Abstract: An intelligent energy system includes an energy-consuming appliance, a battery module coupled to the appliance, and a bidirectional converter coupled to the appliance and the battery module by a power bus. The battery module is configured to provide power to the appliance. The bidirectional converter converts between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) and interfaces with a power infrastructure external to the appliance. The system further includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the battery module, the bidirectional converter, and the appliance. The control unit is configured to determine a charge and discharge schedule for the battery module. The battery module coupled with the bidirectional converter provides uninterrupted power to the appliance, abstracts the power demands of the appliance from local power infrastructure, and allows for greater appliance peak power draw than would otherwise be practical or possible.

Abstract: A system for a movable structured light projector may include (1) a light projector assembly that receives a light control signal and projects structured light into a local area based on the light control signal, (2) an imaging device that receives a capture control signal and captures a reflection of the structured light from the local area based on the capture control signal, and (3) an actuator, coupled to the light projector assembly, that receives an actuator control signal and moves the light projector assembly relative to the imaging device based on the actuator control signal. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A carbon and/or ceramic fiber reinforced carbon and/or ceramic matrix composite threaded member including a core, a fiber containing thread-defining element bonded to the exterior of the core and a reinforcing fabric layer securing the thread-defining element to the core. The thread-defining element may be an integral part of a tubular braided reinforcing fabric or applied to the core prior to application of a reinforcing fabric layer. Externally and internally threaded members and methods for their manufacture are described.

Abstract: Benzenepolycarboxylic acid esters, preferably phthalate or isophthalate acid esters are used as plasticizers in carbon/pitch mixes used in the production of extruded carbon and graphite electrodes.