Abstract: At least some embodiments of the technology are directed to an automated slide processing apparatus configured to apply at least one reagent to a specimen carried by a microscope slide. The slide processing station can include a support element with a support surface, at least one vacuum port, and a sealing member having a non-round shape. In an uncompressed state, the scaling member can extend upwardly beyond the support surface. In a compressed state, the scaling member can be configured to maintain an airtight seal with a backside of the microscope slide as the microscope slide is pulled against the support surface by a vacuum drawn via the at least one vacuum port.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a container, a thermal exchange device, a first thermal storage material, and a second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is disposed in the container. The first thermal storage material is disposed in the container and is spaced apart from the thermal exchange device. The second thermal storage material is also disposed in the container in contact with the thermal exchange device. The first and second thermal storage materials are immiscible. The second thermal storage material is less reactive with the construction material of the thermal exchange device as compared to the first thermal storage material. Optionally, a second thermal exchange device can be submerged in the second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is configured to supply heat to the second thermal storage material and the second thermal exchange device facilitates extraction of heat from the second thermal storage material.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a container, a thermal exchange device, a first thermal storage material, and a second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is disposed in the container. The first thermal storage material is disposed in the container and is spaced apart from the thermal exchange device. The second thermal storage material is also disposed in the container in contact with the thermal exchange device. The first and second thermal storage materials are immiscible. The second thermal storage material is less reactive with the construction material of the thermal exchange device as compared to the first thermal storage material. Optionally, a second thermal exchange device can be submerged in the second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is configured to supply heat to the second thermal storage material and the second thermal exchange device facilitates extraction of heat from the second thermal storage material.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a container, a thermal exchange device, a first thermal storage material, and a second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is disposed in the container. The first thermal storage material is disposed in the container and is spaced apart from the thermal exchange device. The second thermal storage material is also disposed in the container in contact with the thermal exchange device. The first and second thermal storage materials are immiscible. The second thermal storage material is less reactive with the construction material of the thermal exchange device as compared to the first thermal storage material. Optionally, a second thermal exchange device can be submerged in the second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is configured to supply heat to the second thermal storage material and the second thermal exchange device facilitates extraction of heat from the second thermal storage material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wallpaper, including: (a) a paper substrate including a paper layer and an ink decorative layer attached to an upper surface of the paper layer that faces away from the wall during use; (b) a fluorine-containing coating attached to a surface of the ink decorative layer; and (c) a supporting layer attached to a lower surface of the paper substrate, in which the supporting layer comprises 25 to 45 wt % of polyacrylate, 25 to 40 wt % of a styrene-acrylic acid copolymer and 10 to 50 wt % of inorganic particles based on the total weight of the supporting layer, wherein the inorganic particles are selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, kaolin clay, diatomite and talc powder, and a combination of two or more thereof.

Abstract: A method and a system for modeling a three-dimensional geological structure. A method may comprise selecting input data from well measurement systems, seismic surveys or other sources, inputting the input data into an information handling system, building a quotient space, projecting constraints to the quotient space, constructing depth functions on the quotient space, trimming against a fault network, and producing a three-dimensional model of horizons. A system may comprise a downhole tool. The downhole tool may comprise at least one receiver and at least one transmitter. The system may further comprise a conveyance and an information handling system. The information handling system may be configured to select an input data, build a quotient space, project constraints to the quotient space, construct depth functions on the quotient space, trim against a fault network, and produce a three-dimensional model of a geological structure.

Abstract: A candle holder comprises a housing for securing a candle; the housing including first thermochromic material formed on the housing and second thermochromic material formed on the thermochromic material. The first thermochromic material changes a perceivable state of the first thermochromic material when an ambient temperature of first thermochromic material is above a first pre-determined activation temperature, the perceivable state of the first thermochromic material being visually perceivable or non-visually perceivable. The second thermochromic material changes a perceivable state of the second thermochromic material when an ambient temperature of second thermochromic material is above a second pre-determined activation temperature, the perceivable state of the second thermochromic material being visually perceivable or non-visually perceivable. The perceivable state of the first thermochromic material is different from the perceivable state of the second thermochromic material.

Abstract: The present application concerns automated optimization, customization or production methods for the design of a solar photovoltaic array, involving one or more or all components in a photovoltaic array, in which the products include system designs, production drawings, permitting and construction drawings, layouts for the mechanical and electrical systems, bill of materials and financial return analyses of such a photovoltaic array.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wallpaper, including: (a) a paper substrate including a paper layer and an ink decorative layer attached to an upper surface of the paper layer that faces away from the wall during use; (b) a fluorine-containing coating attached to a surface of the ink decorative layer; and (c) a supporting layer attached to a lower surface of the paper substrate, in which the supporting layer comprises 25 to 45 wt % of polyacrylate, 25 to 40 wt % of a styrene-acrylic acid copolymer and 10 to 50 wt % of inorganic particles based on the total weight of the supporting layer, wherein the inorganic particles are selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, kaolin clay, diatomite and talc powder, and a combination of two or more thereof.

