Abstract: A polymer electrolyte can be formed from (e.g., by polymerizing) a mixture that includes oligomer(s), additive(s), solvent(s), salt(s), and/or any suitable components. The polymer electrolyte can further or alternatively include monomer(s) (e.g., a stiffening monomer that in solution or incorporated into a cured polymer modifies a mechanical property such as flexural modulus of the battery cell; adhesion monomers such as a monomer that interacts with one or more surface within a battery to modify or improve adhesion of the electrolyte and the surface; etc.).

Abstract: A method of monitoring a concentration of sanitizer in a solution includes providing a device that includes a plurality of sensors. The method continues by executing, via the device, a calibration stage that includes placing the device in sanitizer-free water, wherein the device: determines a temperature of the water; conducts a water analysis; and measures, via at least one sensor, a baseline resistance of the water. Sanitizing compounds are added to the water; and the device executes an operational stage, wherein the device: determines a resistance of the water with the sanitizing compounds; calculates a concentration of the sanitizing compounds in the water, wherein the concentration is based on the temperature of the water, the water analysis, and the baseline resistance; compares the calculated concentration to a predetermined threshold concentration; and activates an indication module of the device based on the comparison of the calculated concentration to the predetermined concentration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that reduce demands on behavior of autonomous vehicles operating in a convoy, such as lane following or leader swap. A follower vehicle receives information regarding a path that a leader vehicle has followed. The follower generally follows the leader's path while being free to also observe its own lateral or lane constraints. In particular, lateral control of the follower, that is control of its relative location transverse to the road (e.g., its position relative to travel lanes) may deviate temporarily from the leader's path. This can make it easier for the follower to observe lane discipline, such as by eliminating the tendency, using line-of-sight distance, for the follower to speed up and close a gap to the leader while negotiating a curve.

Abstract: A wearable apparatus for collecting sweat from a subject for stress monitoring. The apparatus comprises a fluid collection device configured for direct contact with the subject's skin when the wearable apparatus is in use. The fluid collection device comprises a main channel configured to collect sweat from the subject's skin, and a plurality of inlet channels in communication with the main channel, and at least one vent. A plurality of inlet ports are each uniquely associated with one of the inlet channels for storing a sample of the collected sweat and preserving molecular contents of the stored sweat. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of collection chambers to absorb the sweat for later analysis, and/or a biosensor configured to sense one or more target biomolecules and/or bioparticles in the collected sweat. A wearable sweat collection and analysis system may include a wearable apparatus as described, and a potentiostat readout device.

Abstract: Magnetically-assisted mechanical gear systems and other power transmission systems, and related methods of operation and assembly, are disclosed herein. In an example embodiment, such a system includes a driving gear, a driven gear, and a first magnetomotive force (MMF) source that generates a magnetic flux. A first portion of the flux is communicated between at least one driving gear teeth and at least one driven gear teeth so that one or more magnetic forces are exerted between the gears. When the first rotational movement of the driving gear alternates from being in the first rotational direction to being in a third rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, then the driven gear is driven by the one or more magnetic forces so that the second rotational movement also alternates, and a first amount of backlash movement between the driving and driven gears is avoided or reduced.

Abstract: A composition for an electrolyte, in a precured state, can include polymeric precursor(s), salt(s), optional plasticizer(s), optional additive(s), optional inhibitor(s), and optional initiator(s). The salt(s), additive(s), inhibitor(s), and/or initiator(s) can additionally or alternatively act as plasticizers. The composition can be used to form a gel electrolyte (e.g., in the activated state) such as within a charge storage device (e.g., battery).

