Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems to enhance subsurface models of fractured reservoirs. In particular, the methods and systems described herein incorporate the effects of “dynamic” compressible fractures and, thus, can improve predictions of fractured reservoir performance over time. The methods and systems may utilize predictive algorithms for mechanical and hydraulic stiffness properties of the fracture network that are based at least in part on a database of measurements derived from single fractures.

Abstract: A method for managing a product delivery process, according to one embodiment, includes: receiving status information from one or more product containers, wherein the status information includes conditions of each of the one or more product containers; determining preferred ranges for the conditions of each of the one or more product containers based on a product stored in each of the one or more product containers; determining whether the received conditions from the one or more product containers are within the preferred ranges; and sending a command in response to determining that at least one of the received conditions is outside the determined preferred range.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes receiving, by the computer, status information about one or more product containers, wherein the status information includes conditions of each of the one or more product containers. Preferred ranges for the conditions of each of the one or more product containers are determined based on food products stored in the one or more product containers, where the preferred ranges change over time by a predefined amount per unit time, and where the predefined amount and the unit time are specified in a profile associated with products stored in the one or more product containers. A determination is made as to whether the received conditions from the one or more product containers are within the preferred ranges. A first command is sent in response to determining that at least one of the received conditions is outside the determined preferred range.

Abstract: A solar concentrator module (80) employs a luminescent concentrator material (82) between photovoltaic cells (86) having their charge-carrier separation junctions (90) parallel to front surfaces (88) of photovoltaic material 84 of the photovoltaic cells (86). Intercell areas (78) covered by the luminescent concentrator material (82) occupy from 2 to 50% of the total surface area of the solar concentrator modules (80). The luminescent concentrator material (82) preferably employs quantum dot heterostructures, and the photovoltaic cells (86) preferably employ low-cost high-efficiency photovoltaic materials (84), such as silicon-based photovoltaic materials.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for routing a food product using images of the food product, according to one embodiment, includes receiving images of a food product taken at different points of a supply chain of the food product. An environmental condition on and/or near the food product at at least some of the different points of the supply chain is also received. The environmental condition includes at least temperature. Photo analytics are performed on the images to interpret the images. The food product is evaluated using interpretations of the image and the environmental conditions for determining a characteristic of the food product selected from the group of characteristics consisting of: a quality of the food product and a shelf life of the food product. A delivery destination for the food product is determined based at least in part on the evaluation of the food product.

Abstract: A system for routing a food product using an image of the food product, according to one embodiment, includes a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor. The logic is configured to cause the processor to receive an image of a food product, receive an environmental condition on or near the food product. evaluate the food product using the image and the environmental condition and determine a delivery destination for the food product based at least in part on the evaluation of the food product.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes receiving, by the computer, status information about one or more product containers, wherein the status information includes conditions of each of the one or more product containers. Preferred ranges for the conditions of each of the one or more product containers are determined based on food products stored in the one or more product containers, where the preferred ranges change over time by a predefined amount per unit time, and where the predefined amount and the unit time are specified in a profile associated with products stored in the one or more product containers. A determination is made as to whether the received conditions from the one or more product containers are within the preferred ranges. A first command is sent in response to determining that at least one of the received conditions is outside the determined preferred range.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for evaluating a food product using images of the food product, according to one embodiment, includes receiving images of a food product taken at different points of a supply chain of the food product. An environmental condition near or on the food product at at least some of the different points of the supply chain is also received. Photo analytics are performed on the images to interpret the images and changes over time of the food product included in the images. The food product is evaluated using the image interpretations and the environmental conditions for determining a characteristic of the food product selected from the group of characteristics consisting of: a quality of the food product and a remaining shelf life of the food product. An action is taken based at least in part on the evaluation of the food product.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for routing a food product using an image of the food product, according to one embodiment, includes receiving an image of a food product, receiving an environmental condition on or near the food product, evaluating the food product using the image and the environmental condition, and determining a delivery destination for the food product based at least in part on the evaluation of the food product.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing a product delivery process, according to one embodiment, includes receiving status information about a product container that contains a food product. The status information includes sensor-derived conditions of the product container including at least a temperature in the product container. Preferred ranges for the conditions of the product container are determined based on a profile associated with the food product stored therein. A determination is also made as to whether the received conditions from the product container are within the preferred ranges. A command is sent in response to determining that at least one of the received conditions is and/or has been outside the preferred range associated therewith for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a report about a food product delivery process, according to one embodiment, includes receiving status information about a product container that contains a food product at different times as the product container travels from an origin to a destination. The status information includes sensor-derived conditions in the product container including at least temperature. The status information is stored. The performance of entities involved in delivery of the food product are analyzed relative to ideal handling or process conditions for the type of food product from the origin to the destination using the status information. A report of results of the analysis is output.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing a food delivery process, according to one embodiment, includes receiving a food product history for each type of food product stored in each of a plurality of product containers. At least one of the food products is predestined for a first destination that is different than a second destination of another of the food products. Each food product history includes: an expiration date of the associated food product, storage time information, storage condition information, and temperature history. The food product history is used to determine a prioritized delivery scheme for the product containers. The prioritized delivery scheme is sent to an individual transporting the product containers and/or to a dispatcher.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes receiving, over a network, one or more sensor-recorded data elements related to information selected from the group consisting of: product identification, condition associated with a consumer product at a particular time and/or place, location associated with the consumer product at the particular time and/or place, and current state associated with a consumer product at a particular time and/or place. The received data elements are used to create or update an entry for the payload of a transaction in a blockchain. The entry is sent for recording as a transaction in a specified blockchain ledger.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a coupler for coupling a robotic arm to a surgical table having a table top on which a patient can be disposed. The coupler can include a first portion configured to couple to a surgical table and a second portion configured to couple to a robotic arm. The second portion may include a post that may translate into the first portion. The first portion may comprise a locking mechanism having one or more stages to constrain movement of the second portion relative to the first portion in six degrees of freedom. The coupler can thus provide secure coupling of the robotic arm to the surgical table.

