Abstract: A method of producing a structured composite material is described. A porous media is provided, an electrically conductive material is deposited on surfaces or within pores of the plurality of porous media particles, and an active material is deposited on the surfaces or within the pores of the plurality of porous media particles coated with the electrically conductive material to coalesce the plurality of porous media particles together and form the structured composite material.

Abstract: A vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnace and method of using. A VIM is configured for use with metal-containing carbon powders. In operation, the metal-containing carbon powders are formed into a pellet so as to minimize or eliminate ejection of material during introduction of the pellet into the VIM processor. The VIM processor may be substituted or used in combination with a vacuum arc melt processing apparatus, an electron beam melt furnace, an ion plating furnace, a plasma flame source, a smelter, a traditional metal-metal melt furnace, or any equivalent. Pelletizing can be accomplished through use of a press or through application of any pelletizing technique and/or use of any apparatus that is able to generate pellets that have sufficient mass to avoid ejection from a VIM processor.

Abstract: Inventive techniques for forming unique compositions of matter are disclosed, as well as associated physical characteristics and properties of the materials. In particular, particles comprising a metal lattice are characterized by having carbon (preferably graphene) disposed within the crystalline lattice structure thereof. The carbon is at least partially disposed in interstitial sites of the metal lattice, and may be present in amounts ranging from about 15 wt % to about 90 wt % of the total particle mass, with about 15 wt % to about 60 wt % being disposed in the interstitial sites, e.g., between basal planes, of the metal lattice. The carbon, moreover, is substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the resultant material, conveying unique and advantageous properties such as strength-to-weight ratio, density, mechanical toughness, sheer strength, flex strength, hardness, anti-corrosiveness, electrical and/or thermal conductivity, etc. as described herein.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing covetic materials by exciting a hydrocarbon gas with pulse microwaves to form hydrocarbon radicals in a hot first region of a microwave reactor. Graphene nanoplatelets are formed by the nucleation, growth and assembly of the hydrocarbon radicals, and contact a metal melt introduced downstream of the hot region to produce a mixture of molten metal and graphene nanoplatelets which assemble in-flight to form covetic materials. Graphene planes are infused in the metal matrix to achieve carbon loadings of at least 60%.

Abstract: A container includes a surface defining a volume of the container, a first resonance portion disposed on a first portion of the surface of the container using one or more first carbon-based inks, and a second resonance portion disposed on a second portion of the surface of the container using one or more second carbon-based inks different than the one or more first carbon-based inks. The first resonance portion can resonate within a first range of frequencies in response to one or more electromagnetic pings received from a user device, and the second resonance portion can resonate within a second range of frequencies in response to the one or more electromagnetic pings, the second range of frequencies being different than the first range of frequencies. In some instances, the user device may be a smartphone, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, or a near-field communication (NFC) device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sensors-as-a-service ecosystem. In use, the system includes functions for receiving first sensor data at a sensors as a service platform, where the first sensor data corresponds to a first level of capabilities for a first sensor. The system also receives a selection of a sensor upgrade for the first sensor and provisions enhanced sensor capabilities for the sensor upgrade based on the selection. Furthermore, the system sends a sensor update with the enhanced sensor capabilities from the sensors as a service platform to the first sensor. Finally, the system receives second sensor data from the first sensor at the sensors as a service platform, where the second sensor data corresponds to a second level of capabilities for the first sensor.

Abstract: Methods and system to learn precise sensing fingerprints based on machine learning integration are disclosed herein. In use, the system receives at least one first parameter associated with at least one sensor and associates the first parameter with a pre-identified first digital signature in a signature database. A machine learning system is trained based on the first parameter and the pre-identified digital signature. The system then receives at least one second parameter from the at least one sensor and determines that the second parameter is independent of a digital signature in the signature database. Using the machine learning system, a second digital signature for the second parameter is identified and saved in the signature database.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for producing covetic materials that addresses limitations in conventional covetic material production methods. The apparatus utilizes pulsed RF energy to dissociate carbon-containing fluid into carbon species in a first region of a reactor, while a second region receives metal-containing fluid to form metal species. The downstream arrangement of the first and second regions enables controlled mixing of carbon and metal species, followed by cooling at an output port to form covetic materials. The pulsed RF energy configuration and dual-region reactor design provide enhanced control over the dissociation process and material formation compared to existing production methods.