Abstract: Electric power generators, generator or generation systems, related methods, and systems and applications including same are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, a generator system includes a support structure, a stator, a rotor including each of a direct current (DC) wound field rotor portion having wire windings and a permanent magnet (PM) rotor portion, a slipring system, at least one control device (including rectifier) coupled at least indirectly between the stator and the slipring system, and an output port configured to make available an output power based at least indirectly upon alternating current (AC) power output by the stator when the rotor rotates relative to the stator. The at least one control device is configured to be able to generate, and communicate to the slipring interface system, DC current based at least indirectly upon the AC power output by the stator when the rotor rotates relative to the stator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary drive apparatus comprising a housing, within which is located a first rotor and second rotor, the first rotor being rotatable about a first axis and having a rotor element projecting radially therefrom, and a second rotor being rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and in a direction opposite to the first rotor, the second rotor comprising a recess able to receive the rotor element, wherein the first rotor and the second rotor and housing define a chamber around the first rotor through which the rotor element passes, the chamber having an inlet and an outlet through which a fluid can enter and exit the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable shoring beam in which the ends can adjusted to different heights along one or more securement tracks on a vertical post. The adjustable shoring beam engages the securement tracks on the vertical posts and each end is independently adjustable in one degree of freedom. Modular deck tracks on the vertical posts, adjacent to the securement tracks, allow for the engagement of a modular deck with a vertical post. The modular deck and securement beam are able to be moved independently past each other on the vertical posts by a user or an autonomous machine.

Abstract: Endovascular stent steering systems are disclosed that can include a first steering cable having a first proximal end and a first distal end configured to attach to a wall within a central lumen of a stent. The system can include a diaphragm spring comprising pedals and an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the first steering cable when the diaphragm spring is closed. An enclosure houses the diaphragm spring and attaches to the wall distal to a first location of the first distal end. The system can further include a delivery cable comprising a delivery lumen and a third distal end configured to be received by the enclosure to engage the pedals and open the diaphragm spring. A second steering cable extends through the delivery lumen and comprises a second proximal end and a second distal end configured to engage the first steering cable via a connection mechanism.

Abstract: A method can include: receiving a gel electrolyte precursor solution comprising a polymeric precursor (such as monomers or oligomers), an initiator, and a plasticizer; adding the gel electrolyte precursor solution to a battery stack; wetting the battery stack with the gel electrolyte precursor solution; and curing the gel electrolyte precursor to form a covalently bonded gel electrolyte network interspersed throughout the battery stack.

Abstract: A mobile tower for transportation to and rapid deployment at remote sites where the mobile tower can be engaged with the ground, the mobile tower including an extendable and retractable tower secured to a mobile support structure including a frame having a plurality of rapidly deployable outriggers, wherein the tower includes three series of pivotally interconnected tower sections or segments, sections or segments of which engage with segments of each of the other series when the tower is assembled; the mobile tower including a plurality of guy wires secured between the extendable and retractable tower and the respective outriggers to stabilize the tower after the tower is assembled. The guy wires are preferably secured to the extendable and retractable tower at first and second connecting positions that are displaced from one another about an outer perimeter. Methods of deploying the mobile tower are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary drive apparatus includes a housing, within which is located a first rotor and second rotor. The first rotor is rotatable about a first axis and has a rotor element projecting radially therefrom. The second rotor is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and in a direction opposite to the first rotor. The second rotor includes a recess able to receive the rotor element. The first rotor and the second rotor and housing define a chamber around the first rotor through which the rotor element passes. The chamber has an inlet and an outlet through which a fluid can enter and exit the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling two or more vehicles travelling in formation. Selected vehicles may be fully or partially autonomously controlled; at least one vehicle is partially controlled by a human driver. Information is collected at each vehicle and from the drivers and it is shared with other vehicles and drivers to create a shared world model. Aspects of the shared world model may be presented to the human driver, who may then respond with a control input. Autonomy systems and the drivers on the vehicles then collaborate to make a collective decision to act or not to act and execute any such action in a coordinated manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of disposable assay test devices, particularly for use in point-of-care assays. The invention further relates to the use of such devices, including kits comprising such devices, to facilitate the accurate measurement of the levels of sepsis in the blood using electronic measurements.

Abstract: The ends of the adjustable shoring beam can be adjusted to different heights along one or more securement tracks on a vertical post. The adjustable shoring beam engages the securement tracks on the vertical posts and each end is independently adjustable in one degree of freedom. Modular deck tracks on the vertical posts, adjacent to the securement tracks, allow for the engagement of a modular deck with a vertical post. The modular deck and securement beam are able to be moved independently past each other on the vertical posts by a user or an autonomous machine.