemically active material on the negative grid, wherein the negative electrochemically active material comprises barium sulfate and an organic expander; and a separator between the positive plate and the negative plate. Electrolyte is provided within the container. One or more terminal posts extend, from the cover and are electrically coupled to the one or more cell elements.

Abstract: When cementing tubing in a borehole, a wet shoe track is created, and pressure testing of the tubing is performed. To do this, a wiper plug seats in a seat of an insert disposed in a first position in a flow bore of a tool. The insert is released and moved toward a second position in the flow bore in response to the first pressure applied against the seated wiper plug. A collar disposed on the wiper plug seats on a second seat disposed uphole of the first seat. The tubing is pressure tested by applying pressure down the tubing against the wiper plug with the collar seated in the second seat. Fluid communication is then established through the flow bore downhole of the wiper plug, the first seat, and the second seat by removing the collar from the wiper plug. This can create the wet shoe track.