Abstract: An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float for use with a floating solar PV array, including: a float formed from a flexible membrane; and an expansion structure that is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air. The expansion structure may be an expandable structure that is positioned within the float, or around an exterior surface of the float and increases in size when deployed.

Abstract: A connection mechanism including a plurality of microstructure features. The connection mechanism includes a first strip, with a plurality of protrusions extending from the first strip, and a second strip, with a plurality of protrusions extending from the second strip. The protrusions define grooves between adjacent protrusions. A pressure sensitive adhesive is provided in at least some of the grooves. When the first and second strips are brought together, the protrusions from one strip are received in the grooves of the other, and some of the protrusions contact the pressure sensitive adhesive, thereby connecting the first and second strips. The connection mechanism can be used as a closure mechanism for a plastic storage bag.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to color printing calibration. In a particular example, an apparatus includes a media sensor and a formatter. The media sensor may collect spectral data from light reflected off a print material. The media sensor may include a light source to illuminate a portion of the print material, a diffractor to diffract light reflected off of the print material, and a photo-detector to obtain the spectral data from the light reflected off the print material. The formatter may identify a white-point of the print material using the spectral data and configure color concentrations in the apparatus based on the identified white-point of the print material.

Abstract: Payload container and system for delivering a payload to a wellbore, the payload container includes a blister container having a cavity formed therein and an edge about the perimeter of the cavity, one or more payload substances contained within the cavity, a lidding material to cover the cavity, and optionally, an adhesive to bond the lidding material to the edge of the cavity, so that the one or more payload substances can be released in response to an external stimulus. The wellbore payload delivery system includes a plurality of payload containers and a pump system for injecting the one or more payload containers into a wellbore, the pump system has a pump and a length of tubing coupled with the pump and extending to a zone of a subterranean formation adjacent to the wellbore.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods related to electronic vehicle plates are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a display plate and an electronic display. The display plate is configured to be disposed between a license plate and an exterior of a vehicle when the license plate is mounted to the exterior of the vehicle. The electronic display is coupled to the display plate such that at least a portion of the electronic display is visible through an aperture in the license plate when the license plate is mounted to the exterior of the vehicle. The electronic display is configured to display a status indicator of the vehicle through the aperture in the license plate.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems including an encapsulated additive comprising a treatment fluid additive at least partially encapsulated by an encapsulating material. The encapsulated additive has a target release profile for release of the treatment fluid additive from the encapsulating material in a specific wellbore environment. The encapsulating material is selected to achieve the target release profile, the target release profile being based on one or more conditions selected from the group consisting of: (1) a target anisotropic pressure that is greater than both an injection anisotropic pressure and an injection isotropic pressure, (2) an erosion number, (3) a temperature-driven degradation, (4) a pressure-driven degradation, (5) an amphiphilic water dispersibility, (6) an amphiphilic oil dispersibility, (7) a chemical flood degradation, (8) a water ingress value, and, (9) a radiation-driven degradation.

Abstract: Payload container and system for delivering a payload to a wellbore, the payload container includes a blister container having a cavity formed therein and an edge about the perimeter of the cavity, one or more payload substances contained within the cavity, a lidding material to cover the cavity, and optionally, an adhesive to bond the lidding material to the edge of the cavity, so that the one or more payload substances can be released in response to an external stimulus. The wellbore payload delivery system includes a plurality of payload containers and a pump system for injecting the one or more payload containers into a wellbore, the pump system has a pump and a length of tubing coupled with the pump and extending to a zone of a subterranean formation adjacent to the wellbore.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods related to electronic vehicle plates are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a display plate and an electronic display. The display plate is configured to be disposed between a license plate and an exterior of a vehicle when the license plate is mounted to the exterior of the vehicle. The electronic display is coupled to the display plate such that at least a portion of the electronic display is visible through an aperture in the license plate when the license plate is mounted to the exterior of the vehicle. The electronic display is configured to display a status indicator of the vehicle through the aperture in the license plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to adhesive systems and methods of making and using such systems. Exemplary adhesive systems comprise protrusions and/or grooves that can interleave to form a reversible adhesive interaction.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a swim fin generally including a fin blade and a bootie, the bootie including a foot pocket configured to receive a user's foot and ankle, the foot pocket attached to the top surface of the fin blade; and a strap system including one or more straps pulling the user's foot and ankle into the foot pocket toward the distal edge of the fin blade and down against a top surface of the fin blade. Some aspects of the present invention may also include a foot pocket formed from a first portion having a first elastic characteristic connected to the top surface of the fin blade; and a second portion having a second elastic characteristic portion disposed at least on a portion of the top surface of the foot pocket, the second elastic characteristic being greater than the first elastic characteristic.

Abstract: A connection mechanism including a plurality of microstructure features. The connection mechanism includes a first strip, with a plurality of protrusions extending from the first strip, and a second strip, with a plurality of protrusions extending from the second strip. The protrusions define grooves between adjacent protrusions. A pressure sensitive adhesive is provided in at least some of the grooves. When the first and second strips are brought together, the protrusions from one strip are received in the grooves of the other, and some of the protrusions contact the pressure sensitive adhesive, thereby connecting the first and second strips. The connection mechanism can be used as a closure mechanism for a plastic storage bag.

Abstract: Animal litters and methods of making and using such litters are disclosed herein. The animal litters comprise (a) a plurality of absorbent particles comprising (i) a non-swelling particle and (ii) a clumping material coated on the non-swelling particle and (b) a plurality of one or more filler particles that are not associated with the absorbent particles. The filler particles provide additional functionality to the litters, e.g., controlling odor, absorbing moisture, releasing fragrance, controlling microorganisms, controlling dust, reducing density, reducing weight, and combinations thereof. The litters are made by producing the absorbent particles using conventional means and combining the absorbent particles with one or more filler particles that impart the desired characteristic to the litters.

Abstract: Disclosed are adhesive systems and methods of making and using such systems. Exemplary adhesive systems include protrusions and/or grooves that can interleave to form a reversible adhesive interaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel etching media in the form of printable, homogeneous etching pastes with non-Newtonian flow properties for the improved etching of inorganic oxides and silicon surfaces and which allow to prepare smaller features.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a swim fin generally including a fin blade and a bootie, the bootie including a foot pocket configured to receive a user's foot and ankle, the foot pocket attached to the top surface of the fin blade; and a strap system including one or more straps pulling the user's foot and ankle into the foot pocket toward the distal edge of the fin blade and down against a top surface of the fin blade. Some aspects of the present invention may also include a foot pocket formed from a first portion having a first elastic characteristic connected to the top surface of the fin blade; and a second portion having a second elastic characteristic portion disposed at least on a portion of the top surface of the foot pocket, the second elastic characteristic being greater than the first elastic characteristic.

Abstract: The invention provides animal litters and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise (a) a plurality of absorbent particles comprising (i) a non-swelling particle and (ii) a clumping material coated on the non-swelling particle and (b) a plurality of one or more filler particles that are not associated with the absorbent particles. The filler particles provide additional functionality to the litters, e.g., controlling odor, absorbing moisture, releasing fragrance, controlling microorganisms, controlling dust, reducing density, reducing weight, and combinations thereof. The litters are made by producing the absorbent particles using conventional means and combining the absorbent particles with one or more filler particles that impart the desired characteristic to the litters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to adhesive systems and methods of making and using such systems. Exemplary adhesive systems comprise protrusions and/or grooves that can interleave to form a reversible adhesive interaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to adhesive systems and methods of making and using such systems. Exemplary adhesive systems comprise protrusions and/or grooves that can interleave to form a reversible adhesive interaction.