Abstract: The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.

Abstract: A method for creating a tapered spiral welded conical structure where the overall shape of the cone is first graphically slit axially and unwrapped, and then a series of construction arcs and lines are created to form the edge lines of a strip that can then be wrapped (rolled) to form a tapered conical structure. The edges of the spirally wound strip can be welded together, and a very large conical structure can thus be achieved. Various construction options are presented from a constant width strip to strip made from straight segments. Equations are given for the formation of the strips to enable those skilled in the art of spiral welded tubing to practice the invention.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to electrochemical cells having semi-solid electrodes that are coated on only one side of a current collector. In some embodiments, an electrochemical cell includes a semi-solid positive electrode coated on only one side of a positive current collector and a semi-solid negative electrode coated on only one side of a negative current collector. A separator is disposed between the semi-solid positive electrode and the semi-solid negative electrode. At least one of the semi-solid positive electrode and the semi-solid negative electrode can have a thickness of at least about 250 ?m.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the various embodiments may provide device architectures for batteries. In various embodiments, these may be primary or secondary batteries. In various embodiments these devices may be useful for energy storage. Various embodiments may provide a battery including an Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) electrode, an Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) electrode, a metal electrode; and an electrolyte separating the ORR electrode and the OER electrode from the metal electrode.

Abstract: A group of micro-objects in a holding pen in a micro-fluidic device can be selected and moved to a staging area, from which the micro-objects can be exported from the micro-fluidic device. The micro-fluidic device can have a plurality of holding pens, and each holding pen can isolate micro-objects located in the holding pen from micro-objects located in the other holding pens or elsewhere in the micro-fluidic device. The selected group of micro-objects can comprise one or more biological cells, such as a clonal population of cells. Embodiments of the invention can thus select a particular group of clonal cells in a micro-fluidic device, move the clonal cells to a staging area, and export the clonal cells from the micro-fluidic device while maintaining the clonal nature of the exported group.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to electrochemical cells having semi-solid electrodes that are coated on only one side of a current collector. In some embodiments, an electrochemical cell includes a semi-solid positive electrode coated on only one side of a positive current collector and a semi-solid negative electrode coated on only one side of a negative current collector. A separator is disposed between the semi-solid positive electrode and the semi-solid negative electrode. At least one of the semi-solid positive electrode and the semi-solid negative electrode can have a thickness of at least about 250 ?m.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrochemical cell includes transferring an anode semi-solid suspension to an anode compartment defined at least in part by an anode current collector and an separator spaced apart from the anode collector. The method also includes transferring a cathode semi-solid suspension to a cathode compartment defined at least in part by a cathode current collector and the separator spaced apart from the cathode collector. The transferring of the anode semi-solid suspension to the anode compartment and the cathode semi-solid to the cathode compartment is such that a difference between a minimum distance and a maximum distance between the anode current collector and the separator is maintained within a predetermined tolerance. The method includes sealing the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.

Abstract: Braille writing devices and systems, and corresponding methods of writing braille characters on a tape medium are described herein. The devices and systems emboss tactile dots on different types of tape medium to enable braille character writing and advance the tape medium to create accurate and repeatable spacing of the braille characters. The devices and systems may be comprised of simply molded plastic parts that snap together using elastically averaging precision alignment features.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus, the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A handheld device to enable a person to create Braille impressions in adhesive tape as labels or messages, where the device includes a hollow base structure, with a tape exit port, and a top region with flexurally hinged embossing arms whose tips converge to a central region, where the tips have downwardly projecting convex bump structures located above concave bump receiving structures, and a tape holding structure onto which a roll of tape can be placed, whereby tape coming from the roll can pass between the convex and concave bump structures, over the cutting edge and out the tape exit port. Furthermore, the device can have a cover structure with flexurally hinged members located above, and coupled to, the hinged embossing arms with snap domes to provide an audible click and tactile cue when the flexurally hinged members are pushed down on by a user's fingers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for bonding polymeric parts are disclosed. Specifically, in one embodiment, the polymeric parts are bonded by plastically deforming them against each other while they are below the glass transition temperatures.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to electrochemical cells having semi-solid electrodes that are coated on only one side of a current collector. In some embodiments, an electrochemical cell includes a semi-solid positive electrode coated on only one side of a positive current collector and a semi-solid negative electrode coated on only one side of a negative current collector. A separator is disposed between the semi-solid positive electrode and the semi-solid negative electrode. At least one of the semi-solid positive electrode and the semi-solid negative electrode can have a thickness of at least about 250 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus, the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrochemical cell includes transferring an anode semi-solid suspension to an anode compartment defined at least in part by an anode current collector and an separator spaced apart from the anode collector. The method also includes transferring a cathode semi-solid suspension to a cathode compartment defined at least in part by a cathode current collector and the separator spaced apart from the cathode collector. The transferring of the anode semi-solid suspension to the anode compartment and the cathode semi-solid to the cathode compartment is such that a difference between a minimum distance and a maximum distance between the anode current collector and the separator is maintained within a predetermined tolerance. The method includes sealing the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a massage device configured to provide a squeezing pressure. The massage device may include an elastically extensible and bendable connector element and at least two rolling massage elements. A portion of the elastically extensible and bendable connector element and the at least two rolling massage elements form a massaging zone configured to receive one or more body parts. The body parts may include feet, forearms, and the like. Accordingly, the massage device may provide relief for specific conditions such as plantar fasciitis and carpel tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the various embodiments may provide a battery including a rolling diaphragm configured to move to accommodate an internal volume change of one or more components of the battery. Systems and methods of the various embodiments may provide a battery housing including a rolling diaphragm seal disposed between an interior volume of the battery and an electrode assembly within the battery. Various embodiments may provide an air electrode assembly including an air electrode supported on a buoyant platform such that the air electrode is above a surface of a volume of electrolyte when the buoyant platform is floating in the electrolyte.

Abstract: Reflectors for solar concentration and methods for formation thereof. A reflective assembly (1340) may include a plurality of elongate panels (370) forming a continuous trough (1330), and a frame (1230) configured to support the panels, with the frame with attached panels defining a parabolic contour on the top side of the trough.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.