Abstract: A composition of matter suitable for usage as a formative material for a lithium-sulfur battery cathode is provided. The composition of matter may include a carbon structure formed by multiple carbon particles interconnected to one another. Each carbon particle may include pores and exposed surfaces. In this way, an electrically conductive material (ECM) (e.g., silver and/or antimony) may be deposited in the pores and coated (e.g., conformally coated) on the exposed surfaces of respective carbon particles. In addition, at least some carbon particles may disintegrate and provide exposed surfaces prior to deposition of the ECM. For example, disintegrated carbon particles may have a greater surface-area-to-volume ratio than whole carbon particles, thereby providing an increased amount of surface area available for subsequent ECM deposition. In addition, in some aspects, an active material may be infiltrated in one or more carbon particles and pores.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to create porous surface coatings. In use, a surface material includes synthesized carbon-containing composite materials based on metallic particles and carbon particles, where the synthesized carbon-containing composite materials comprise a porosity characteristic, and satisfy at least one of: a heat transfer characteristic, a resistance to corrosion characteristic, or a non-ablative erosion characteristic. Additionally, the surface material includes a bonding layer disposed on a substrate to which the synthesized carbon-containing composite materials are bonded, and a surface layer comprising at least some of the synthesized carbon-containing composite materials, where a thermal characteristic of the surface layer is based on electron emissive cooling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sensors-as-a-service ecosystem. In use, the system includes functions for receiving first sensor data at a sensors as a service platform, where the first sensor data corresponds to a first level of capabilities for a first sensor. The system also receives a selection of a sensor upgrade for the first sensor and provisions enhanced sensor capabilities for the sensor upgrade based on the selection. Furthermore, the system sends a sensor update with the enhanced sensor capabilities from the sensors as a service platform to the first sensor. Finally, the system receives second sensor data from the first sensor at the sensors as a service platform, where the second sensor data corresponds to a second level of capabilities for the first sensor.

Abstract: Inventive techniques for forming unique compositions of matter are disclosed, as well as various advantageous physical characteristics, and associated properties of the resultant materials. In particular, particles comprising polymer matrices are characterized by having carbon disposed within the polymer matrix structure thereof. The carbon is primarily, or entirely, present at interstitial sites of the polymer matrix, and may be present in amounts ranging from about 15 wt % to about 90 wt %. The carbon, moreover, forms covalent bonds with both atoms of the polymer matrix and other carbon atoms present in, but not part of, the matrix. This facilitates substantially homogeneous dispersal of the carbon throughout the resultant material, conveying unique and advantageous properties such as strength-to-weight ratio, density, mechanical toughness, sheer strength, flex strength, hardness, anti-corrosiveness, electrical and/or thermal conductivity, etc. as described herein.

Abstract: A container includes a surface defining a volume of the container, a first resonance portion disposed on a first portion of the surface of the container using one or more first carbon-based inks, and a second resonance portion disposed on a second portion of the surface of the container using one or more second carbon-based inks different than the one or more first carbon-based inks. The first resonance portion can resonate within a first range of frequencies in response to one or more electromagnetic pings received from a user device, and the second resonance portion can resonate within a second range of frequencies in response to the one or more electromagnetic pings, the second range of frequencies being different than the first range of frequencies. In some instances, the user device may be a smartphone, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, or a near-field communication (NFC) device.

