Abstract: A thermal storage and management system and a method of operating is provided. The system includes a storage tank, the storage tank having a first port and a second port. A transfer device is provided to transfer a material from an extraterrestrial surface to the storage tank. A heat storage medium is provided that includes the material disposed within the storage tank. A heat exchanger is provided having a third port fluidly coupled to the second port and a fourth port fluidly coupled to the first port.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for filling a horizontal gap of a semiconductor structure. For example, the method can include providing a workpiece that includes a stack of alternating first layers and second layers that are parallel with each other. At least one of the second layers can be recessed with respect to vertical sidewalls of two neighboring first layers that sandwich the second layer. A horizontal gap can be formed between the recessed second layer and the two neighboring first layers. The method can further include depositing a gap-filling material to cover the sidewalls of the first layers and fill the horizontal gap, etching back a portion of the gap-filling material that is deposited on the sidewalls of the first layers in an ion bombardment process, and forming a gap filler that includes a remaining portion of the gap-filling material that fills the horizontal gap.

Abstract: An in-situ and in-flight microbial sterilization system for eliminating microbial contamination. The system comprises a housing having at least two openings and a passageway, the passageway configured to receive an object, and at least one pneumatic dust removal system, at least one heater and at least one non-ionizing radiation emitting device, the at least one pneumatic dust removal system. The heater and non-ionizing radiation emitting device are configured to sterilize an object within the passageway.

Abstract: Deployable structures are described, in particular linearly-deployable structures, such as masts or booms. The masts may be stowed for transport and then deployed at their destination in space or on earth. A deployment system includes a storage reel storing a stowed elongate band. A drive mechanism biases and guides the band helically out of the storage reel to form an elongated mast. Adjacent edges of the deployed band may secure together using openings and corresponding protrusions, such as rivets. A welding system may use a rotating welder to weld adjacent edges of the band as it deploys. The band may be formed of multiple band segments attached together by connectors such as doublers. Protrusions such as rivets or other fasteners may attach the connectors to opposing sides of the band segments. A cylindrical space habitat or other macrostructure may be formed using multiple deployable masts that connect large rings.

Abstract: Deployable structures are described, in particular linearly-deployable structures, such as masts or booms. The masts may be stowed for transport and then deployed at their destination in space or on earth. A deployment system includes a storage reel storing a stowed elongate band. A drive mechanism biases and guides the band helically out of the storage reel to form an elongated mast. Adjacent edges of the deployed band may secure together using openings and corresponding protrusions, such as rivets. A welding system may use a rotating welder to weld adjacent edges of the band as it deploys. The band may be formed of multiple band segments attached together by connectors such as doublers. Protrusions such as rivets or other fasteners may attach the connectors to opposing sides of the band segments. A cylindrical space habitat or other macrostructure may be formed using multiple deployable masts that connect large rings.

Abstract: Deployable structures are described, in particular linearly-deployable structures, such as masts or booms. The masts may be stowed for transport and then deployed at their destination in space or on earth. A deployment system includes a storage reel storing a stowed elongate band. A drive mechanism biases and guides the band helically out of the storage reel to form an elongated mast. Adjacent edges of the deployed band may secure together using openings and corresponding protrusions, such as rivets. A welding system may use a rotating welder to weld adjacent edges of the band as it deploys. The band may be formed of multiple band segments attached together by connectors such as doublers. Protrusions such as rivets or other fasteners may attach the connectors to opposing sides of the band segments. A cylindrical space habitat or other macrostructure may be formed using multiple deployable masts that connect large rings.

Abstract: An application architecture comprises one or more audio interfaces placed within the premises of users. A cloud-based application engine receives audio information from the interfaces and provides information to cloud-based applications based on the audio within the user premises. The other applications utilize the information to provide or enhance services to the users.

Abstract: An application architecture comprises one or more audio interfaces placed within the premises of users. A cloud-based application engine receives audio information from the interfaces and provides information to cloud-based applications based on the audio within the user premises. The other applications utilize the information to provide or enhance services to the users.