Abstract: A method for carrying data on a live host signal, comprising the steps of: varying timing in a host signal in response to data to be encoded, wherein variations in timing are smaller than a sampling period for detection and capture of the digital signal receiving the live host signal; sensing pulse timing variations in the received live host signal by comparison to a reference signal; and determining information in the sensed timing variations.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems to enhance subsurface models of fractured reservoirs. In particular, the methods and systems described herein incorporate the effects of “dynamic” compressible fractures and, thus, can improve predictions of fractured reservoir performance over time. The methods and systems may utilize predictive algorithms for mechanical and hydraulic stiffness properties of the fracture network that are based at least in part on a database of measurements derived from single fractures.

Abstract: A solar concentrator module (80) employs a luminescent concentrator material (82) between photovoltaic cells (86) having their charge-carrier separation junctions (90) parallel to front surfaces (88) of photovoltaic material 84 of the photovoltaic cells (86). Intercell areas (78) covered by the luminescent concentrator material (82) occupy from 2 to 50% of the total surface area of the solar concentrator modules (80). The luminescent concentrator material (82) preferably employs quantum dot heterostructures, and the photovoltaic cells (86) preferably employ low-cost high-efficiency photovoltaic materials (84), such as silicon-based photovoltaic materials.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, an article of manufacture includes an objective reference having at least two optical references. The optical references are selected from a group consisting of: a non-human-visible mark, a ruler, a spaced grid, a color calibration area, an area of reflectivity, a texture, and a pattern. In at other general embodiment, a method includes receiving an image of a product and an objective reference having at least two optical references. The optical references are selected from a group consisting of: a non-human-visible mark, a ruler, a spaced grid, a color calibration area, an area of reflectivity, a texture, and a pattern. The product is evaluated by comparing the product in the image to the optical references in the image.

Abstract: A solar concentrator module (80) employs a luminescent concentrator material (82) between photovoltaic cells (86) having their charge-carrier separation junctions (90) parallel to front surfaces (88) of photovoltaic material 84 of the photovoltaic cells (86). Intercell areas (78) covered by the luminescent concentrator material (82) occupy from 2 to 50% of the total surface area of the solar concentrator modules (80). The luminescent concentrator material (82) preferably employs quantum dot heterostructures, and the photovoltaic cells (86) preferably employ low-cost high-efficiency photovoltaic materials (84), such as silicon-based photovoltaic materials.

Abstract: A method for carrying data on a live host signal, comprising the steps of: varying timing in a host signal in response to data to be encoded, wherein variations in timing are smaller than a sampling period for detection and capture of the digital signal receiving the live host signal; sensing pulse timing variations in the received live host signal by comparison to a reference signal; and determining information in the sensed timing variations.