Abstract: A disclosed construction structure unit may include at least one split-ring resonator, which may be embedded within a material. The split ring resonator may be formed from a three-dimensional (3D) monolithic carbonaceous growth and may detect an electromagnetic ping emitted from a user device. The split ring resonator may generate an electromagnetic return signal in response to the electromagnetic ping. The electromagnetic return signal may indicate a state of the material in a position proximate to a respective split ring resonator. In some aspects, the split-ring resonator may resonate at a first frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the material is in a first state, and may resonate at a second frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the material is in a second state. A resonant frequency of the 3D monolithic carbonaceous growth may be based on physical characteristics of the material.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing covetic materials by exciting a hydrocarbon gas with pulse microwaves to form hydrocarbon radicals in a hot first region of a microwave reactor. Graphene nanoplatelets are formed by the nucleation, growth, and assembly of the hydrocarbon radicals, and contact a metal melt introduced downstream of the hot region to produce a mixture of molten metal and graphene nanoplatelets which assemble in-flight to form covetic materials.

Abstract: A system for producing carbonaceous materials is disclosed that includes an energy source configured to emit microwave energy and a plasma reactor coupled to receive the microwave energy and configured to produce plasma in response to exposure of one or more process gases to the microwave energy. In some instances, the plasma reactor includes a first chamber having a rectangular cross-section and configured to receive the microwave energy from the energy source as sinusoidal waveform, a second chamber having a cylindrical cross-section and configured to receive microwave energy from the first chamber as a radial waveform having an energy maxima at a radial center of the cylindrical cross-section, the second chamber including an opening to receive one or more process gases and configured to ignite a plasma plume, and a gas-solid separator configured to separate solid materials from the plasma plume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sensors-as-a-service ecosystem. In use, the system includes functions for receiving first sensor data at a sensors as a service platform, where the first sensor data corresponds to a first level of capabilities for a first sensor. The system also receives a selection of a sensor upgrade for the first sensor and provisions enhanced sensor capabilities for the sensor upgrade based on the selection. Furthermore, the system sends a sensor update with the enhanced sensor capabilities from the sensors as a service platform to the first sensor. Finally, the system receives second sensor data from the first sensor at the sensors as a service platform, where the second sensor data corresponds to a second level of capabilities for the first sensor.

Abstract: A disclosed construction structure unit may include at least one split-ring resonator, which may be embedded within a material. The split ring resonator may be formed from a three-dimensional (3D) monolithic carbonaceous growth and may detect an electromagnetic ping emitted from a user device. The split ring resonator may generate an electromagnetic return signal in response to the electromagnetic ping. The electromagnetic return signal may indicate a state of the material in a position proximate to a respective split ring resonator. In some aspects, the split-ring resonator may resonate at a first frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the material is in a first state, and may resonate at a second frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the material is in a second state. A resonant frequency of the 3D monolithic carbonaceous growth may be based on physical characteristics of the material.

Abstract: A cathode for a battery including agglomerates of carbonaceous particles. Each carbonaceous particle includes a plurality of porous regions nested within each other. Each of the respective porous regions is characterized by one or more of a corresponding porosity or a corresponding pore density and a plurality of carbon fragments disposed across the plurality of porous regions. Each carbon fragment is separated from an adjacent carbon fragment by mesopores.

Abstract: Inventive techniques for forming unique compositions of matter are disclosed, as well as associated physical characteristics and properties of the materials. In particular, particles comprising a metal lattice are characterized by having carbon (preferably graphene) disposed within the crystalline lattice structure thereof. The carbon is at least partially disposed in interstitial sites of the metal lattice, and may be present in amounts ranging from about 15 wt % to about 90 wt % of the total particle mass, with about 15 wt % to about 60 wt % being disposed in the interstitial sites, e.g., between basal planes, of the metal lattice. The carbon, moreover, is substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the resultant material, conveying unique and advantageous properties such as strength-to-weight ratio, density, mechanical toughness, sheer strength, flex strength, hardness, anti-corrosiveness, electrical and/or thermal conductivity, etc. as described herein.