Abstract: In a system including geographically distinct data centers that support a customer service team with customer service groups variously aligned to the data centers and collectively providing continuous customer service to a specified set of customers via multiple temporal duty shift, unsolved problems to be transferred to a customer service group having a next temporal duty shift are prioritized. In accordance with the prioritization, information and data regarding unsolved problems is synchronized and transferred from a customer service data center supporting the currently working customer service group, to a customer service data center supporting a customer service group having the next temporal duty shift. The information regarding unsolved problems or otherwise higher priority problems is synchronized before information regarding solved or otherwise lower priority problems and is optionally synchronized via different communication channels than lower priority problem information.

Abstract: In a system including geographically distinct data centers that support a customer service team with customer service groups variously aligned to the data centers and collectively providing continuous customer service to a specified set of customers via multiple temporal duty shift, unsolved problems to be transferred to a customer service group having a next temporal duty shift are prioritized. In accordance with the prioritization, information and data regarding unsolved problems is synchronized and transferred from a customer service data center supporting the currently working customer service group, to a customer service data center supporting a customer service group having the next temporal duty shift. The information regarding unsolved problems or otherwise higher priority problems is synchronized before information regarding solved or otherwise lower priority problems and is optionally synchronized via different communication channels than lower priority problem information.

Abstract: Techniques for evaluating the performance and effectiveness of user support services and capital resources are disclosed herein. One or more tools are provided that allow a user support services group to be managed more efficiently. User support services groups are managed as a typical profit and loss (P&L) center, and one or more tools provides a P&L-type interface that allows user services support managers to make balancing decision taking into account revenue and cost considerations.

Abstract: Embodiments directed to a method of manufacturing a pyrotechnic article for use with a thermal battery are disclosed. The method includes forming an iron oxide preform from iron oxide powder. The method also includes reducing the iron oxide preform to an iron preform made of metallic iron. The method further includes impregnating the iron preform with an oxidizer to form the pyrotechnic article.

Abstract: At least a portion of the enclosure of a thermal battery is formed of a ceramic material that is non-porous and electrically-non-conductive. The thermal battery includes at least one cell, a squib that when activated causes the at least one cell to become active, and an enclosure that surrounds the at least one cell and the squib. Squib terminals and battery terminals extend through the enclosure and are electrically connected to the squib and to the at least one cell, respectively. At least the portion of the enclosure through which the squib and battery terminals extend is formed of the ceramic material. The enclosure includes a container and a header. At least the header is made from the ceramic material, and preferably both the container and the header are made from the ceramic material.

Abstract: A cathode material includes a primary active cathode material and an amount of NiS2. Primary batteries (e.g., thermal batteries) can be provided that contain such a cathode material.

Abstract: At least a portion of the enclosure of a thermal battery is formed of a ceramic material that is non-porous and electrically-non-conductive. The thermal battery includes at least one cell, a squib that when activated causes the at least one cell to become active, and an enclosure that surrounds the at least one cell and the squib. Squib terminals and battery terminals extend through the enclosure and are electrically connected to the squib and to the at least one cell, respectively. At least the portion of the enclosure through which the squib and battery terminals extend is formed of the ceramic material. The enclosure includes a container and a header. At least the header is made from the ceramic material, and preferably both the container and the header are made from the ceramic material.

Abstract: Cathode materials for use in thermal batteries are disclosed. The cathode material includes a primary active material and an amount of a bi-metal sulfide such as CuFeS2. Batteries (e.g., thermal batteries) that contain such cathode materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ternary or quaternary electrolyte material for use in thermal batteries that is substantially free of binders is disclosed. Composites of electrodes and electrolytes that contain the electrolyte material and batteries that contain the electrolyte material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cathode material includes a primary active cathode material and an amount of NiS2. Primary batteries (e.g., thermal batteries) can be provided that contain such a cathode material.

Abstract: Cathode materials for use in thermal batteries are disclosed. The cathode material includes a primary active material and an amount of a bi-metal sulfide such as CuFeS2. Batteries (e.g., thermal batteries) that contain such cathode materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ternary or quaternary electrolyte material for use in thermal batteries that is substantially free of binders is disclosed. Composites of electrodes and electrolytes that contain the electrolyte material and batteries that contain the electrolyte material are also disclosed.

Abstract: An oil pump for an engine having a first cam shaft and a second cam shaft. The oil pump includes a housing and a first pump assembly at least partially disposed within the housing. The first pump assembly includes a rotating element that is adapted to be directly driven by the first cam shaft A second pump assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing. The second pump assembly includes a rotating element that is adapted to be directly driven by the second cam shaft.

Abstract: A slatwall system having a central, female, and male channels. The central channel includes top and bottom slots, as does the female channel, whereas the male channel includes a top slot and a bottom tongue. The channels may be arrayed on a wall such that the female channel bottom slot and the central channel top slot face each other, and so that the central channel bottom slot and the male channel top slot face each other. The facing slots of these channels thereby define grooves where hanging implements may be inserted. Further, the female and male channels are sized and configured such that when a male channel bottom tongue is inserted within a female channel top slot, the combined female and male channels have substantially the same size and configuration as the central channel; in other words, the male channel top slot resembles the central channel top slot and the female channel bottom slot resembles the central channel bottom slot.