Abstract: A candle holder comprises a housing for securing a candle; the housing including first thermochromic material formed on the housing and second thermochromic material formed on the thermochromic material. The first thermochromic material changes a perceivable state of the first thermochromic material when an ambient temperature of first thermochromic material is above a first pre-determined activation temperature, the perceivable state of the first thermochromic material being visually perceivable or non-visually perceivable. The second thermochromic material changes a perceivable state of the second thermochromic material when an ambient temperature of second thermochromic material is above a second pre-determined activation temperature, the perceivable state of the second thermochromic material being visually perceivable or non-visually perceivable. The perceivable state of the first thermochromic material is different from the perceivable state of the second thermochromic material.

Abstract: Musical instruments have been covered in ornamentation since the beginning of time. Often, the designs shown on an instrument are an integral part of the performance. However, playing the instrument creates wear. Some wear on the instrument may he desirable, to authenticate that the instrument was used during a performance. However, wear on the back of the instrument may interfere with the functionality of the instrument. For example, wear on the front of a guitar from picking shows authenticity, but scratches on the hack of the guitar may interfere with the resonance chamber. This problem of balancing wear and preservation is a difficult balance to strike. What is needed is a protective attachment that preserves the functionality of the instrument, but allows it to age and demonstrate authenticity.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering a musical instrument such as a guitar. The system comprises a back section and a front section with each of the back and front sections being affixed along a lateral edge to a side section. The cover is formed with an interior area into which the musical instrument is inserted. The musical instrument is protected from damage in the event the instrument is mishandled, dropped or knocked into another object. Cut-outs in the sections provide access to the components of the instrument for a musician to access such components while playing the instrument with the cover system in place.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a liquid fluoropolymer coating composition includes a first fluoropolymer selected from homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl fluoride and homopolymers and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride, a second fluoropolymer including a highly fluorinated fluoropolymer having a fluorine content of at least 60 weight percent, a compatible cross-linkable adhesive polymer, a cross-linking agent and solvent. In a second aspect, a fluoropolymer coated film includes a polymeric substrate film and a fluoropolymer coating on the polymeric substrate film.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and computer-readable media for real-time winding analysis for knot detection are disclosed. For example, one embodiment of the present invention includes a method having the steps of receiving a first wrapping signal indicating a first wrapping of the simulated thread around a second tool to create a first loop. The method further includes determining a first wrapping direction based at least in part on the first wrapping signal; receiving a first tightening signal indicating a pulling of a first end of the simulated thread through the first loop; determining a first half-hitch based at least in part on the first winding direction and the first tightening signal; and outputting the first half-hitch. In another embodiment, a computer-readable media includes code for a carrying out such a method.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a film includes a fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer includes a blend of polyvinyl fluoride and a fluoroadditive. The fluoroadditive includes a fluoropolymer having pendant trifluoromethyl groups. In a second aspect, a fluoropolymer coated film includes a polymeric substrate film and a fluoropolymer coating on the polymeric substrate film. The fluoropolymer coating includes a blend of polyvinyl fluoride and a fluoroadditive. The fluoroadditive includes a fluoropolymer having pendant trifluoromethyl groups. In a third aspect, a highly cleanable article includes a fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer includes a blend of polyvinyl fluoride and a fluoroadditive. The fluoroadditive includes a fluoropolymer having pendant trifluoromethyl groups.

Abstract: The present application concerns automated optimization, customization or production methods for the design of a solar photovoltaic array, involving one or more or all components in a photovoltaic array, in which the products include system designs, production drawings, permitting and construction drawings, layouts for the mechanical and electrical systems, bill of materials and financial return analyses of such a photovoltaic array.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a liquid fluoropolymer coating composition includes a first fluoropolymer selected from homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl fluoride and homopolymers and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride, a second fluoropolymer including a highly fluorinated fluoropolymer having a fluorine content of at least 60 weight percent, a compatible cross-linkable adhesive polymer, a cross-linking agent and solvent. In a second aspect, a fluoropolymer coated film includes a polymeric substrate film and a fluoropolymer coating on the polymeric substrate film.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a transparent fluoropolymer coated film includes a polymeric substrate film and a fluoropolymer coating on the polymeric substrate film. The fluoropolymer coating includes fluoropolymer selected from homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl fluoride and homopolymers and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride blended with a compatible adhesive polymer and a light stabilizer. The transparent fluoropolymer coated film has a transmission of at least 75 percent in the visible range. In a second aspect, a building structure comprising a transparent fluoropolymer coated film. In a third aspect, a liquid fluoropolymer coating composition includes a fluoropolymer selected from homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl fluoride and homopolymers and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride, a light stabilizer including a combination of a UV absorber and a hindered amine light stabilizer, solvent, a compatible cross-linkable adhesive polymer and a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A network for providing mobile personnel safety status includes a safety pendant including hardware configured to provide pendant communication modes for transmitting a status message. A most costly pendant communication mode is selected when no other communication mode is available and a least costly pendant communication mode is selected whenever it is available. A messaging proxy device has hardware configured to provide one or more proxy communication modes for transmitting the status message. If the messaging proxy device provides more than one proxy communication mode, the messaging proxy device includes an algorithm for prioritizing the proxy communication modes according to availability and cost of transmission with selection of the most costly proxy communication mode when no other proxy communication mode is available and selection of the least costly proxy communication mode whenever it is available.

Abstract: A pigment dispersion includes a pigment, a dispersing agent, a viscosity reducing compound and solvent. The dispersing agent includes a block acrylic compound or a graft acrylic compound.